Can You Put Laminate Over a Metal Filing Cabinet?
Installing laminate flooring over a metal filing cabinet can seem like a good idea to create a seamless flooring surface. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind before taking this approach.
Overview of Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring consists of synthetic flooring layers fused together to create a durable surface that mimics wood or stone. The top layer is a clear melamine resin that resists stains and scratches. Underneath is a decorative image layer and several layers of fiberboard.
Some key benefits of laminate flooring include:
- Durable and scratch-resistant surface
- Easy “floating” installation
- Affordable compared to natural materials
- Wide variety of realistic wood and stone looks
- Easy maintenance
However, laminate does have some disadvantages:
- Not suitable for wet areas
- Can be damaged by excessive heat or moisture
- Prone to damage from heavy impacts
- Hollow sound when walked on
Challenges of Installing Over Metal Surfaces
The metal surface of a filing cabinet can create several issues for laminate flooring:
Unevenness
- Metal filing cabinets are not perfectly flat like a wood subfloor. The seams and ridges could telegraph through the laminate over time, creating an uneven floor.
Noisy Hollow Sound
- Laminate already amplifies noise when walked on due to the hollow space under the planks. Installing over metal exaggerates this effect even more.
Heat Transfer
- Metal conducts and transfers heat much more than wood. This could lead to the laminate becoming too hot or cold over the filing cabinet.
Lack of Adhesion
- Laminate planks join together but do not adhere to the subfloor. The slick metal surface provides no grip, increasing the chance of planks shifting.
Potential Damage
- If heavy objects are dropped on the laminate above the filing cabinet, it is more prone to crack or break due to the hard metal underneath.
Difficult Installation
- Getting laminate planks to properly line up and join above an irregular metal surface is challenging. Gaps and uneven seams are likely.
Better Alternatives to Laminate Over Metal
Instead of laminate, there are some better flooring options for covering a metal filing cabinet:
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
- Waterproof, durable, and installs just like laminate
- Softer and more flexible so conforms to uneven metal better
- Attaches together and to subfloor for stability
Linoleum Sheet Flooring
- Naturally moisture-resistant
- Lies flat and bonds tightly to metal
- Seamless surface without joints
- Naturally sound-dampening
Floor Tile
- Durable surface material like porcelain is ideal
- Can easily cut pieces to fit around cabinet
- Grout fills any small gaps or uneven spots
Floor Leveling Compound
- Apply over cabinet to create flat, smooth surface
- Once dry, any flooring can be installed over leveled area
Conclusion
Installing laminate flooring over a metal filing cabinet is not the best option. The smooth metal surface and seams on the cabinet are likely to cause installation problems and damage the laminate over time. Other flooring materials like LVP, linoleum, tile, or leveling compound are better suited for covering metal surfaces and providing a flush, seamless flooring installation. Considering alternative materials can help avoid issues down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put laminate flooring directly over metal?
No, laminate flooring should not be installed directly on top of metal surfaces. The slick surface prevents the planks from adhering properly, and the seams and ridges will likely telegraph through. An underlayment or subfloor should be added first before installing laminate over metal.
What kind of flooring can you put over a metal filing cabinet?
Luxury vinyl plank, linoleum, tile, and floor leveling compounds are good options for flooring over a metal filing cabinet. The materials are flexible, durable, and can conform to the uneven metal surface well. Laminate is not recommended.
What can you put under laminate flooring on metal?
An underlayment like cork, felt, or foam can be placed between the laminate planks and metal surface. This helps smooth out the seams, provides adhesion, and absorbs noise. A thin plywood layer is also a good insulator on metal.
Can you install Pergo flooring over metal?
Pergo is a popular laminate flooring brand. In general, laminate should not be installed directly over metal. But some Pergo products are specially designed with attached foam underlayment, which helps insulate and conform over uneven metal more effectively. Always check manufacturer guidelines.
How do you prepare a metal surface for laminate flooring?
Sanding, filling seams with epoxy, and priming creates a smooth surface. Also laying plywood, underlayment boards, or plastic film over the metal provides an insulating layer for laminate planks to install over. Proper preparation prevents telegraphing.
Summary
- Laminate flooring over a metal filing cabinet is not ideal due to unevenness, noise, heat transfer issues, and lack of grip
- Better options are LVP, linoleum, tile, or using leveling compounds on the metal surface first
- With proper underlayment and preparation, some laminate products can work over metal
- Always check manufacturer instructions for recommendations on installing over metal
- Alternative flooring materials are better suited for an even, durable surface on metal
