Frequently Asked Questions

How should I install moldings?

You can glue or nail moldings to the wall only, never to the floor.

What is a floating floor?

A floating floor is a floor built with all its parts attached to each other but with none of these component parts fixed to the supporting floor. Virtually all laminate floors are installed as floating floors.

What is HDF and what is it made of?

High-density fiberboard, HDF, is basically a high-density, moisture-resistant fiber panel. It is made of wood residues (sawdust, shavings, and wood chips) from wood processing factories. This ligneous material is ground into a pulp to which a melamine-urea-formaldehyde resin is added. This pulp is then dried and pressed into panels.

Why is a moisture barrier used on concrete?

Concrete floors below ground are capable of storing a vast amount of water. It is crucial to avoid all direct contact between the laminate flooring and the concrete floor because the soil beneath the concrete can transmit humidity into the floor. Installing a moisture barrier over all concrete surfaces is mandatory for a successful installation and for the ongoing health of a laminate floor.

How can I get the shine of my floor to increase?

The shine can not be modified as it is a manufactured characteristic. Therefore, you must never wax or polish a laminate floor.

Can laminate flooring be installed on steps?

Yes, laminate flooring can be installed on steps but with this exceptional installation, the planks should be glued down with regular wood glue. The moldings and transitions need to be nailed down.

Can laminate flooring be installed on my screened-in porch or patio?

No, laminate flooring must be installed in a climate-controlled area.

Can we install laminate over carpeting?

No, all carpet and padding should be removed completely prior to installation.

How do I care for and maintain my laminate floors?

While laminate floors are highly resistant to stains and abrasions, they are not indestructible. In order to maximize the durability and beauty of your laminate flooring, we recommend the following practices as part of your floor’s normal care and maintenance.

Place a doormat outside the exterior entrances to collect excess moisture, sand, grit, and other potentially damaging substances from being tracked onto your laminate floor.
Use only colorfast and non-scratch carpeting or pads on your laminate surface.
Avoid sharp or pointed objects with concentrated weight such as high heels on your laminate flooring.
Use protective felt pads under furniture legs or wide castors under appliance levelers.
Do not slide furniture or appliances across your laminate floor. If using a wheeled dolly to move furniture or appliances, place a clean sheet of smooth plywood or other protective layers over your laminate surface.
Rearrange furniture occasionally for increased indentation resistance
Do not treat or seal your laminate floor panels after they are installed.
Never sand, lacquer, or refinish your laminate flooring surfaces.

Do you offer financing?

Gary’s Flooring Kitchen & Bath does work with Synchrony bank to offer a 12-month, 0% interest financing. The application process and approval take only minutes. Please ask your sales associate for more details.

Do your installers move furniture?

Our installers will move your furniture with care as needed. We do ask in preparation for their arrival that you safely stow any small or valuable items, as well as disconnect any electronics that will need to be moved.

How should I clean my new floor?

We recommend using a neutral floor cleaner solution. Spray lightly with a spray bottle and wipe with a dry cloth. We will even provide you with a gallon of floor cleaner after your installation is completed.

Can I install new flooring over existing flooring?

In some cases, yes! But it really depends on your individual space. There are many things to consider before placing any type of flooring on top of another. Some of these factors include age and condition as well as the stability and quality of the floor in question. You will need to weigh the pros and cons of having it as your base layer, but if in doubt let us know. Our experts can help you decide on the best course of action for your renovation.

What is the best option for our multi-purpose family room?

Carpets are a great option for family-friendly spaces. It’s cozy, warm, and provides a soft area for kids and pets to play. If wall-to-wall is too big of a commitment, an area rug is a great option that provides more flexibility in color and design as well as ease of cleaning. For something truly low-maintenance, luxury vinyl is also a good backup. It resists wear and tear, is stain and water-resistant, and is softer than traditional hardwood.

What is the cause behind that “new carpet” smell?

