Builders Depot Direct can provide answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on a wide variety of our products. If your questions are not answered on these pages, or you simply wish to speak with a Customer Service Representative, our customers can contact us sales@buildersdepotdirect.com or to order samples of the laminate flooring samples@buildersdepotdirect.com

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How to Measure Your Room for Kronotex 7mm Yorkshire Series Laminate Flooring. 

Kronotex Yorkshire Series $0.75SF Laminate flooring from Builders Depot is becoming increasingly popular and the question we at BuildersDepotDirect.Com are asked time and time again is how do you measure for the amount of laminate flooring you will need.

Let us start at the beginning. The first thing you need to do is to find out how much laminate flooring you will need, to do this you will need to measure the width of you room (at the widest points) and then measure the length at the longest point. Right down these two measurements down and then multiply them together, this will give you the area of your room in square feet. Once you have got this you will need to add 10% for wastage.

Example. Width 40 Feet x Length 30 Feet = 1,200 Square Feet + 10% = 1,320 SQ FT. So you will need 220 SQ FT of laminate flooring.

You now need to find out how many packs of Kronotex 7mm Yorkshire Collection Laminate Flooring you require. The Kronotex 7mm Yorkshire Laminate Flooring from BuildersDepotDirect.Com comes in pack size of 25.80 SQ FT.  You will then have to divide your room size by 25.80 giving you the number of required pack of Kronotex Yorkshire Collection.

Example: 1,320 SQ FT divided by 25.80 = 51.16 packs. Round this figure up to the next pack, this means you will require 52 packs. You will also need to do the above when you require underlay for your laminate flooring.

What Else Do You Need?  If you are laying the laminate flooring over a concrete sub-floor, then you will need to purchase a moisture proof barrier (MPB). Most manufactures now have underlay that includes a built in WPB. This is worth purchasing as it saves time and money.  BuildersDepotDirect.Com has underlayment with moisture barrier. 

For doorways you will need one of the following transition profiles.

End Mold (or our multi purpose reducer):  This is used in doorways that meet carpet, ceramic or stone tiles. It can also be used to finish of the flooring against things like a sliding glass door.

Reducer: You use this when there is a difference in height between the laminate flooring and the floor covering you are meeting up with. Like linoleum or vinyl.

T-Molding: This is needed in doorways where laminate meets laminate, or for anytime a hard surface is within 1/8 inch. Of being the same height   as the laminate, you still can use a T-Molding.

With laminate flooring you have to leave an expansion gap of around 10mm anywhere the flooring meets a wall. There are two ways of hiding this expansion gap.

The second choice is the most common and is a cheaper and quicker way to hide the expansion gap, with quarter round. This fits up against the skirting boards and covers the expansion gap. All brands offer quarter round that matches your laminate flooring. To measure for this you need to measure all around the perimeter of you room where you are going to need beading. You will again need to add 10% for wastage. Once you have this figure you will need to divide it by the length of the beading, our quarter round comes in lengths of 92 inches.

Where can I install laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is an extremely versatile flooring product. It can be installed in virtually any room of your home, above or below ground, over wood or concrete. There are several locations that are not recommended for laminate flooring. Because laminate flooring is a wood flooring product it is not recommended that laminates be installed in wet locations such as bathrooms, washrooms, saunas, enclosed porches or verandas, or anywhere that may require wet-mopping. Extended exposure to moisture of this type may cause the core of your laminate flooring to warp or swell. In some instances, with special installation procedures, it is possible to install laminate floors in bathrooms where water will not stand on the floor for any length of time. For bathroom installations, it is recommended you apply a light bead of glue to the tongue on the planks to be used in the areas subject to spills. Also, ensure that all spills are mopped up and dried promptly.  For information on installing Laminate Flooring on steps please click here

How do laminate floor panels lock together?

There are many types of edge joining systems used to connect laminate flooring panels together. Some laminate flooring connections snap together by hand while others require a light tap with a mallet and a tapping block. Still others use a combination of a “snap” click edge and a “bang” or “tap” click at the end of the panels. While most of the various systems work well to secure your laminate floor, it is important to read your laminate flooring installation instructions carefully. Familiarize yourself with how your flooring locks together before starting your installation.

What are the advantages of laminate flooring over those of solid hardwood flooring?

One obvious advantage is that of price; laminate flooring is typically half the cost of traditional hardwood flooring. Sometimes the savings are even greater, depending on the types of flooring in question. Additionally, laminate flooring is designed to be easy to install and is generally a good choice for most do-it-yourselfers, where solid hardwood requires a specific level of expertise. Installing laminate doesn’t involve nails, and more recently has done away with glue as well in many cases. Laminate flooring can therefore be installed fairly quickly and inexpensively. Laminate flooring is generally designed to be scratch-resistant and fade resistant, two areas where solid hardwood flooring is known to be more vulnerable.

What is the difference between a brown core and a green core in laminate flooring?

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.

Do I have to acclimatize laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring boards must be acclimatized for 48 hours in the room where they will be installed. Installation should take place at room temperature of at least 65°F (15°C). A floor surface temperature of 59°F and an overall room temperature of 64°F must be ensured before, during and three days after the installation.

Why do I need to use a DPM on a concrete subfloor?

Concrete floors 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 for example Duo-Foam over all concrete surfaces is mandatory for a successful installation and for the ongoing health of a laminate floor.

Can a laminate floor be laid over carpet?

No, all carpet and underlay should be removed completely prior to installation.

Can I use my old carpet underlay with laminate flooring?

No, carpet underlay is specifically designed to offer comfort underfoot. If you lay a laminate floor over this type of underlay you will put intense pressure on the joints which will result in damage to the laminate.

Why do I need to leave a 10mm expansion gap around the perimeter?

Because laminate flooring is derived from wood, it is subject to expansion caused by room temperatures and humidity levels. An expansion gap is a necessary part of any successful installation because it allows space for the expansion of the floor as it responds to these external influences of temperature and humidity. When it is exposed to warmer temperatures, or to increased humidity, laminate flooring planks expand outward. Leaving out the essential element of an outside gap can cause the buckling of the individual laminate flooring planks as the planks push outward against walls or other obstacles.

What is the best direction to lay laminate flooring?

To decide where to begin the layout of your floor, consider incoming light. It is usually best to install laminate flooring with the planks running parallel to light coming in windows or glass doors. For any installation, the starting wall should be as long and straight as possible.

How do I clean my laminate flooring?

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.

How do I care for and maintain my laminate floors?

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.

How do I repair minor scratches?

Minor scratches or nicks can be repaired with laminate floor repair paste.

We at BuildersDepotDirect.Com hope this information was helpful for you. If you require any help with your laminate flooring purchase, please do not hesitate to contact us sales@buildersdepotdirect.com