Frequently Asked Questions about Laminate Floors
- What are laminate flooring and what is the process of their making?
- What is the difference between laminate flooring and hardwood flooring?
- How do laminate floor panels lock to each other?
- Where is it suitable for me to install laminate flooring?
- What are the advantages of laminate flooring over those of solid hardwood flooring?
- What do I need to know before installing my laminate floor?
- What do I have to take care of before the installation?
- Do I have to keep staggering the planks in my laminate flooring installation?
- How do I determine the direction in which to install my laminate flooring?
- Will there be any cutting waste?
- What is the reason for the necessary 10mm gap left around the perimeter of the interior and around other obstacles within it?
- If I didn’t get my first row straight, can I continue?
- How do I pick the right moldings?
- How should I install moldings?
- What is a floating floor?
- What is HDF and what is it made of?
- How is the paper applied to the HDF core?
- Why is a moisture barrier used on concrete?
- How can I get the shine of my floor to increase?
- Can laminate flooring be installed on steps?
- Can laminate flooring be installed in my screened in porch or patio?
- Can we install laminate over carpet?
- How often do the wood grain patterns repeat on your flooring?
- How do I clean my laminate flooring?
- How do I care for and maintain my laminate floors?
- How do I repair minor scratches?
- What is the difference between a brown core and a green core in laminate flooring?
- How do I replace one plank of my flooring due to damage?
- What is a laminate flooring AC rating?
What are laminate flooring and what is the process of their making?
Laminate flooring is a versatile, durable, attractive flooring product. It can take on different appearances (stone, tile, hardwood). Laminates are made of different layers of material fused together under high pressure. No solid wood is being used in the construction of a laminate floor.
Most laminate flooring consists of a moisture resistant layer under a layer of HDF (high density fiberboard) or MDF (medium density fiberboard). This is topped
with a high-resolution photographic image of a natural wood floor. Furthermore, it will be finished with an extremely hard, clear coating made from special resin-coated cellulose. Its purpose is to protect the laminate floors from wear and tear. This flooring is very durable, environment-friendly as it uses less wood in its construction and makes more efficient use of the wood fiber that is used.
What is the difference between laminate flooring and hardwood flooring?
Both are used to finish homes or provide flooring for offices and businesses. Even though some people prefer hardwood, there are a lot of advantages to picking laminate. Solid hardwood (usually 3/4″ thick) must be installed only above grade to avoid warping and cupping while laminates are more versatile. This can give the look of wood above or below grade and unlike hardwood it can be installed over other flooring surfaces. This means, that you can install laminate over old kitchen linoleum or tile.
How do laminate floor panels lock to each other?
There are a lot of joining systems used to connect laminate flooring panels together. While some laminate floor connections snap together by hand, others require a light tap with a mallet and a tapping block. Furthermore there are laminate floors which use a combination of a “snap” click edge and a “bang” or “tap” click at the end of the panels. It is important to read your laminate flooring installation instructions before starting the process. Also remember to familiarize yourself with how your flooring locks together before starting the installation.
Where is it suitable for me to install laminate flooring?
An extremely versatile flooring product is laminate flooring. The great news is that it can be installed in any room of your home, above or below ground, over wood or concrete. Remember that there are a few locations that are not recommended, for example: wet locations such as bathrooms, washrooms, saunas, enclosed porches or verandas, or anywhere that may require wet-mopping. Extended exposure to moisture may cause the swelling of the core of your laminate. Using special installation procedures, it may be possible to install laminate floors in bathrooms if water will not stand on the floor. Laminate flooring can successfully be installed in living and dining rooms, kitchens, hallways, foyers, bedrooms, basements, stairs, offices, retail spaces and many other locations.
What are the advantages of laminate flooring over those of solid hardwood flooring?
The price is the most significant difference. Laminate flooring is communally found at half the cost of traditional hardwood flooring. Lately, laminates look more and more like real wood. Furthermore, laminate is easier to install than solid hardwood and many people to do it on their own. Solid hardwood requires a specific level of experience. Also, the installation of laminate flooring happens fast. Your finished floor will be scratch- and fade-resistant.
What do I need to know before installing my laminate floor?
Check out this list before beginning your installation:
- Make sure that your subfloor is flat, dry, and smooth.
- Use underlayment under your laminate floor for soundproofing. Some laminates have underlayment built into the bottom layer.
- Laminate flooring and underlayment/vapor barrier can be installed over concrete, wood flooring, vinyl tile, linoleum, tile, or virtually any other hard, flat surface.
- Ensure that you read both the laminate flooring and radiant heat system instruction before installing laminate flooring over radiant heating.
- Allow your laminate flooring to acclimatize to the room where it will be installed for as long as possible (at least 48 hours) by opening the boxes and letting the laminate stay, uninstalled, in the room.
- Inspect each laminate flooring panel carefully for defects or damage before installing it.
What do I have to take care of before the installation?
Remember to acclimate your laminate boards for 48 hours in the room where they will be installed. You need to open the boxes and let the laminate boards adjust to their surroundings. Installation should take place at room temperature of at least 65°F (15°C). A floor surface temperature of 59°F and an overall room temperature of 64°F must be ensured before, during and three days after the installation.
Do I have to keep staggering the planks in my laminate flooring installation?
The first row should be started with a full plank, while the second row with a 2/3 plank and the third row with a 1/3 plank. 8″ or greater should be the distance between joints from one row to the next.
How do I determine the direction in which to install my laminate flooring?
Consider incoming light in order to decide where to begin the layout of your floor. It is usually recommended to install laminate flooring with the planks running parallel to light coming in windows or glass doors. Remember that the starting wall should be as long and straight as possible.
