I didn''t get my first row straight. Can I continue?
2007-12-19 17:43:29
Answer
Do not continue. Getting the first row absolutely straight is the foundation - perhaps the most critical part- to 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 magnify 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.
27
How should I install moldings?
2007-12-19 17:44:14
Answer
You can glue or nail moldings to the wall only, never to the floor.
28
What is a floating floor?
2007-12-19 17:44:51
Answer
A floating floor is a floor built with all its parts attached to each other but with none of these component parts fixed to the supporting floor. Virtually all laminate floors install as floating floors.
29
What is HDF and what is it made of?
2007-12-19 17:45:36
Answer
High density fiberboard, HDF, is basically a high-density, moisture-resistant fiber panel. It is 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. This pulp is then dried and pressed into panels.
30
How is the paper applied to the HDF core?
2007-12-19 17:46:04
Answer
The melamine impregnated paper is thermo-fused to the core, topped with an aluminum-oxide wear layer.
31
What is a floating floor?
2007-12-19 17:59:27
Answer
A floating floor is a floor built with all its parts attached to each other but with none of these component parts fixed to the supporting floor. Virtually all laminate floors install as floating floors.
32
What is HDF and what is it made of?
2007-12-19 17:59:57
Answer
High density fiberboard, HDF, is basically a high-density, moisture-resistant fiber panel. It is 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. This pulp is then dried and pressed into panels.
33
How is the paper applied to the HDF core?
2007-12-19 18:00:26
Answer
The melamine impregnated paper is thermo-fused to the core, topped with an aluminum-oxide wear layer.
34
Why is a moisture barrier used on concrete?
2007-12-19 18:01:06
Answer
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 mandatory for a successful installation and for the ongoing health of a laminate floor.
35
How is the paper applied to the HDF core
2007-12-19 18:09:34
Answer
The melamine impregnated paper is thermo-fused to the core, topped with an aluminum-oxide wear layer.
36
Why is a moisture barrier used on concrete?
2007-12-19 18:10:03
Answer
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 mandatory for a successful installation and for the ongoing health of a laminate floor.
37
How can I get the shine of my floor to increase?
2007-12-19 18:10:28
Answer
The shine can not be modified as it is a manufactured characteristic. Therefore, you must never wax or polish a laminate floor.
38
How does laminate flooring from JNKSTONE compare to other laminate flooring products?
2007-12-19 18:11:03
Answer
39
Can laminate flooring be installed on steps?
2007-12-19 18:11:41
Answer
Yes, laminate flooring can be installed on steps but with this exceptional installation, the planks should be glued down with regular wood glue. The moldings and transitions need to be nailed down.
40
Can laminate flooring be installed in my screened in porch or patio?
2007-12-19 18:12:11
Answer
No, laminate flooring must be installed in a climate-controlled area.
41
Can we install laminate over carpet?
2007-12-19 18:12:41
Answer
No, all carpet and padding should be removed completely prior to installation.
42
How often do the wood grain patterns repeat on your flooring?
2007-12-19 18:13:18
Answer
The patterns repeat every 20 planks
43
How do I clean my laminate flooring?
2007-12-19 18:13:57
Answer
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.
44
How do I care for and maintain my laminate floors?
2007-12-19 18:14:32
Answer
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.
45
How do I repair minor scratches?
2007-12-19 18:15:02
Answer
Minor scratches or nicks can be repaired with laminate floor repair paste. This can be purchased in most retail flooring stores.
46
What is the difference between a brown core and a green core in laminate flooring?
2007-12-19 18:16:17
Answer
The cores are the same. The green product is a result of a coloring agent added to the adhesive in the manufacturing of the High Density Fiberboard (HDF) core in response to general market preference.
47
How do I replace one plank of my flooring due to damage?
2007-12-19 18:16:51
Answer
If the plank that needs replacing is close to the edge of the room, simply disassemble the floor to the position of the plank to be replaced and then reinstall the plank(s). There is a more complicated procedure if you need to replace a single hard-to-get-to plank. Call your BuildDirect product specialist who will be pleased to email or fax you the specific instructions. Phone
86-592-2098218.
48
What is the wear rating for your product?
2007-12-19 18:17:22
Answer
All laminate flooring products from BuildDirect have an AC3 rating (suitable for all residential applications in addition to light commercial applications such as hotel rooms and small offices).
49
Is carbonized bamboo flooring stained?
2007-12-19 18:36:01
Answer
Yes. The process that changes the bamboo to the beautiful carbonized color also softens the product approximately 30 %.
50
What is the difference between your 10-year and 25-year flooring?
2007-12-19 18:36:48
Answer
The difference between the two floors is in the name of the aluminum oxide finish. The 25- year floor comes with six coats of Klumpp brand finish, which is recognized as a leading brand manufactured in Germany. The 10-year floor has six coats of a generic aluminum oxide finish. Visually, there is a slight difference between the floors. The 25-year floor is a semi-gloss finish while the 10-year is a satin coat finish.
