Lumber Liquidators

Choosing a Saw Blade

Choosing the right saw blade for your DIY project can save you a lot of money. Here are some guidelines and tips for picking the blade that is right for the flooring you are working with.

 

Blade Anatomy

Expansion Slots- laser cuts in saw blade sides designed to dissipate heat when cutting. Also allows expansion, reducing warping.
Kerf -blade thickness
Gullets- the space cut out from blade plate between the teeth of a saw blade. The gullets provide room for chips and waste to safely exit the cut.
High-Speed Steel blades (HSS)- Less expensive, harder than steel blades and stays sharp longer.
Carbide-Tipped Blades - more expensive than steel and HSS blades, but they stay sharp much longer than steel or (HSS).
Steel blades - Basic economy, works well for cutting softwood, dulls quickly.

 

Basic Blade Styles:

1. Plywood blade- a very popular blade usually made from High-Speed Steel with 100 or more fine teeth. Recommended for clean cutting paneling, moldings and engineered floorings. $30-$40
2. Combination blade- usually made up of 80 to 100 teeth. This versatile blade cuts a variety of materials very quickly and smoothly, with a minimal amount of splintering. Recommended for cutting Laminates, hardwood the harder exotics and precision miter cutting. $30-$50
3. All-purpose steel blade- is the most commonly used blade. These blades can do a little of everything and normally have about 40 teeth, inexpensive and tends to warp quicker. $20-$30
4. Cut-off blade- is recognized by its 60 and 80 spaced teeth and 10 degrees of hook or angle. The tooth count allows for making quick rough cuts of plywood and 2x4s. Recommended for fast rough cutting. $8-$15

In the image below, each of the four blade styles are shown in order from 1-4.

 

As a general rule, the more teeth there are, the smoother the cuts. However, more teeth always means slower cutting and more load stress on the saw motor. Fewer teeth means faster cutting speed, a reduction in force required and more chance for wood tear-out or splintering.

 

The Right Saw Blade:

Carbide-tipped blades are best when cutting Laminates and harder exotics.
Quality blades can be re-edged or sharpened several times saving money.
Blades having expansion slots are designed to greatly reduce heat-warping allowing the metal to cool thereby extending the life of the blade.
There are many blade versions each designed for cutting different materials. 

 

Power Saws:

10” table saw- will complete about 90% of flooring cuts, “rips or fill-ins” around the walls.
10” – 12” miter or chop saw- quick straight cuts or mitering (crosscuts at 45 degrees)
Jigsaw- cuts special shapes

 

Getting the Most:

Dedicate one blade for Laminates, another for hardwood
Old blades can be saved and used to cut through nail heads when removing existing plywood.
Get money back from worn-out blades at your local scrap yard

 

With Laminate, it’s not the hardness of the high density fiber core (HDFC) that causes saw blades to wear down but actually the abrasion and heat from repeated cutting of the aluminum oxide micro-chips applied to the wear-layer. Interestingly the same aluminum oxide is used to make industrial grade sandpaper! In view of this, a thin kerf 80 to 100 tooth carbide-tipped blade is most effective for cutting laminates and will last for about 1000 sft before needing re-sharpened. 

With Hardwood, blade dulling is common with the denser exotics, especially prefinished aluminum oxide coated floorings.

Always cut flooring OUTSIDE! Blade sparks are common and can ignite a build-up of gas fumes. Do what the pros do. Set up a fan next to your saw to blow dust away from your body, so you’re cleaner and safer.

 

Morning Star Bamboo: An Eco-Friendly Choice!

Bamboo is a popular flooring option that has minimal environmental impact. It’s highly renewable thanks to its extensive root system which allows it to re-grow spontaneously after mature stalks are harvested. It reaches full maturity after only four to six years!

Why choose Morning Star Bamboo at Lumber Liquidators?

Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth!

It's more durable than many traditional hardwoods and can actually cost less.

Only “old-growth” stalks are harvested, thereby increasing hardness to last in your home.

Bamboo generates more oxygen for the atmosphere than a growth of trees the same size.

No pesticides or chemicals are needed; bamboo thrives naturally.

 

Morning Star cares about the environment as much as Lumber Liquidators! 

