Below is a list of terms and definitions used on this site.

Anything missing or unclear? Email us your question and we will update the FAQ as soon as possible!

Hardwood FAQ

Where can I get a copy of the warranty for my Lamett Hardwood flooring?

You can download a pdf version of your floor's warranty after selecting the warranties menu in the hardwood overview.

Is the Lamett warranty transferable?

No, the warranty is good only for the original purchaser.

What is the difference between Solid and Engineered, and what are the differences in applications?

Solid wood flooring is a single piece of wood that has been profiled to certain widths (3¼” and 4 7/8”) and in general is roughly ¾” thick.  The lengths are random.   Solid wood flooring is almost always installed via a “nail-down” installation.  This normally means that you must have a wood subfloor.

Lamett Engineered wood floors are a cross-directional multi-ply construction that may be installed either floating, glued down, or stapled down.  This allows for more options in installation in all levels of your home.

Where can solid and engineered wood Lamett Hardwood floors be installed?

Solid wood flooring is recommended for on or above ground level installations only. Engineered flooring, due to the multi-ply, cross grain construction has greater dimensional stability and is suitable also for below ground level installations (i.e. all levels of your home).

Can I put Lamett Hardwood wood flooring in my bathroom?

Hardwood flooring is not recommended for high moisture areas such as full bathrooms with a shower or tub (and wet bar areas).  However, it is fine for traditional ½ baths that have only toilet and sink.

Will hardwood dent?

Hardwood contains a cell structure; therefore, if enough pressure is applied, the cell wall will collapse and a dent will appear.

I moved my area rug and my wood is lighter where my area rug was. What happened?

Wood goes through a natural aging process. Bright sunlight can also accelerate this condition. Moving area rugs or other items that may cause this effect from time to time is recommended.

What should I use under my area rugs?

We suggest a breathable rug underlay. Mesh or grid patterns are best.  For entryways, never use a rug mat with a rubber backing.

When I walk across my hardwood floor, I sometimes hear a popping sound. Why?

There are a number of reasons for this condition. Usually it is caused by uneven sub-floors (see manufacturer's instructions for sub-floor tolerances). Improper trowel or improper adhesive could also cause this.   In most cases, the problem is easily corrected.

My wood floor has some damage. Can it be repaired?

Yes.   If you have a minor chip or slight damage, you can find color-blended fillers at any flooring retailer or major home center.  If the damage is severe enough, you can have individual boards replaced.

Can I wax my urethane floor?

Yes, but this is not recommended. Once you wax a floor, it should be maintained as a wax-finished floor. Wax may inhibit the adhesion of future application of top coating materials, or make it slippery.

Can I refinish my Lamett Hardwood floor?

Yes, but Lamett is not in the refinishing business.  Thus, we do not have specifications on how this should be done. We'd suggest that you contact your local specialty flooring retailer to discuss who in your area refinishes hardwood floors.  Or, you may look in the yellow pages of your phone book for a list of hardwood refinishing companies in your area.

Is there a stain formula available to match my hardwood floor?

Most major paint stores have custom mixing programs as do most of the major home centers.

How do I install my Lamett Hardwood floor?

You can you can find the installation instructions menu in the hardwood overview.

After my wood floors are installed, should I apply a finish coat to seal them from moisture getting down in the cracks?

This is not recommended.  Most floors expand and contract with temperature fluctuations, expanding in the summer, contracting in the winter, throughout their life. This is especially true for solid wood floors.  Therefore, sealing of the joints will only last until the first heating or cooling season.

Where can I install solid or engineered products?

Solid products can only be installed on or above the exterior soil line. Engineered flooring can be installed on, above, and below the soil line.

Are there any rooms in the house where I should not install hardwood floors?

We do not recommend hardwood flooring in full bathrooms that have a shower or bathtub. These rooms have the potential for standing puddles of water that can damage wood floors.

How do I care for my Lamett Hardwood floor?

You can you can find the care and maintenance menu in the hardwood overview.

Can I mop my floors using hot, soapy water?

No. Water can prematurely age your hardwood floors and cause them to crack and split.

What can I use under my furniture to protect the floor from scratching?

Apply felt protector pads in place of the hard metal or plastic buttons that are placed on the legs of furniture (especially chair legs). You should use these on all the legs of your furniture to prevent damage to the floor, and replace them periodically to ensure protection.

Can I roll heavy furniture across my hardwood floors?

No. When moving or rolling heavy pieces of furniture or appliances, use protection, such as strips of 1/4" hardboard as a runner under the wheels or legs. Always move items with caution (see denting under general FAQ's).

Laminate FAQ

Where can I get a copy of the warranty for my Lamett Laminate flooring?

You can download a pdf version of your floor's warranty after selecting the warranties menu in the laminate overview.

Is the Lamett warranty transferable?

No, the warranty is good only for the original purchaser.

Does laminate flooring need to be acclimated?

No. Lamett laminate flooring does not require acclimation.

Is a foam underlayment needed for installation?

Yes. And, if installing over concrete, you must use a minimum 6 mil poly moisture barrier sheeting.

How is Lamett laminate flooring installed?

You can you can find the Installation Instructions menu in the laminate overview.

Can I install laminate flooring myself?

Yes. Since laminate flooring is a click installation, it is one of the easiest flooring types to install.   The instructions are printed on the insert of every carton of laminate flooring. You can also click here for laminate overview.

In what rooms can laminate flooring be installed?

You can install laminate flooring in practically any room. We do advise caution in full baths or areas where the floor may be subjected to large amounts of water, and we do not advise installing Lamett laminate in any room with a floor drain.    

Can I install Lamett laminate flooring over existing floors?   

You can install laminate flooring over most any existing floor or subfloor – wood, wood underlayments, concrete, ceramic and resilient tile, or vinyl sheet flooring. Just make sure your subfloor is structurally sound, dry, clean and flat.

How do I determine the direction in which to install my laminate flooring?

For most, incoming light is the main focus. It is usually best to install the floor with the planks running parallel to light coming in windows or glass doors. For any installation, the starting wall should be long, and as straight as possible.

Can laminate flooring be installed on stairs?

Yes. But you'll need to fully adhere (with adhesive) the flooring to the stairs without using foam underlayment, and follow the special installation instructions for stair installations.

How do I know which molding pieces I need to use, and where?

Lamett provides matching moldings for the following:

• Reducer (transition to lower floor areas, doorways, entryways, etc.)
• Square nose (transition to carpet, entryways, or other)
• Stair Nose
• T-Molding
• Quarter Round

What type of rugs can I use?

Most types of rugs are fine for laminate, but avoid mats or rugs with rubber backing.  Be sure that the mat is colorfast and non-staining.  

How should I clean and maintain my laminate floor?

You can find the care and maintenance menu in the laminate overview.

If I damage my floor, can it be repaired?

You can easily make minor nicks or scratches disappear with a generic color-matched Laminate Floor Touch-Up Kits available at your local flooring retailer or home center.  For major repairs, we suggest you contract a professional.

Can laminate flooring be refinished?

No.