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Full Kitchen Renovation in Gloucester with Underfloor Heating and a Benchmarx Kitchen

6 days ago
5 min read

A full kitchen renovation works best when every layer is planned, not just the units and worktops. In this Gloucester project, the old tired kitchen and tiled flooring were completely stripped out, giving the room a clean starting point for new underfloor heating, flooring, plastering, electrics, appliances, tiling and the kitchen.


The result is a fresh, practical kitchen built around a new Benchmarx design, with 22mm laminate worktops, a tiled hob splashback and a full set of integrated appliances. It is the kind of renovation that changes how the room feels day to day, not just how it looks in photos.


Wide-angle view of a newly renovated Benchmarx kitchen with laminate worktops and LVT flooring
A finished kitchen feels cleaner, warmer and easier to use when every detail is handled together.

The renovation started with a complete rip out


Before any new materials could go in, the existing kitchen had to come out. That meant removing the old units, worktops, appliances and tiled floor. A full rip out is often the messiest stage, but it is also one of the most important.


Old kitchens can hide uneven walls, tired flooring, damaged plaster, outdated wiring routes and awkward plumbing positions. Taking the room back properly allows each next stage to be done on a sound base.


For this Gloucester kitchen, the old tiled flooring was removed as part of the preparation. That made it possible to install the new underfloor electric heating and LVT click flooring correctly, without trying to build over unsuitable layers.


A complete strip out also helped with the layout. Once the room was open, the new Benchmarx kitchen could be fitted cleanly around the services, appliance positions and finished floor height.


Underfloor electric heating added comfort from the ground up


Kitchen floors can feel cold, especially with hard finishes. Underfloor electric heating is a good match for a modern renovation because it sits beneath the finished floor and gives comfortable warmth without taking up wall space.


In this project, electric underfloor heating was installed before the new LVT click flooring went down. That order matters. The subfloor needs to be prepared, the heating system positioned correctly and the floor finish laid with care so the final surface feels solid and even.


LVT click flooring was a practical choice for the kitchen. It gives the look of a smart finished floor while being well suited to everyday family use. It also works well in a room where appliances, foot traffic and regular cleaning are part of the routine.


The combination of underfloor heating and LVT flooring gives the kitchen a warmer, more comfortable feel, especially in the colder months.


Close-up view of electric underfloor heating being prepared beneath kitchen flooring
The heating layer must be fitted before the final Latex screed and LVT click floor can be laid.

Fresh plaster gave the room a clean finish


Once the old kitchen was removed and the essential preparation work was complete, the ceilings and walls were plastered. This stage can make a huge difference to the final appearance.


New kitchen units and worktops show up uneven walls quickly. Fresh plaster gives the room a smoother, cleaner surface for decorating and helps the finished kitchen feel properly renewed rather than simply updated.


Plastering also helps around areas that have been disturbed during the rip out. Old tile lines, fixing holes and damaged patches can all be dealt with before the new kitchen is fitted.


For a full refurbishment, this is often the difference between a kitchen that looks “newly installed” and one that looks fully renovated.


The Benchmarx kitchen brought the design together


The main feature of the finished room is the new Benchmarx kitchen. The units were fitted with 22mm laminate worktops, giving the space a smart and durable working surface for cooking, washing up and everyday use.


Benchmarx kitchens are a popular option for renovation projects because they offer a wide choice of layouts and finishes. In this kitchen, the design was built around practical modern living, with storage, worktop space and integrated appliances all planned into the fit.


The Kitchen fitting stage included careful installation of the base units, wall units, panels, worktops and appliance housings. Good fitting is what makes the difference between a kitchen that simply looks good at first glance and one that works well over time.


Small details matter, including:


  • Level base units so worktops sit correctly

  • Neat end panels and plinths

  • Accurate appliance spaces

  • Clean worktop joints and cut-outs

  • Consistent door alignment

  • Finishing around walls, flooring and tiles


When these details are done well, the whole room feels sharper and more reliable.


Eye-level view of a Benchmarx kitchen being fitted with laminate worktops and appliance spaces
Accurate fitting helps the new kitchen look neat and work properly every day.

Integrated appliances kept the layout neat


This kitchen included an integrated fridge freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer and dishwasher. Integrated appliances help keep the room looking tidy because the main appliance fronts sit within the kitchen design rather than standing out as separate items.


They also need careful planning. Each appliance requires the right space, access, ventilation where needed and service connections. Door alignment is just as important, especially on integrated machines where the furniture front needs to open and close cleanly.


The layout also included a tiled splashback behind the new hob. This was both a practical and visual choice. Hob areas deal with heat, steam and cooking splashes, so tiles provide a wipeable surface while adding a finished feature to the wall.


The 22mm laminate worktops completed the working areas, giving the kitchen a clean, consistent surface that ties the units and appliances together.


Why this kind of full renovation works so well


A kitchen renovation is smoother when the work is treated as one connected project. Flooring affects unit height. Plastering affects the finish around cabinets. Heating needs to be fitted before the floor. Appliances need to be planned before the units are installed.


This Gloucester project worked because each stage followed a sensible order:


  1. Remove the old kitchen and tiled floor

  2. Prepare the room for new finishes

  3. Install underfloor electric heating

  4. Lay the new LVT click flooring

  5. Plaster ceilings and walls

  6. Fit the Benchmarx kitchen

  7. Install worktops, appliances and splashback tiling

  8. Complete final finishing and checks


That sequence helps avoid damage to new materials and makes it easier to achieve a clean final result.



FAQ


How long does a full kitchen renovation usually take?


Timescales vary depending on the room, the amount of preparation and the services involved. A full renovation with rip out, flooring, plastering, heating, kitchen installation and tiling usually needs careful scheduling across multiple trades.


Is LVT flooring suitable for kitchens?


Yes, LVT flooring is commonly used in kitchens because it is practical, easy to clean and comfortable underfoot. It also pairs well with many modern kitchen styles.


Can underfloor electric heating be fitted under LVT?


It can be, as long as the heating system, subfloor preparation and flooring product are compatible. The manufacturer’s guidance should always be followed.


Why choose integrated appliances?


Integrated appliances create a neater look because they sit within the kitchen cabinetry. They are especially useful when the goal is a clean, fitted finish.


Do walls need plastering before a new kitchen is fitted?


Not always, but fresh plaster can make a big difference when walls are uneven, damaged or marked from the old kitchen. It gives the new installation a cleaner backdrop.


Close-up view of a tiled splashback behind a new hob in a finished kitchen
The tiled hob area adds a practical, easy-clean finish to the new kitchen.

A full kitchen renovation is about more than replacing cupboards. This Gloucester project shows how much difference comes from doing the foundations properly, from the rip out and plastering through to underfloor heating, LVT flooring, Benchmarx units, worktops, appliances and tiling. When each layer is planned in the right order, the finished kitchen feels warmer, cleaner and ready for everyday use.



 
 
 

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NVQ Level 2 Carpentry
City & Guilds Electrician

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