"We're at an age where consumers are becoming more concerned about what they put in their bodies, and in their homes. At Lumber Liquidators we've recognized this and have strived to make eco-friendly products like bamboo and cork floors readily available to our consumers at a great price." -Tom Sullivan, founder and chairman of Lumber Liquidators

Will we see you using your coupon for 10% off all Morning Star Bamboo? Get here by Monday, April 15!

Morning Star Bamboo: Nail-Down Installation Instructions

If you’re planning to nail down your new Morning Star Bamboo floor, this guide will assist you with tips, directions and helpful hints. Remember, this isn’t all-inclusive and we highly recommend consulting a professional flooring installer on your specific installation. You can always call your local Lumber Liquidators and our Tech & Installation team at (800) 366-4204 with additional questions.  

Preparing to Install 

Natural Variations
Bamboo is a product of nature, characterized by distinct variations in grain, pattern and color which should be expected. They aren’t flaws or defects! Instead, it is the natural beauty and uniqueness of bamboo.
Stained products will have the most uniform color or shade. 

Inspection
The customer/installer is responsible for final inspection of quality and moisture testing of the subfloor and bamboo.
Boards deemed unacceptable can be used in closets, near walls or simply not used at all. Inspect the flooring often. Pieces with defects that can be seen from a standing position should be cut off. Order 5%-10% extra for board selection.
If more than 5% of the material is unusable, contact your local store or Customer Care (800-366-4204) immediately.

Acclimation
Size and shape of bamboo changes with the absorption or release of moisture. The amount of change varies with each species, cut and type of flooring.
Check the installation instructions of the product for proper temperature and humidity settings, and maintain those levels. For most products, the room should be conditioned to between 60 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a 30%-50% humidity level.
To speed up acclimation, open the ends of the boxes.
Remove any plastic around the outside of the boxes.
Do not cut the plastic support bindings or remove from packaging until ready to install.
Cartons should be placed as close to the center of the installation area as possible.
Keep out of direct sunlight.
Keep away from heat/air vents.
Not following these instructions can impact the board performance and cause excessive movement, squeaks, gapping, cupping, and other related issues which aren’t manufacturer related, and therefore are not covered by warranty.

Moisture Testing
Most installation failures result from jobsite moisture!! Complete proper moisture tests.
Wet trade involving water or moisture (plumbing, ceramic tiles, drywall finish, painting, etc.) should be finished with ample time allowed for complete drying prior to bamboo installation.
Do not store in buildings without climate controls (garage, shed, outside, etc.)
Heating, Ventilation and/or Air Conditioning systems should be fully operating and running at least 7 days before delivery.

Subfloor Preparation
A flat surface is very important when gluing down flooring. To minimize squeaks and gaps the final surface must be flat to within ¼” in 10’ radius or 3/16” in 6’ radius (using mechanical fasteners 1½” and longer). Sand or grind down high spots. Allow extra drying time for the leveling compounds

Nailers, Staplers and Fasteners
(for board sizes 3/8”, ½”, 5/8”, 9/16”)

Pneumatic Nailer
Norge 2-in-1 Nailer/Stapler, 16 gage cleats, 1½” to 2” L
Power Nailer 445
Bostich MIIIFN

Pneumatic Stapler
Norge 2-in-1 Nailer/Stapler, 15.5 gage staples, 1½” to 2” L
Bostich MIIIFS
Power Nailer 445FS

Cleat Nailer
Powernail Flex 50m, 50p or M200, M250
Primatech Q500, Q550, 18-20 gage cleat nails ½” long

Cleat Stapler
Powernail 445FS, Bostich MIIIFS 15 gage staples ½” wide, 1½” long 

For the best nailing results, use an 18 or 20 gage Powercleat nail that is at least 1½” in length. Powercleats will perform the best as they do not fold or bend and won’t damage the tongue. The biggest benefit to using a cleat nail is that they will allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the floor as it goes through changes of seasons. Staples have too much holding power and will restrict the necessary movement of the flooring as it goes through these same changes.
Place fasteners every 10” – 12” within 3” – 4” of board ends. Use a minimum of two fasteners in every board.

