Stephens Flooring Santa Cruz » Laminate Flooring

Q. How do I replace one plank of my flooring due to damage?

bjenkins — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:28:45 +0000

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.

Q. How do I repair minor scratches?

bjenkins — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:15:17 +0000

Minor scratches or nicks can be repaired with laminate floor repair paste. This can be purchased in most retail flooring stores.

Q. How do I care for and maintain my laminate floors?

bjenkins — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:30:24 +0000

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.

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 my laminate flooring?

bjenkins — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:07:38 +0000

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.

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. Can we install laminate over carpet?

bjenkins — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:54:23 +0000

You will not be able to install laminate over carpet because it needs to be against a flat, level and hard surface. All carpet and padding should be removed completely prior to installation.

Q. Can laminate flooring be installed in my screened in porch or patio?

bjenkins — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:32:49 +0000

Unfortunately you can’t install laminate flooring outside. Moisture will cause it to expand and damage the floor therefore it must be installed in a climate-controlled area.

Q. Can laminate flooring be installed on steps?

bjenkins — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:29:51 +0000

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.

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

bjenkins — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:12:40 +0000

The shine can not be modified as it is a manufactured characteristic. Therefore, you must never wax or polish a laminate floor.

Q. Why is a moisture barrier used on concrete?

bjenkins — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 07:22:40 +0000

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.

Q. What is a floating floor?

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 06:47:49 +0000

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.