Top Most Frequently Asked Plank Flooring Questions

What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring looks just like wood flooring but it is a wood image that gets bonded to fibreboard. The fibreboard is high-density, so the surface is hard-wearing.

What is an engineered floor board?
Engineered plank floor boards are made up of a top layer of wood (often oak or birch) that is bonded to a number of layers of other material and then finished with a durable seal. This results in a stable and naturally attractive floor.

What is a ‘floating floor’?
A floating floor is a system where floor planks are laid over a layer of underlay. The planks are connected to each other via the tongue and groove and not stuck down to the subfloor. This allows the finished floor to ‘float’ over the underlay.

Why do I need to use underlay?
The primary functions of underlay are to take up any unevenness in the sub floor and to reduce noise. Some underlay come with an integrated vapour barrier which also keeps moisture away from your flooring planks.

Can I use the existing carpet underlay with plank flooring?
We do not advise the use of carpet underlay as this is not suitable for plank flooring. It does not support the planks and would cause the boards to move, resulting in gaps in the floor.

Which direction should I lay my plank flooring?
You should lay the flooring in the direction of the main light source, such as the window or patio door.

Can I lay laminate flooring in any room of the house?
Laminate flooring is suitable for any room in the house where there isn’t high humidity, so bathrooms are often not suitable. For these areas special laminate plank flooring is available that has been manufactured and guaranteed for bathrooms.

Where should I leave my flooring planks to acclimatise prior to laying?
The unopened packs of flooring should be laid flat in the room for a minimum of 72 hours prior to laying. This will allow the flooring planks to acclimatise to humidity levels and the temperature of the room where the floor will be laid.

Can I find more information on laying my flooring?
All Floormaker products come with instructions on how to lay a floor, and each floor type is different. For more information, view our demonstration video or call us call us on 08444 889 177.