Approved Underlayments

15 lb Felt Paper- do not overlap seems
White Silicon Vapor Shield 
Bellawood Premium- film side up (flooring minimum >3/8” thickness)
Eco Silent Sound HD- film side down (flooring minimum >3/8” thickness”
Dream Home Insulayment- smooth side up (flooring minimum >3/8” thickness)
Dream Home Cork- smooth side up (between 3/8” and ¼” max thickness)

 

Pre-Installation

Inspection

1. The installer is the final quality inspector.
2. Lay out each piece to visually inspect for imperfections that can be cut out, or adjustments that should be made.
3. Set aside defective boards. These can be used in hidden places such as a closet. If the defect is unacceptable, the installer should cut it out or set it aside completely.
4. Using stain, touch-up pens or filler sticks for correction during installation is normal.
5. Lumber Liquidators recommends moisture testing and the use of moisture barriers.

Test the Nailer
Tongue fracture and surface dimpling during installation is common and can be minimized by (1) Installing the flooring in proper lighting (2) using the correct nail thickness, (3) using the recommended shoe adaptor, or (4) changing the angle of nail entry. Many installers will sometimes temporarily adjust the nailer angle by applying layers of duct tape to the bottom foot plate of the nailer.
To further reduce the occurrence of surface dimpling and tongue fracture the use of flooring nailers with a thinner 18-20 gage cleat nail may be needed for the Bamboo. In addition, the use of an over-size base or foot plate to distribute the nailing force is encouraged.
If surface dimpling or tongue fracture occurs when nailing the harder Strand Bamboo, drilling pilot holes and hand nailing may be required. Gluing down bamboo is also an option to avoid board damage.
Use caution when fastening the harder exotics with Staplers. The drive bar in Staplers are wider and if fasteners are overdriven can act like a wood chisel, splitting tongues. Do not mix fasteners when nailing. Staples and cleats hold differently when mixed can result in irregular seasonal gapping and or movement. When face or top nailing, pick areas of the grain or pattern that would best hide touch-up fillers.
Forcing or pounding floor boards together with a rubber mallet during assembly may burse or damage unprotected board edges.

 

Tips
Install flooring in normal proper lighting.
Do not install flooring under permanent or fixed cabinetry.
Avoid board grouping, board sizes should be intermingled.
Use breathable materials like paper when covering a newly installed floor.
The customer is advised to be home during the installation for consultation/direction.
Customer and installer should discuss installation and layout to maximize satisfaction.
Floor should be installed from several cartons at the same time.
Save the item number found on the packaging box ends for future questions.
Use caution when using staples on bamboo. Staples may increase the risk for tongue fracture and surface dimples.
Do not mix fasteners when nailing. Staples and cleats hold differently and when mixed can result in irregular fastening and/or may allow excessive movement.
When face or top nailing, pre-drilling is recommended. Pick areas of the grain or pattern that would best hide touch-up fillers.
Do not use significantly bowed, crooked or twisted boards. Use a wood spline or slip tongue whenever a change in board direction is needed. Splines should be glued with PVA wood glue and nailed into place. Forcing or pounding floor boards together with a rubber mallet during assembly can bruise or damage board edges.

 

Installation Instructions

Grade:

Bamboo flooring can be glued:
Above grade
On grade

Subfloor:

Bamboo flooring can be glued to:
OSB (2/4” min)
Plywood (5/8” min)
Firm linoleum
Firm kitchen vinyl

We do not recommend bamboo for use over radiant heat flooring. For greater thermal insulation and sound isolation, the floor can be glued over an approved underlayment (see Approved Underlayments above).

Proper Board Placement
Boards with similar widths should be placed together in the same row to minimize gaps between boards.

Steps:

1. The first three rows MUST BE STRAIGHT.
2. Determine the starting wall, usually the longest or outside foundation wall. At the two opposite ends of this wall, measure out and mark on the subfloor the width of the new floor plus an expansion gap. An Expansion gap or space must be left around the perimeter and at all vertical obstructions. This space is normally the same as the thickness of the new flooring, for example; 1/2” flooring requires 1/2” expansion.
3. Keep the flooring straight, snap a chalk line on the floor connecting the two floor marks. Align the tongue side of the first row of boards on the chalk line with the groove side towards the starting wall, maintain the expansion space.
4. Pre-drill and top nail the first row of boards only. Hand nail the following rows until nailing machines can be used. Ensure that the nailing machines do not damage the pre-finished edges or surface. Nail into the tongue side not the groove side, refer to picture.
5. Complete the floor.
6. Rip-cut final row of boards to fit. If the final board row is less than 1˝ in width it should be edge-glued with PVA wood glue and fastened to the last secure row.

