Laminate flooring information and commonly asked questions
Is laminate flooring scratch proof ?
No. Laminate flooring is scratch resistant not scratch proof. But the aluminum oxide layer makes it very resistant to scratching.
Can laminate flooring be refinished ?
No. Laminate flooring is actually a picture/print of wood flooring so it cant be refinished.
Can I install laminate flooring over tile ?
Yes. I actually prefer installing laminate over tile because its usually a vey level floor if the tile is installed properly. It cannot be installed over tiles like Mexican clay or any tile that has large grout joints, not flat, or level.
Can I install my laminate over carpet ?
No. Carpet must always be removed.
Will pet urine damage laminate flooring ?
Yes. But if you clean it up in a timely manner it will not usually damage the laminate. However, you should always have extra laminate flooring just in case because it is very easy to repair.
Can I install laminate in my kitchen and bathrooms ?
Yes, laminate is fine to install in kitchens and bathrooms but I don't recommend installing laminate flooring in front of showers and tubs.
Can I install laminate the same day I bring it home ?
No. It should sit in your home for at least 2 days to acclimate but some laminate companies say there products don't need to acclimate. Also is a laminate floor is coming from an AC store not a hot warehouse you only need to wait 1 day.
Should I install my laminate before I install my new kitchen cabinets so it goes under the cabinets?
No. No. Never. Install your cabinets first. Never put cabinets or islands on top of laminate. This causes laminate flooring to lift because it can't expand properly. I see this problem all the time when I'm called to repair laminate flooring.
Is laminate flooring ok to use on my staircase ?
Yes it is, but you have to use a separate stair nose on the front of every step. This sits on top of the laminate like in the picture to the left. I prefer to use solid wood treads on all my stairs. I can match the treads to the color of the laminate floor. My treads are 1 piece and there is no need for a separate stair nose.
Should I paint my house before I have my laminate flooring installed ?
No. Always paint after you flooring installation is complete. Removal of old flooring and installation of new flooring is construction and can produce dust, walls can accidentally be touched by installers, and the trim that is installed around the edges (baseboard or quarter round) will need to be painted .
Can I switch 1 board of laminate flooring in the middle of my floor that was damaged ?
Yes. We can change just one board without taking the entire floor apart. This is called a board replacement.
What should I clean the laminate flooring with ? Can I just mop my laminate flooring ?
No you can't mop your laminate flooring with water. You should only use Bona laminate floor cleaner to clean your laminate.
Do I have to move my furniture out of my rooms to have my laminate flooring installed ?
No. We can keep the furniture in the same room be just move it to one side, install the floor, then move the furniture onto the floor, and then install the rest of the flooring.
Can I walk on my laminate floor during and after installation ? Or do I have to wait ?
You can walk on the floor right away and even during the installation.
My conrete is unlevel can I just use extra padding to fix this problem ?
No. Extra or double padding does not fix subflooring problems. Unfortunately, I'm called out to fix installations where an installer used double padding rather then leveling the concrete. Save yourself some time and money. Do it right the first time. If you floor is uneven it needs to be leveled with self leveling floor patch. This is the only way your laminate flooring is ever going to feel right when you walk on it.