Home  |  Tiles Décor tiles  |  Bathrooms  |  Wood floors  |  Kitchens  |  Tools  |  Under floor heating  |

Inspiration gallery  |  DIY tips & hints  |  Get it on credit Store finder Tile calculators  |

CTM Promotion  |  CTM style in the news  |  CTM franchise  |  About CTM  |

 

wood floors

 
 
 

Elf Advantage

Elf Ranges

Elf Profiles

Elf Q & A

Elf Care

Elf Pre-installation

Elf Installations

Elf Guarantee

Underfloor heating

Inspiration gallery

 

   
 

Elf Q&A

 
 
 
 

 

 

Q: What are laminated floors and how are they made?
A: Most laminated flooring consists of a moisture resistant layer under the core made of HDF (high-density fibre-board). This is topped with a high-resolution photographic image of natural wood flooring. It is then finished with an extremely hard, clear coating made from special resin-based cellulose to protect the laminated flooring.

Q: Where can I install laminated flooring?
A: Laminated flooring is an extremely versatile flooring product. It can be installed in virtually any room of your home, over wood, tiles or concrete, but never over carpets or any other textile flooring! Ensure that the floor is level prior to installation and screed uneven parts if necessary.

Q: What are the advantages of laminated flooring over those of solid hardwood flooring?
A: One obvious advantage is that of price; laminated flooring is typically 25% or less than traditional flooring (a fraction of the price!). Sometimes you save even more, depending on the types of flooring and application. ELF laminated flooring is also environmentally friendly.

Q: How do I determine the direction in which to install my laminated flooring?
A: To decide where to begin the layout of your floor, consider incoming light. It is best to install laminated flooring with the boards running parallel to incoming light.

Q: Will there be any cutting waste?
A: In a typical installation, you should add approximately 7–10% for cutting and wastage.

Q: What is the reason for the necessary 12-15mm gap left around the perimeter of the interior and around other obstacles within it?
A: Laminated flooring is subject to expansion caused by external climatic changes. An expansion gap is a vital part of any successful installation because it allows space for the movement of the floor as it responds to these external influences, such as heat, cold and humidity.

Q: Why is a moisture barrier used?
A: Concrete floors are capable of storing vast amounts of water.It is crucial to avoid all direct contact between the laminated flooring and the concrete floor, because the soil beneath the concrete can transmit humidity into the floor. Installing a moisture barrier over all surfaces is mandatory for a successful installation and for the ongoing health of a laminated floor.

Q: How can I get my floor to shine more?
A: The shine cannot be modified, as it is a manufactured characteristic. So you must never wax or polish a laminated floor. It will only make it sticky and cause dirt and wax to build up.

Q: Can laminated floors be installed on steps?
A: Yes, but the boards should be glued down and no underlay should be used.

Q: Can laminated flooring be installed over carpet?
A: No, all carpets, textile flooring and undercarpeting should be removed completely before installation.

Q: What is laminated flooring AC rating?
A: The Abrasion Class rating is a European standard measure that rates abrasion resistance, impact resistance to staining and cigarette burns, and thickness swelling along edges.

Q: How long before you can walk on the new floor?
A: You can walk on your new floor and put your furniture back in place as soon as the floor has been installed. So you can enjoy your new floor right away!

Q: How do I find a reliable installer?
A: Check, check and check again. Ask for references and check on them – better safe than sorry! Ask to see previous jobs, also ask if they have the correct installation equipment and check on it. Most stores have a list of recommended installers. However, CTM is a cash-and-carry organisation and installation errors are not covered under the product guarantee. Follow instructions carefully.

Q: Are laminated floors noisy in upstairs rooms?
A: Laminated floors can be installed with sound-reducing underlay (SOUND BLOCK) which will reduce noise transmission.

Q: Do I need a T-piece in my doorway when I am doing multiple areas like bedrooms and passages?
A: A T-piece must be used in all doorways and archways, separating areas from one another. T-pieces are available in a variety of colours to suit and match the colour of your ELF laminated floor.

Q: Can I use a normal squeegee or mop to clean my laminated floors?
A: Only recommended mops as supplied by CTM or ELF are to be used. Traditional mops used for tile cleaning store too much water and continuous use will result in moisture damage.

Q: Will my laminated floor stain if I spill a glass of red wine or cool drink?
A: Laminated floors are guaranteed not to stain, fade or wear. Simply wipe the liquid off the floor with a clean damp cloth as soon as possible (within 15 minutes). Remove tough stains with daily cleaner or stain remover.

Q: How do I make a small room appear bigger?
A: A light coloured board will make the room appear larger, whilst a darker coloured board could make a large cold room appear warmer and more cosy. The parquet pattern boards could also make a small room appear larger. Remember that light coloured boards do show dirt quicker and easier, and are not recommended for installation and use in high traffic areas.

Q: Why is laminated flooring so popular?
A: The unique ability of laminated flooring to simulate the look of natural wood, while delivering the added values of wear, stain and fade resistance, along with lower costs for preparation, material and installation, have made this product category the most rapidly growing segment of the flooring industry. Many clients are choosing to install laminated flooring in residential, office or retail areas for practical and aesthetical reasons, often adding to the value of their property.

Q: Will there be shade differences in different batches?
A: All ELF laminated floor boards are manufactured in Europe according to strict EMEA regulations using the latest technology available. Boards are individually checked by laser for any defects and to ensure colour consistency.

 


 

 

back to top