Laminate Flooring Guide

Laminate flooring brings the best of both worlds together for customers who want the natural look of wood with a minimal amount of maintenance and cost.

The fact that laminate flooring is easy to clean, fuss-free and simple to fit, makes it a popular choice for a variety of rooms in the home.

Suitable for living rooms, hallways, kitchen and bathrooms laminate provides a cheaper alternative wooden floors but with a similar stylish finish.

On the day of installation

To ensure installation is as quick and simple as possible we ask customers to remove all personal items, clothing, toys, small furniture and breakables from the rooms affected. In bedrooms, we also ask for closets to be emptied, drawers removed from dressers and linen from beds to make the process as simple as possible. It is also essential to disconnect and remove any electronics, computers, TV’s before the installer arrives at your home.

We will remove doors and re-hang them as needed; however if they need to be cut, to fit the new flooring, they will be left off so you can arrange to have them cut by another contractor, as this is not something we do.

ShoreFloors does also not move delicate or large items, so you will need to make your own arrangements to have these items moved in advance.

To install your floor successfully the temperature must remain at a steady 65 degrees, so your HVAC system must be operational for us to install your floor.

ELECTRICAL / ALARM WIRES AND PIPES – ShoreFloors is not responsible for any cut, pierced or broken electrical/alarm wires or pipes that are improperly fitted in walls, along baseboards, under floors and not in accordance with your local building code.

Care and maintenance

FLOATING FLOOR DEFLECTION – Laminate is what Is known as a floating floor, which means it “rests” on your existing sub-floor. There is no such thing as a perfectly flat floor and this may be more noticeable in some parts of the floor versus others.

Your estimator will check on the levelness of your sub-floor, to the best of their ability, and report on the suitability of a laminate floor covering. There are times when alternative floor coverings such as carpet will be better to hide sub-floor issues. If we discover any issues upon removing your existing flooring the installer will bring it to your attention immediately. There may be an extra charge to repair or level your sub-floor.

MOLDINGS – Laminate floors require transitions at all doorways, hallways, and sliders. Since laminate “floats” each manufacturer requires the floor to be “broken” when going from large areas into small openings, generally under 4 ft. wide.

TEMPERATURE / MOISTURE / HUMIDITY – Wood is a cellular product, meaning it will retain and give off moisture. Temperature, moisture and humidity all affect wood so ideally your home should always be between 18 and 23 degrees and 35% to 55% humidity. Changes in moisture around your home will affect your wood floors.

If moisture levels are a problem in your home a whole-home humidifier will be required to maintain consistent humidity to prevent voiding warranties. Maintaining the appropriate temperature and humidity constantly during the life of the floor is the homeowner’s responsibility.

SCRATCHING AND DENTS – While laminate is very resilient it can still scratch and dent. Putting walk off mats by doors, keeping your floor swept and putting felt protectors on chairs and furniture will all help prevent any damage.

WALL / BASEBOARDS / CEILING NAIL POPS – Our installers will always operate using caution while in your home to prevent marking baseboards and walls, however some minor scratching and marking can occur during the removal of old flooring. ShoreFloors is not responsible nor do we reimburse for minor scratches, marks and nail pops in ceilings.