Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jordan’s Woodflooring
Below you will find some helpful answers to some of the common questions we are asked, if you don’t see an answer to your question then please either call us or use our online enquiry form and one of our advisers will be glad to assist.
Can I install laminate flooring in a bathroom?
Most laminate flooring is unsuitable for areas of high moisture such as bathrooms.
We would, instead, recommend click vinyl. We supply Pro-Tek™ engineered vinyl flooring with a range of 64 styles and colours. This flooring has a 100% waterproof core, making it idea for wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Why do I need a damp proof membrane?
When installing a wood floor on a concrete base, whether solid or engineered, the use of a damp proof membrane is always recommended. No matter how dry your floor feels it will always contain a level of moisture, which can be drawn to the wood if not treated, causing cupping, lifting and general damage to the floor.
For engineered wood flooring use a plastic membrane sheet exceeding 0.2mm. For solid wood floors a liquid dpm should be used.
Are solid wood floors suitable for underfloor heating?
Solid wood flooring is not recommended for underfloor heating as the extra heat produced can result in instability sometimes causing gaps in between boards, cracking and lifting. Some manufacturers will recommend that any solid wood less than 100mm wide will be suitable for underfloor heating as long as all manufacture instructions are followed.
Only water piped heating is recommended and you should acclimatise the wood flooring with the heating on, for at least two weeks. Ensure that when fitting that the flooring is fully secured to the sub floor either by gluing or secret nailing.
We would recommend the use of engineered wood flooring instead though as these products are more suitable due to the composite core which is far more stable than solid wood.
Do I need to take any special precautions when installing on a concrete floor?
Allow at least 7 days for the wood to acclimatise before installing, opening all the packs and leaving them in the room. Also check that the moisture content of the sub floor does not exceed 2.5% and always use a recommended paint on damp proof membrane prior to installation.
The flooring must be entirely adhered to the sub floor using a recommended adhesive. Allow for an expansion gap of at least 10mm around the perimeter of the room as flooring naturally contracts and expands with fluctuating temperatures.
Refer to our fitting guide and always follow any additional manufacturers instructions supplied with the products when fitting your floor.
What is colour variation?
Wood is a natural product and there is always some level of colour variation between the boards. Engineered wood flooring has a top layer of real wood, so displays the same sort of colour variation as solid wood flooring.
Laminate and click vinyl floors have a photographic layer to mimic natural wood, which includes some level of colour variation built in as well to give an authentic appearance.
What are pin knots?
Pin knots are small closed knots usually smaller than a 10 pence piece which occur naturally in wood.
What Is sap wood?
Sap wood is a natural occurrence and usually shows up a lighter shade on the surface of the wood. In most cases this helps to add to the character of the floor.
What is site grading?
On some grades of wood, usually lower grades, it is sometimes a good idea to check the flooring prior to laying to ensure a balanced mix of colour variation and knots over the whole area.
Why do I need to buy extra wood for wastage?
With all grades of wood there will be a percentage of flooring which cannot be used. Some may be due to cutting, others due to the grade. The lower the grade of the wood the higher the percentage should be allowed.
Why do I need to let the floor acclimatise before laying It?
Acclimatising the wood is very important to allow the wood to get used to the temperature of your property as they come from storage which has a different temperature. Make sure boxes are closed when acclimatising.
Allow at least 7 days for solid floors and 48 hours for engineered & laminate floors to acclimatise in the room they are to be installed in.
What floors are suitable for underfloor heating ?
Engineered wood and click vinyl flooring are both suitable for use with underfloor heating, though depending on the product the advice may differ for water based vs electric underfloor heating, so you should always check before you purchase.
Solid woods are strongly advised not to be used with any form of underfloor heating.