FloorTalk – for all the latest flooring fashions

Question on laminate flooring:

#1 If you have boys that are kind of destructive and would roller skates on the floors, would that hurt the floors?

#2 If you have a dog; would their nails hurt the floor?

 #3 Is rubber underlayment the best for noise control and for lasting installation?

Answer:

Roller skates - I would check with the manufacturer of your floor to see if the roller skates will void your warranty if there is any damage as a result. Laminate floors are very durable, but the stopping and turning might cause excessive wear that is not covered by your warranty.

 Dog’s nails - Laminate floors are scratch resistant, but not scratch proof. Scratches show less over time, but cannot be repaired. Large dogs are riskier than small dogs, of course, but it sounds like laminate is your best solution for a home with kids and dogs. You certainly don’t want those boys falling down on a tile floor and the dog’s nails will definitely hurt hardwood floors more than laminate! We recommend keeping your pet’s nails trimmed. If a board gets severely damaged, it can always be replaced. Definitely, call a professional to replace any boards!

Underlayment - purchase the best underlayment that is offered with your floor for noise control, long lasting installation and comfort. This is the most important choice (other than the quality of the product) that you can purchase.

Also, remember to use walk off mats at every entrance to keep dirt and sand from scratching your floors and always use the proper cleaner.

For more information on laminate flooring maintenance, click here.

For more information on pets and laminate flooring, click here.

Getting new floor covering can be a major change in your home and installing new floor covering is no easy task. This should be left to a professional! Whether you are tackling the project yourself or hiring a professional, these are tips you will want to be aware of. Being aware of these misconceptions can help you have a smoother installation.

GENERAL INSTALLATION MISCONCEPTIONS

1. Once the installation is complete, there is no need to save leftover material. Leftover material is needed in case of repairs. Having the original material will ensure that your repair will be the same shade / dye lot as the original installation.
2. The installer will arrive on time and be completed as originally promised. Often, the installer will run into situations at another jobsite that require more time and attentio. Just remember that if it were your house, you would want the installer to take their time for a quality installation.
3. Floors can be installed in any weather. Some types of flooring cannot be installed in extreme heat or cold.
4. Floors can be installed in any stage of new construction. Some builders for example, prefer that tile be installed under the kitchen cabinets. So, this would need to be done earlier in the process. Since it is durable to dirt and traffic, it can be installed earlier. Carpet, on the other hand needs to be one of the very last items to be installed so that it doesn’t get abused before you move in! (more…)