Bookcases and Laminate Floors

Q: I am doing a 16×16 foot room with laminate. I will be putting floor-to-ceiling bookcases on 3 of the 4 walls, and an entertainment center on the 4th wall.
Should I do the floor first, then put the bookcases on top of the
flooring?
Or should I put in the bookcases first and then install the floor
up to them?
My understanding is that the floor needs to float, to allow for expansion and contraction. With the weight of bookcases on the floor I am concerned with the middle of the floor having problems. Please advise.
Tom D.
A: Any time you are installing any floating floor, such as the laminate in this case, its it important to keep in mind that very heavy or large pieces of furniture, such as floor to ceiling book cases, cabinets, or entertainment centers built into the floors or walls, should not go on top of the flooring.
The short answer to this is, build your book cases first, then install your floor once your ready. The reason behind this is that the bookcases (or similarly heavy furniture) can cause the floor to have too much weight rest on one edge, and thusly will tilt or lift the floor. I have seen an issue where this occurred after installing a floating bamboo floor from Springwood in a remodeled kitchen. The cabinets were installed over the top of the floor, causing the floor to lift.
Good luck with your project!