For floating flooring systems, it is standard practice to install the vanity before the flooring. Since vanity units are heavy, fixed objects, installing them on top of a floating floor can pin the material, preventing the essential thermal expansion and contraction that the locking joints require. By installing the vanity directly on the subfloor, you ensure it is stable and level, and you can then install your flooring around it with the necessary expansion gap, which can be covered with a small shoe molding or decorative trim. Conversely, if you are using a glue-down flooring product, you may have more flexibility to install the vanity after the flooring is placed, provided the adhesive is strong enough and the manufacturer approves the installation method. However, for the vast majority of luxury vinyl planks that feature a click-lock system, the 'vanity-first' approach is the safest and most reliable method to avoid long-term structural issues. This also makes the vanity easier to remove or replace in the future without having to rip up the surrounding flooring.
Key considerations
- LVP under bathroom vanity
- install vanity before flooring
- floating floor around cabinets
- flooring under vanity
- bathroom LVP
- floating floor