We’ve taken the most frequently asked questions from our chat feature and will be posting them weekly here on our Blog. Check back every week for new questions or go to our website and submit your own!
Q: What are the different options in underlayment?
A: Regular Underlayment –this is our most popular, thin foam padding. In most cases it is 3mm=1.8” thick and comes in rolls. We sell our regular underlayment per sq.ft, and we can pre-cut custom square footage roll for every customer. This underlayment foam is good to install over a wood subfloor only, because do not have a moisture barrier. If you have cement sub-floor you should consider 2-in-1 Vapor underlayment or 3-in-1 Silent underlayment.
2-in-1 Vapor Underlayment- this product is the same as Regular Underlayment with an additional layer of moisture barrier attached to it. Vapor barrier will keep moisture out of your laminate, and you should use this underlayment in places where there is a possibility of moisture coming up from your sub-floor.
3-in-1 Silent Underlayment – This premium underlayment is ideal for all floating floors such as laminate and hardwood. This underlayment provides excellent sound reduction and thermal insulation. It is easy to install and comes with attached moisture inhibiting membrane and tape on the overlaps. Our recommendation: Harmony Underlayment.
Q: What is a “Piano” finish?
A: Piano Finish floor has the beautiful shine of polished hardwood and durability and cost of laminate flooring. But that’s not all; where some manufacturers simply apply their aluminum oxide to the top of the laminate (which causes a cloudy, thick coat to sit on top of the wood finish obscuring the image) Piano Finish floors completely saturates the decor layer with aluminum oxide providing the best clarity, enhanced realism and the best durability in the industry.
Q: What kind of warranty does laminate flooring have?
A: **This is a very generalized answer and you need to consult your warranty paperwork as each company is different in what inclusions and exclusions they may have.** Most laminate floors are warranted when installed in dry interior to the original purchaser (warranty is non-transferable) and will cover points listed below:
- The laminate surface will not wear trough
- The floor will not fade due to sun or electrical light
- The floor will not stain
- The floor will be free from manufacturer defect
Laminate flooring is a very user friendly floor, but keep in mind, the following laminate flooring warranty claims are usually not covered under warranty:
- Wrong laminate flooring installation
- Improper materials used during laminate floor installation
- Installation on uneven subfloor
- Laminate flooring not installed for proper use
- Water damage from appliances, such as a dishwasher, washing machine, or a shower stall
- Scratches or cuts
Q: What is laminate flooring made of?
A: Laminates are constructed using three principal layers: the decorative layer, the core, and the backing layer. These layers are compressed together using a high-pressure process. The higher the pressure used, the more durable the laminate will be- and it will have a higher AC rating.
The Decorative Layer -This is the surface layer of the laminate floor, what gives it the beauty and elegance of an actual hardwood or tile floor. This layer is simply a high-definition photograph of a particular wood species or type of tile, which is sealed using a resin-based coating containing aluminum oxide. This is what gives the floor it’s resistance to scratching, UV rays, burning ash and embers, and chemical agents.
The Core Layer – This is what gives the laminate its true durability. The core is made of a highly compressed, High Density Fiberboard (HDF). This is what allows the floor to take the shock of localized impacts, such as high-heeled shoes and falling objects.
The Backing Layer- This is the layer that binds the laminate together, and gives it stability. The backing layer is made to float overtop of the foam underlayment, making the laminate a floating floor and further differing it from hardwood.
Q: Do I have to be present at the time of delivery?
A: Yes, you have to sign the shipping papers and check your order. Before signing the delivery driver’s paperwork, inspect the shipment for any shipping damage that may have occurred. If the freight company will not allow you to inspect the item please conduct a thorough visual inspection of the outside of the shipping container and note any issues – no matter how small – on the driver’s delivery receipt.
Q: What should I do when shipping damage is discovered?
A: If shipping damage is discovered at the time of delivery note any issues – no matter how small – on the driver’s delivery receipt. Contact Bestlaminate right away, so we can take care of it. Naturally if you find unacceptable shipping damage you are free to refuse all or part of the shipment. We’ve had excellent service from our freight companies in the past and we trust that your delivery will be handled as expertly as possible. If shipping damage is discovered after you have signed for the item in good order then you are responsible for filing an insurance claim with the freight carrier within 24 hours of the shipment’s arrival.
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One of the great parts about laminate flooring is that it’s so durable. But it’s reassuring to hear that it’s backed up by a warranty as well.