I'm assuming the 1/2" subfloor in the kitchen is in good shape. The beauty of laminate is that you can go right over the linoleum.

Remove the baseboards, cut out any bad linoleum and float the bad spots with thin set or floor patch. Lay the laminate flooring over the top of the linoleum and reinstall the baseboards with an 1/8" gap between the laminate flooring and baseboards. I would seal the gap between the baseboard and laminate flooring around the kitchen with clear caulking in case something leaks. Water is not the laminate flooring's friend.

If the linoleum is in good shape you are ready to go. It will be good waterproofing for the old subfloor!



Captain