Hard Flooring
Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 What is an engineered board? go to answer
Q.2 Why choose an engineered board? go to answer
Q.3 Does a wooden floor dent? go to answer
Q.4 Ho do I clean a wood floor? go to answer
Q.5 What is the difference between an oiled and lacquered floor? go to answer
Q.6 Is it suitable to put a wood floor throughout the house. go to answer
Q.7 Why are there different price bands in the Karndean ranges? go to answer
Q.8 What is the difference between a wood and a laminate floor? go to answer
Q.9 Can I have the Amtico or Karndean with a different stripping to the one shown on the sample board? go to answer
Q.10 Do I need to organise any floor preparation before I have my hard floor fitted? go to answer

Q.1 What is an engineered board?
A.1 An engineered board comprises of a top layer of wood eg.oak, maple etc., which is what you will see once the boards have been fitted, but layers below are made from soft wood.
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Q.2 Why choose an engineered board?
A.2 There are a couple of advantages of an engineered board. Firstly as the wood is not one solid piece it will not move as much as a solid piece of timber. This can be very useful if you are looking to put underfloor heating below it or the room is prone to changes of temperature and humidity eg. conservatories. It can also make it a more cost effective option.
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Q.3 Does a wooden floor dent?
A.3 Wood floors are prone to denting, the normal culprits can be stilletos, small stones on the floor or dogs claws. Depending on the finish of the floor, long term this can add character to the floor. To achieve an antique-look floors, will be dented on purpose to give an aged appearance.
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Q.4 How do I clean a wood floor?
A.4 A damp cloth is recommended for general cleaning but most manufacturers sell a cleaning kit which can be used. This normally contains a cleaning and protection product which should be used every 6 – 12 months. Amtico & Karndean also have their own cleaning kits consisting of a stripper, dresser and daily cleaner. These products are all available from our shops.
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Q.5 What is the difference between an oiled and lacquered floor?
A.5 A lacquered floor has been sprayed with a lacquer to seal it, which can give a shiny appearance whereas an oiled floor has a matt appearance with the advantage small scratches can be lightly sanded off and then re-oiled. Some oiled floor should be re-oiled regularly apart from UV oiled floors which are easier to maintain. Re-oiling is not required for a lacquered finish floor.
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Q.6 Is it suitable to put a wood floor throughout the house.
A.6 We would recommend wood flooring everywhere except the bathroom and utility room as this is prone to high moisture which will cause the wood to lots of shrinkage and expansion. Conservatories are also prone to extreme temperatures and in this case we would only recommend an engineered board (detailed on question 2), which has more tolerance.
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Q.7 Why are there different price bands in the Karndean ranges?
A.7 The difference in prices is due to the different wear layers which reflect in the guarantees from a 12 year guarantee to a 20 year guarantee. The da vinci tile also has a bevelled edge. Amtico products all come with a 20 year guarantee.
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Q.8 What is the difference between a wood and a laminate floor?
A.8 A laminate floor consists of a wood image which is stuck to an MDF type board, whereas a wood floor is the real thing!
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Q.9 Can I have the Amtico or Karndean with a different stripping to the one shown on the sample board?
A.9 With both Amtico & Karndean you are able to customise your own floor and can choose your own tile, stripping or border to suit your own home.
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Q.10 Do I need to organise any floor preparation before I have my hard floor fitted?
A.10 All hard floor products, including Woods, Vinyls, Amtico and Karndean require different sub floor preparations which we will do for you. When our estimators measure the floor they will also do a site survey including a damp test and advise you on sub floor preparation. As with most products, the work and expertise is in the preparation.
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