Peter Geyer, National Berry Floor Sales and Training manager at Pioneer Flooring, advises buyers on what to look out for when buying a laminate floor.
Selecting the right laminate flooring for your home is easier said than done. There is currently a plethora of different designs and styles that homeowners can choose from in the South African laminate flooring industry. An attractive design can be misleading as the decision to purchasing should not be based on the visual aesthetics alone. There are many other considerations that homeowners need to take into account that will differentiate between a quality and inferior product.
Price
To begin at the bottom line, homeowners need to realise that cheaper is not always necessarily better. A good quality laminate starts from R250/m2 fully installed.
Joint strength
Because wood is a living product, it is continually expanding and contracting, therefore a strong locking element is required to hold the floor together. This sounds simple enough, but technically it is not. The locking mechanism needs to be thick enough to create a secure lock; long enough to provide flexibility for the boards to be taken up and reinstalled if necessary, and accurately aligned so that the joint can be installed properly first time.
Berry Floor has a unique patented glueless locking system, known as the Ultimate LOC System. It is ingenious because the locking element is designed at a 90º angle, creating the most secure joint in the industry. Locking elements below 90º do not have the same strength.
The advantages of this include a glueless installation, easier and quicker to install, immediate use of floor, precision fit, fewer or no installation mistakes, the sub floor is always accessible, and it is easy to dismantle and reinstall.
Functionality
It is impractical to think that if you are careful enough you will be able to avoid every day mishaps like scratches, stains, household spills and so on. Life happens, so it is important that the laminate flooring you select is colourfast, resistant to impact, stains, glowing ashes and scratches. The laminate flooring should be easy to maintain because a well manufactured product should simply need regular vacuuming and the occasional wipe with a damp cloth to keep it in tip top condition and looking good.
Style
Of course the laminate flooring style you select will depend on your personal taste and requirements. It is advisable to shop around to see what is available, rather than limiting your choices to just one supplier. When actively looking for your laminate flooring of choice, it is recommended that you take samples home and view them in different light situations to make sure that you are completely happy with your purchase.
Reputable supplier
The supplier you choose for your laminate flooring should be reputable within the industry and experienced. In the same vein, your supplier should also have a well managed stock availability in case damaged boards need to be replaced. A good indicator of the reputability of the supplier is whether they are members of the Southern African Wood and Laminate Flooring Association.
The quote
Ensure that you read the fine print in the quote you receive and that you fully understand what has been included so that you are getting exactly what you have requested. A comprehensive quote will include all fitting charges, all material, finishes, underlay and damp proof membrane.
Guarantee
Check the guarantee applicable to your laminate floor and the installation thereof and make sure you understand what terms and conditions apply. For example, laminate flooring is not recommended for bathrooms due to the high moisture content of this room. Therefore any bathroom installations will more than likely not be guaranteed.
*The advice and care given here is on the recommendations of the manufacturer. It serves as a guideline and is offered in good faith but without warranty.
For more information contact 083 353 6811 or send an email.
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