Just like new cars, new carpets can oftentimes give off a certain scent. This odor is usually caused by volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, found in the carpet fibers interacting with the latex binders used to hold the carpet together. While the scent should dissipate within the first 24 to 48 hours after installation, it is reassuring to note that the measured amount is actually very small. Opening windows and venting areas with fans can help reduce the smell and the length of time it lingers.

How do I care for traditional wood floors?

Contrary to what you may have heard, solid wood floors are generally very easy to look after. They require little maintenance and simple overall upkeep. Use a damp cloth to wipe away dust and pet dander and vacuum regularly to reduce grit and loose stones. Encourage guests, kids, and pets to wipe shoes at the door and make sure footwear has proper plastic heel caps to reduce the potential for scratches. Natural wood oil can also be applied quarterly to keep things shiny and hydrated.

Is solid hardwood better than engineered hardwood?

Engineered hardwood has come a long way since its early inception. Today, it is a worthy competitor to traditional solid plank wood flooring. It is more stable and shows less of a reaction to moisture and humidity, which means it is less prone to gapping or warping. Plus it can be installed in environments where solid wood would be risky. Like over concrete slabs or existing floor materials. Although its lifespan might be a little shorter, since it cannot be refinished and sanded as many times as traditional hardwood, the look and affordability of engineering flooring keep it at the front of the pack for today’s homeowner.

How do I care for wall-to-wall carpet?

Get the most out of your investment by keeping up with maintenance. The easiest way to do that is by keeping it clean. Vacuum at least once a week using the brush setting on your machine to sweep the pile. Low-traffic areas require only one pass with the nozzle, while high-traffic can benefit from two. Also, invest in a high-quality carpet pad. Cheap pads can wear out in just a few years, cutting the overall lifespan of your flooring in half. Finally, every few years, bring in the professionals for a true deep clean. Hot water-extraction is the go-to for synthetic rugs.

What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?

Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are made of a mineral-rich clay body that is fired to a high temperature to increase stability. Porcelain is a type of clay that includes the mineral feldspar. It is traditionally high-fired which makes it harder and more durable than regular ceramic and increases its ability to withstand moisture and humidity. True porcelain is almost waterproof. It is a good choice for high-traffic areas both indoors and outside the home.

Can I combine different types of tile in my home?

Definitely! Combining different types of tile, from terracotta, natural stone, ceramic and porcelain can create a dramatic effect. But do keep in mind the traffic rating for each type and the use of the space in question. Make sure that areas that may be exposed to water utilize textured or non-slip tiles and that the materials can be matched properly in transitional areas. This will ensure a consistent surface height and minimize tripping hazards.

Now that I’ve made a decision, how do I prepare for installation?

The first step is always to clear the space. Remove all furniture, rugs, and anything else that may end up on the floor. Curtains, wall hangings, and any other décor should be removed as well. Dust or vacuum to remove loose debris and tuck away anything that you would like to protect from dust and airborne fibers. For hard surface installation, large pieces can be moved to one side of the room and then moved back as the flooring is installed in stages. Check with our flooring installation experts to see what would work best for your project.

Please describe the “sub-floor” and why it matters so much?

A floor can be a solid concrete slab, or it can be a series of layers of wood and other products. The slab can serve as the structural support – the element that gives the floor strength and stability – and at the same time as the sub-floor, which is the layer onto which the floor covering materials are installed. For wood floors, wooden beams called joists are positioned across the space to provide strength and stability. Then a layer, usually plywood, goes atop the joists, creating a continuous, smooth surface, onto which floor covering materials can be installed. That is, technically, what the sub-floor is. When installing floor covering, some forms of flooring require a layer of padding on top of the sub-floor – carpeting, laminate, and hardwood, for example. Sometimes a vapor barrier is placed prior to the padding. For luxury vinyl, either type of subfloor is a suitable base for the flooring. The condition of the sub-floor is the critical factor. Simply put, it needs to be dry and clean, and free of bumps or voids. A bump or a void in the sub-floor is very likely to show up as a bump or void in the finished floor.