SolidStep Living Authentic Style

Most established manufacturers do not recommend installing kitchen units on top of laminate flooring, as this can prevent the flooring from expanding. Expansion is a natural and desirable feature of a floor laid using the floating method.

If you prevent this, the flooring manufacturer may not honour the warranty. It is therefore recommended not to install flooring beneath kitchen units, or to leave an expansion gap in the area that will be covered by the skirting board. An alternative solution could be to at least cut out holes for the legs, which will allow for some degree of expansion.

Yes, there are several licensed click manufacturers worldwide, varying in quality. Sometimes a manufacturer will even develop its own click system. As well as strength, the installation method also varies – some floors are installed individually, plank by plank, whilst other click systems require installation in full rows. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Yes, a thicker floor can be helpful in situations where you need to achieve a certain height in a room. A thicker floor is also slightly more durable.

Yes, it is possible, but it depends on what you expect from underfloor heating. Laminate flooring has higher thermal resistance, so it will take longer for the heat to take effect once the heating is switched on.

We recommend using standard floor cleaners to clean laminate flooring. You can find them in the section.

Yes, high-quality laminate flooring offers a high level of resistance to micro-scratches. In this respect, laminate flooring is the best choice – especially if you have pets or children. The highest standard grade available is AC5.

If laminate flooring is laid correctly, it is among the most durable types of flooring available, and you can expect it to last for many years with proper maintenance. 

You can lay laminate flooring in those living areas where you do not expect it to come into contact with water. As laminate flooring is structurally made from natural materials, it will never be 100% waterproof. There are laminate floors with increased resistance to splashing water; this is most commonly rated at 24 to 72 hours.

Laminate flooring features a ‘click’ system at the joints, which allows it to be installed as a floating floor. Laminate flooring can be laid on various subfloors, including level ceramic tiles or OSB boards. Carpets are not suitable as a subfloor. Lay the individual planks parallel to the direction of the light, i.e. perpendicular to the wall with the windows in the room.

Most manufacturers provide installation instructions for laminate flooring; it is best to follow these instructions to ensure that the manufacturer’s warranty remains valid.