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You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Kitchen Design/Remodeling > vinyl tile flooring and freestanding gas range
Expert: William Spaan - 10/27/2009
Question
Last week I completed installing a new vinyl tile floor in my kitchen (self adhesive tiles). The next day I had a new GE Profile gas range (freestanding with convection and self-clean features). This item was professionally delivered and installed. After the installers left I opened up the product brochure for owners and found a warning in bold print that the range not be installed over vinyl or laminate flooring. I have yet to get a clear and decisive answer and so have not yet used my oven. Is this a fire hazard of any sort? Armstrong says the flooring will discolor over time, but that it will not warp or peel. GE line today said engineers give specific instructions for each model and so I have to call back with model number tomorrow. In addition, I decided to clean up the sides of my cabinets before sliding in stove and primed/painted the sides of the cabinets with Behr semi-gloss paint. How much of a disaster is all of this and what needs to be done to fix things? The cabinet opening is fairly tight, leaving about 1/4 inch between side of range and cabinet wall on each side. Paint has flammability rating of 1. Flooring is on cement slab. Thanks for your help.
Answer
Pat,
All appliances available on the general market have been tested and rated by consumer agencies. I have installed many freestanding (push-in ranges) and they are designed to be flush with side cabinets. You want to make sure the stovetop portion is higher than the countertop (in some models) but I would guess the "warning" you read was more to cover the manufacturer from liability. Vinyl tile floors and laminate floors may be vulnerable to discoloration and warping but most kitchen fires are started by the cook (grease), faulty wiring, or your coffee maker. I have never heard of a fire starting due to the range catching the floor on fire. I am not an engineer or a fire expert, but with thirty years of kitchen installs,
I can say I have never had to address your concern. I hope the GE engineer will address it. Good Luck.
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