Will there be any cutting waste?
Approximately 7% to 10% of the total area to be covered will be wasted for several reasons (typically cuts, planks damaged during installation, or errors).
What is the reason for the necessary 10mm gap left around the perimeter of the interior and around other obstacles within it?
Laminate core is derived from wood and it can expand due to the temperatures and humidity levels from the room. An expansion gap is a necessary part of any successful installation because it allows space for the expansion of the floor. the Buckling of the individual laminate flooring planks can happen if you’re leaving out the essential element of an outside gap.
If I didn’t get my first row straight, can I continue?
No, you can not continue. Getting the first row absolutely straight is the foundation. If your first rows are not properly aligned, or the joints are not tightly sealed, the entire installation will be compromised. All planks must be parallel to each other. Remember to make sure all grooves are clean before installation.
How do I pick the right moldings?
Here is a brief guide to moldings and their best uses:
| Molding | Usage | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Base shoe molding | Covering the expansion space left at walls and other verical surface. |  |
| End molding | Used at exterior dorway in order to finish the space where the laminate flooring ends. |  |
| Reducer molding | Joining laminate flooring to other flooring materials of varying height. |  |
| T molding | Used in doorways or thresholds to join two areas of floor on the same height level. |  |
| Stair Nose molding | Used in finishing the exposed outer edges of stain and landings. |  |
| Quarter round molding | Used in the same way as a base shoe molding, behind cabinets where a low profile molding is better suited to support an object flush against the wall. |  |
How should I install moldings?
You can glue or nail moldings to the wall only. Never to the floor.
What is a floating floor?
This is a floor built with all its parts attached to each other. None of these component parts are fixed to the supporting floor. Virtually all laminate floors install as floating floors.
What is HDF and what is it made of?
High density fiberboard, is a high-density, moisture-resistant fiber panel, made of wood residues (sawdust, shavings and wood chips) from wood processing factories. This ligneous material is ground into a pulp to which a melamine-urea-formaldehyde resin is added.
How is the paper applied to the HDF core?
The melamine impregnated paper is thermo-fused to the core and finally topped with a wear layer of aluminum-oxide.
Why is a moisture barrier used on concrete?
A vast amount of water can be stored below ground on concrete floors. Remember that it is crucial to avoid all direct contact between the laminate flooring and the concrete floor since the soil beneath the concrete can transmit humidity into the floor. Installing a moisture barrier over all concrete surfaces is mandatory.
How can I get the shine of my floor to increase?
You must never wax or polish a laminate floor, the shine can not be modified as it is a manufactured characteristic.
Can laminate flooring be installed on steps?
Laminate flooring can be installed on steps but the planks should be glued down with regular wood glue. The moldings and transitions need to be nailed down and you must ensure this meets the code of your local building.
Can laminate flooring be installed in my screened in porch or patio?
No. Laminate flooring MUST be installed in a climate-controlled area.
Can we install laminate over carpet?
No. All carpet and padding should be removed before the installation.
How often do the wood grain patterns repeat on your flooring?
The patterns repeat every 20 planks.
How do I clean my laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is stunning, low maintenance and long-lasting flooring. There are several simple steps that you can take to keep your laminate flooring clean. You simply have to dust mop or vacuum with a soft brush or wood floor accessory.
- A damp cloth or mop can be used without damage to the laminate flooring panels, but do not use excessive water.
- You must immediately clean blot up spills or water from wet feet or footwear. Do not allow excess liquid to remain on the surface.
- Do not use soap-based detergents, abrasive cleaners, or combined “clean and shine” products.
- Do not use steel wool or other scouring pads that may scratch the surface.
- Do not wax or polish your laminate flooring.
- Do not steam clean or use chemicals that may damage the laminate flooring surface.
Use acetone or nail polish remover on stubborn substances such as tar, asphalt, paint, or oil. After, wipe clean with a damp cloth.
How do I care for and maintain my laminate floors?
Even tough laminate floors are highly resistant to stains and abrasions, they are not indestructible. We recommend the following practices as part of your floor’s normal care:
- Place a doormat outside the exterior entrances to collect excess moisture, sand, grit and other potentially damaging substances.
- Use only colorfast and non-scratch carpeting or pads on your laminate surface.
- Avoid sharp or pointed objects.
- Use protective felt pads under furniture legs or wide castors under appliance levelers.
- Do not slide furniture or appliances across your laminate floor.
- Rearrange furniture occasionally for increased indentation resistance.
- Do not treat or seal your laminate floor panels after they are installed.
- Never sand, lacquer, or refinish your laminate flooring surfaces.
How do I repair minor scratches?
Floor repair paste can be used for minor scratches. This can be purchased in most retail flooring stores.
What is the difference between a brown core and a green core in laminate flooring?
The cores are the same but the green product resulted of a coloring agent added to the adhesive in the manufacturing of the High Density Fiberboard (HDF).
How do I replace one plank of my flooring due to damage?
You simply need to disassemble the floor to the position of the plank to be replaced. After, reinstall the plank(s). There is a more complicated procedure if you need to replace a single hard-to-get-to plank but we recommend you to call the company you bought the flooring from and ask for instructions
What is a laminate flooring AC rating?
AC hardness ratings are a standardized measure adopted by The Association of European Producers of Laminate Flooring (ELPF). This measures the rates of abrasion resistance, impact resistance, resistance to staining and cigarette burns, and thickness swelling along edges. AC ratings 4 and 5 are equally suitable for residential use as AC3 but somewhat more suitable for high traffic commercial applications. AC ratings below 3 are recommended for low traffic residential use only.
Here is a guide:
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