Q. What are the advantages of laminate flooring over solid hardwood flooring?

A. One main advantage is that of price; laminate flooring is typically half the cost of traditional hardwood flooring. Sometimes the savings are even greater, depending on the types of flooring in question. Additionally, laminate flooring is designed to be easy to install and is generally a good choice for most do-it-yourselfers, where solid hardwood requires a specific level of expertise. Installing laminate doesn’t involve nails, and more recently has done away with glue as well in many cases. Laminate flooring can therefore be installed fairly quickly and inexpensively. Laminate flooring is generally designed to be scratch-resistant and fade resistant, two areas where solid hardwood flooring is known to be more vulnerable.

Q. What is the wear rating for your product?

A. All laminate flooring products from Laminate Flooring Ireland have an AC3 or AC4 rating. AC3 suitable for all residential applications and AC4 for heavy residential and commercial applications such as hotel rooms and offices.

Q. How do I care for my laminate floors?

A. While laminate floors are highly resistant to stains and abrasions, they are not indestructible. In order to maximize the durability and beauty of your laminate flooring, we recommend the following practices as part of your floor’s normal care and maintenance.

• Place a doormat outside the exterior entrances to collect excess moisture, sand, grit and other potentially damaging substances from being tracked onto your laminate floor.
• Use only colorfast and non-scratch carpeting or pads on your laminate surface.
• Avoid sharp or pointed objects with concentrated weight such as high heels on your laminate flooring.
• Use protective felt pads under furniture legs or wide castors under appliance levelers.
• Do not slide furniture or appliances across your laminate floor. If using a wheeled dolly to move furniture or appliances, place a clean sheet of smooth plywood or other protective layer over your laminate surface.
• 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.

Q. How do I clean laminate flooring?

A. Laminate flooring is a beautiful, low maintenance, long-lasting flooring. There are several simple steps that you can take to keep your laminate flooring clean and to ensure that you get many years of service from it. Simply dust mop or vacuum with a soft brush or wood floor accessory to keep your laminate floor clean from dust, dirt or grit.

A damp cloth or mop can be used without damage to the laminate flooring panels, but do not use excessive water. Dry the floor thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth.

Blot up spills or water from wet feet or footwear immediately with a clean, dry cloth, sponge, or paper towel. Do not allow excess liquid to remain on the surface of your laminate floor.

• Do not use soap-based detergents, abrasive cleaners, or combined “clean and shine” products on your laminate floor.
• Do not use steel wool or other scouring pads that may scratch laminate panels.
• Do not wax or polish your laminate flooring.
• Do not steam clean or use chemicals that may damage the laminate flooring surface.

For stubborn spots or stains on laminate flooring use acetone or nail polish remover on stubborn substances such as tar, asphalt, paint, or oil. Then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Q. How do laminate floor panels click together?

A. Installation is straightforward, fast and simple thanks to our installation systems. Please observe the installation instructions for the respective product in regards to the exact installation approach.

The patented JUST clic! installation system by EGGER stands for straightforward installation without the use of tools, and results in outstanding surface stability. The floorboards can be installed row by row.

The new UNI fit! installation system simplifies installation and makes the joints in the flooring even more sturdy. And, if you need to move, you can quickly and easily dismantle without damaging the profile. The UNI fit! technology is based on a Unilin profile.

Q. Where can I install BORU laminate wood flooring?

A. Laminate flooring is an extremely versatile flooring product. It can be installed in virtually any room of your home, above or below ground, over wood or concrete. There are several locations that are not recommended for laminate flooring. Because laminate flooring is a wood flooring product it is not recommended that laminates be installed in wet locations such as bathrooms, washrooms, saunas, enclosed porches or verandas, or anywhere that may require wet-mopping. Extended exposure to moisture of this type may cause the core of your laminate flooring to warp or swell. In some instances, with special installation procedures, it is possible to install laminate floors in bathrooms where water will not stand on the floor for any length of time. For bathroom installations, it is recommended you apply a light bead of glue to the tongue on the planks to be used in the areas subject to spills. Also, ensure that all spills are mopped up and dried promptly.

Q. What do I need to know before I start installing my laminate floor?

A. There are several things to consider before you begin to install a laminate floor. Careful preparation before beginning will make installing your laminate floor a quick and easy process.

• Ensure that your subfloor is flat, dry, and smooth.
• Always use underlayment under your laminate floor for soundproofing.
• Laminate flooring and underlayment/vapor barrier can be installed over concrete, wood flooring, vinyl tile, linoleum, tile, or virtually any other hard, flat surface.
• Take extra care when installing laminate flooring over radiant heating. Ensure that you read both the laminate flooring and radiant heat system instructions carefully before beginning.
• Read your laminate flooring manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.
• Allow you laminate flooring to acclimatize to the room where it will be installed for as long as possible (min. 48 hours)
• Inspect each laminate flooring panel carefully for defects or damage before installing it.

Q. What do I have to do before installation?

A. Laminate flooring boards must be acclimatised for 48 hours in the room where they will be installed. Installation should take place at room temperature of at least 15°C (65°F).

Q. Do I have to keep staggering the planks in my laminate flooring installation?

A. The first row should be started with a full plank, the second row with a 2/3 plank and the third row with a 1/3 plank. The distance between joints from one row to the next for the remainder of the installation must be 8″ or greater

Q. How do I determine the direction in which to install my laminate flooring?

A. To decide where to begin the layout of your floor, consider incoming light. It is usually best to install laminate flooring with the planks running parallel to light coming in windows or glass doors. For any installation, the starting wall should be as long and straight as possible.

Q. Will there be any cutting waste?

A. In an average installation, approximately 8% to 10% of the total area to be covered will be wasted for several reasons, typically cuts, planks damaged during installation, or mistakes.

Q. What is the reason for the necessary 10mm gap left around the perimeter of the interior and around other obstacles within it?

A. Because laminate flooring is derived from wood, it is subject to expansion caused by room temperatures and humidity levels. An expansion gap is a necessary part of any successful installation because it allows space for the expansion of the floor as it responds to these external influences of temperature and humidity. When it is exposed to warmer temperatures, or to increased humidity, laminate flooring planks expand outward. Leaving out the essential element of an outside gap can cause the buckling of the individual laminate flooring planks as the planks push outward against walls or other obstacles.

Q. I didn’t get my first row straight. Can I continue?

A. Do not continue. Getting the first row absolutely straight is the essence – perhaps the most critical part- of a successful installation. If your first rows are not properly aligned, or the joints are not tightly sealed, the entire installation will be compromised. (The error will increase as you continue installing.) Along both sides and ends, all planks must be parallel to each other or there will be wedge-shaped gaps between planks. If residue is caught in the grooves, poor alignment can also result. Remember to make sure all grooves are clean before installation.

Q. Why a moisture barrier on concrete?

A. Concrete floors below ground are capable of storing a vast amount of water. It is crucial to avoid all direct contact between the laminate flooring and the concrete floor because the soil beneath the concrete can transmit humidity into the floor. Installing a moisture barrier over all concrete surfaces is essential for a successful installation and for the future of a laminate floor.

Q. How can I get the shine of my floor to increase?

A. The shine cannot be modified as it is a manufactured characteristic. You should never wax or polish a laminate floor.