For best matching of sheen or milling save a box of flooring for future repairs.

 

Have more questions? Call our Tech & Installation team at 800-366-4204 for additional assistance!

Featured Floor: Morning Star Strand Carbonized Bamboo

Morning Star Bamboo is one of the best bamboo floors on the market today. The reeds used to make it are at least four years old, giving it increased hardness and durability. Plus, they are ecologically friendly floors because bamboo is a grass that re-grows spontaneously after harvest. Morning Star Strand Carbonzied is one of the top selling, highest rated bamboo floors at Lumber Liquidators!

So, what’s in a name? You can tell a lot about a floor based on what it’s called.

Strand- Twice as hard as oak, strand bamboo is an optimal choice for busy homes. To make strand bamboo, shredded bamboo fibers are woven together and compressed under extreme heat and pressure which yields a harder and denser floor. In addition, the color permeates the entire plank, so scratches aren’t as visible.

Carbonized- This refers to the color of the floor. The bamboo is steamed or boiled, caramelizing the sugar within it. This causes the starch to become darker and richer in color that permeates the entire board.

 

Why do people love it?
- Real bamboo
- Eco-friendly
- Low emission adhesive
-Glue down or nail down
-30 year warranty

Hear from the experts about bamboo:

  

94% of those who reviewed this product on our website would recommend it to a friend. What have reviewers said about it?

Pros:

Attractive finish, durable, beautiful color, easy to clean, easy to install

Best Uses:

Dining room, living room, family room, bedroom, office

 
“The flooring contractor recommended by Lumber Liquidators installed the floor. The bamboo is very beautiful and has great variation in color. Not sure how they will hold up with scratches since they were just installed but they look great!”

“The product was excellent.”

 

“My son and I installed this floor last November and absolutely love it. You need a very strong Nailer though, or you will get dimpling on the next board. Just love the look, I have a German Shepherd and two cats. They haven't scratched it yet, Very durable.”

“Very nice product, little to no waste. Very hard material, make sure to predrill when face nailing. Boxes were very uniform in color. The floor looks great. Glad we went with this flooring and the guys at our LL store where great to work with.”

 

Get 10% off ALL Morning Star Bamboo with the coupon found on www.lumberliquidators.com until April 15, 2013!!

Morning Star Bamboo: Glue-Down Installation Instructions

This is a guide for the glue-down installation of Morning Star Bamboo. We’ll give you tips, directions and helpful hints, but this is not all inclusive! We highly recommend you consult with a professional flooring installer on your specific installation. You can always call your local Lumber Liquidators or our Tech & Installation team at (800) 366-4204 with additional questions. We want you to love your floor forever, beginning with a proper installation! 

Preparing to Install

Natural Variations
Bamboo is a product of nature, characterized by distinct variations in grain, pattern and color which should be expected. They aren’t flaws or defects! Instead, it’s the natural beauty and uniqueness of bamboo. Stained products will have the most uniform color or shade.

 Inspection
The customer/installer is responsible for final inspection of quality and moisture testing of the subfloor and bamboo.
Boards deemed unacceptable can be used in closets, near walls or simply not used at all. Inspect the flooring often. Pieces with defects that can be seen from a standing position should be cut off. Order 5%-10% extra for board selection.
If more than 5% of the material is unusable, contact your local store or Customer Care (800-366-4204) immediately.

 Acclimation
Size and shape of bamboo changes with the absorption or release of moisture.
Check the installation instructions of your specific product for proper temperature and humidity settings, and maintain those levels. For most products, the room should be conditioned to between 60 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a 30%-50% humidity level.
To speed up acclimation, open the ends of the boxes.
Remove any plastic around the outside of the boxes.
Do not cut the plastic support bindings or remove from packaging until ready to install.
Cartons should be placed as close to the center of the installation area as possible.
Keep out of direct sunlight.
Keep away from heat/air vents.
Not following these instructions can impact the board performance and cause excessive movement, squeaks, gapping, cupping, and other related issues which aren’t manufacturer related, and therefore are not covered by warranty.

