Shopping for laminate flooring can be an overwhelming task. There is a huge amount of information out there, and oftentimes it’s hard to swim through the advertisements to find what you’re looking for. Below you’ll find straightforward answers to questions our customers consistently ask. For more information on specific products we carry, start by checking out our Kronoswiss and Kronotex pages. More questions? Don’t hesitate to give Daryl a call at 281-734-7574.
Should I attempt to install laminate flooring myself?
The most important factor in installing the product is which type of locking system does it incorporate. I am an old installer myself and I purchase only materials that have easy to use and precision fit locking systems. There are several different types available. The better quality ones cost us more. We pay the patent fees required to obtain these materials. Most stores dont pay these fees and subsequently sell inferior and sometimes outdated systems. When you are down on your hands and knees trying to get these materials to go together this becomes a very important issue to you very quickly. When you have a day of installing a poorly designed locking system and or product , you will feel like you have been in a fistfight and lost. The tools needed are minimal. The best thing we can offer our customers is free advice from a master laminate flooring mechanic. If you need help please call me . That is what I am here for.
How do the pieces attach to each other?
Kronotex and Kronoswiss both incorporate the newest and best locking system. Their unique locking system incorporates a side tilt, and flat end joint installation.
What good does the commercial rating do me?
The floor will be much more resistant to denting and scratching. It won’t warp or cup. It looks more like real wood than the cheaper laminates.
Do you have transition molding in stock for all of the colors that you sell?
WE DO! This can become a big issue. When we place an order to Germany or Switzerland it takes about three months before we receive our order. We are very diligent about maintaining good stock in all of the colors that we sell. Make sure that you can get the appropriate molding for your color before you order laminate from anyone. We stock T molding, reducer, carpet endcap, baseboard, quarter round, and stair bullnose.
Can we pickup materials from one of your warehouses?
We have warehouses in Houston and in Austin Texas. We do encourage you to pickup at one of our warehouses. We pull these materials directly off the Ocean Containers. They come direct from the manufacturer. They have never been handled by an uncaring shipping company. The boxes are in pristine condition. Don’t believe my competitors when they say that materials rarely get damaged when shipping to you. We are experts at packaging these materials but they are still vulnerable to damage.
What to do if we ship to you and the product has damage.
Make sure to get the truck driver to sign for exactly what it looks like the damage is before you sign the bill of laden. Call or Email me and we will ship you what you need to replace any damaged boards on the next available truck. The customer will be responsible for the cost of any replacement materials until they can be reimbursed by the trucking company making the delivery.
What is your policy on packing to ship?
We lead the industry in our packing to ship techniques. We protect all packages we ship with corner protectors on all edges. We do not guarantee that you will receive your package undamaged. Any damage done to your shipment is between you and the shipper.
Who pays for shipping?
Buyer is responsible for all shipping costs.
How does the warranty work?
There is warranty information packed in each box of laminate. With these tools you register directly with the manufacturer. I have stayed with the Kronotex and Kronoswiss companies because of the quality of their products and the way they treat their customers. Kronotex is a hundred year old company. They know what it takes to get and keep customers and so do I! All of the products we sell feature an extensive warranty that protects you against wear, stain and fading. If you ever do encounter a problem, don’t panic, call us and we’ll get it straight.
Do you sell a “how to video”?
We will give you the best and most comprehensive how to DVD you will find. We produced the DVD ourselves, and it is an invaluable tool throughout the self-installation process. We offer this upon purchase of materials.
*Note* The minimum order we can ship must total at least $250.00 not including shipping. We charge a $75.00 handling fee for all orders under $500.00 not including shipping.
Additional Information
There are three basic components in a laminate floor.
- The wear layer on top.
- The core (center).
- The backing.
THE WEAR LAYER
This is the top of the board. The products we sell are all commercially rated. They earn this rating by having a 50 to 100% thicker wear layer than our competitors. You don’t have to be an expert to be able to see the difference in the way these materials look. Some laminates don’t look much like real wood. The materials we sell look more authentic than anything you’ll find anywhere. Texture is very important to the overall look ot the product. It diffuses light and makes the laminate look more like real wood. When you look at laminate, you are actually looking at a photograph of wood. Most products have a fuzzy look to the photo. The floors we sell look very clear and authentic. You work hard for your money, don’t waste it on something that looks fake. You will be mad at yourself every day you come home from work and look at it.
THE CORE
Our core is rated at 190 lbs. Per sq. ft. This is 30 to 60% higher than most of our competitors. I went into Home Depot the other day and saw a product that initially was pretty impressive. It had a good texture, but when I picked it up I couldn’t believe how light it was. I don’t think it weighed one fifth of what our product’s weigh. The density of the board is very important. This is what makes the material resistant to denting and also makes it more stable (resistant to cupping or warping).
THE BACKING
A lot of the early laminate products had either a paper backing or a thin melamine backing. If you look at a lot of laminate floors that have been installed for a while you will see something called cupping. The boards are slightly warped and it gives the overall effect of waves in the floor. Researcher’s finally determined that this was due to instability in the individual board’s. Everything we sell has a double melamine back. This is a very important feature. I have sold millions of feet of these products and have never had a warranty claim due to cupping or warping. This is really phenomenal.
9 reasons why Kronoswiss and Kronotex flooring are the better choice:
- Wear: The high wear resistance of the surface ensures that these floors preserve their value. No signs of wear and tear or tread marks are visible even after years of use.
- Non-fade: Strong light and direct rays of sunshine don’t make the surface fade. The colors still look brand new after years.
- Non-scratch: Kronotex laminate flooring is largely scratch-proof, and caster resistant according DIN norms. This flooring is not fazed by slips and heavy blows. The surface is still smooth and beautiful after many years of use.
- Chemical: Chemicals and cleaners used in the home are generally no threat to the resistant surface of Kronotex floors.
- Low flammability: Kronotex flooring is largely cigarette-proof and of low flammability. It doesn’t burst into flame at the first opportunity. Even when a cigarette falls, the laminate will rarely show any damage.
- Easy-care: Dirt and grime wipe off easily.
- Non-damaging to health: This flooring is manufactured without using PVC containing substances, PCB’s or dioxins and thus provide a healthy climate for living in. With its hygienic surface, it is also ideal for people with allergies.
- Robust: Even heavy furniture leaves no impressions in the areas where it is supported (to be recommended: felt padding).
- Easy laying: The low height allows simple and problem-free laying on existing floors. Laminate flooring is thus particularly suitable for renovation and redeveloping old buildings.
Structure of Laminate Flooring
The top is formed of a particularly resistant melamine related protective film (1), which is pressed together with the attractively resinated pattern film (2) to create a wear-proof surface. The support board (3) consists of a thin, highly compressed HDF fiber board E1. A damp hinderin stabilization film (4) on the base of the support board ensures the high form stability of laminate floors.
The result: an easy-care and wear-resistant floor with an attractive surface.
Laminate Flooring Packaging Contents and Dimensions
Packaging/unit: varies with product
Length: varies
Width: varies
Thickness: varies
Decoration surface area: varies
Package weight: varies
Utilisation Classes: AC 3-AC 5
* abrasion-resistant and suitable for castor chairs
* hard wearing and compression proof
* easy-care and hygienic
* stain and cigarette burn-resistant
* non-fading
* environmentally friendly HDF E1
* flameresistant B1 DIN 4102
* produced and tested in compliance with DIN/EN 13329