 Moisture
Most installation failures result from jobsite moisture!! Complete proper moisture tests.
Wet trade involving water or moisture (plumbing, ceramic tiles, drywall finish, painting, etc.) should be finished with ample time allowed for complete drying prior to bamboo installation.
Do not store in buildings without climate controls (garage, shed, outside, etc.)
Heating, Ventilation and/or Air Conditioning systems should be fully operating and running at least 7 days before delivery.

Subfloor Preparation
Concrete must be between 60 to 90 days old prior to installation and free of surface sealers or contaminates.
A flat surface is very important when gluing down flooring. To minimize squeaks and gaps the final surface must be flat to within 1/8" in 6’ radius or within 3/16” in 10’ radius. Sand or grind down high spots. Fill valleys or low areas with cement based leveling compounds compatible with the flooring adhesives. Allow extra drying time for the leveling compounds.

Recommended Adhesives

Mapei
Mapei 2-in-1 Moisture Control & Adhesive 
Mapei ECO 980 Adhesive

Bostik
Bostik Seal-n-Grip 
Bostik DuraGrip 
Bostik’s Best Adhesive 
Bostik Moisture Barrier   

CAUTION
Cured adhesive may cloud, chemically damage, or etch the floor’s finish. Clean wet adhesive from the surface of the floor frequently using the manufacturer’s recommended remover. Use clean towels, changing frequently to prevent haze and residue. Contact the adhesive manufacturer for dried adhesive removal remedies.

Approved Underlayments
Bellawood Premium- film side up 
Eco Silent Sound HD- film side down 
Dream Home Insulayment- smooth side up
Dream Home Cork- smooth side up 

Allow underlayment to fully cure before gluing bamboo to the underlayment.

 

Pre-Installation

Inspection

1. The installer is the final quality inspector.
2. Lay out each piece to visually inspect for imperfections that can be cut out, or adjustments that should be made.
3. Set aside defective boards. These can be used in hidden places such as a closet. If the defect is unacceptable, the installer should cut it out or set it aside completely.
4. Using stain, touch-up pens or filler sticks for correction during installation is normal.
5. Lumber Liquidators recommends moisture testing, the use of moisture barriers and the use of approved wood flooring adhesives listed above (see Recommended Adhesives).
6. Do not mix adhesive products. Use moisture barriers and adhesives from the same manufacturer.
7. Use the trowel size recommended by the adhesive manufacturer. Use a new trowel with each new container of adhesive (trowel teeth will wear down with constant use).
8. Follow glue manufacturer’s instructions for set time.

 

Tips

 Install flooring in normal proper lighting.
Do not install flooring under permanent or fixed cabinetry.
Avoid board grouping. Board sizes should be intermingled.
Use breathable materials like paper when covering a newly installed floor.
The customer is advised to be home during the installation for consultation/direction.
Customer and installer should discuss installation and layout to maximize satisfaction.
Floor should be installed from several cartons at the same time.
Save the item number found on the packaging box ends for future questions.
Use Blue Painter’s Tape to keep installed rows or sections together until the adhesive has cured. Tape together 4 or 5 rows at 18” intervals. (Incorrect tape can harm the finish).

 

Installation Instructions

Grade:

Bamboo flooring can be glued:
Above grade
On grade 

Subfloor:

Bamboo flooring can be glued to:
Concrete
Plywood
Firm linoleum
Firm kitchen vinyl
Steel
Ceramic/Marble

We do not recommend bamboo for use over radiant heat flooring. For greater thermal insulation and sound isolation, the floor can be glued over an approved underlayment (see Approved Underlayments above).

Proper Board Placement

Boards with similar widths should be placed together in the same row to minimize gaps between boards.

Steps:

1. Determine the starting wall, usually the longest foundation wall. At the two opposite ends of this wall, measure out and mark on the floor the width of several rows of boards, (this could be 12”to 24”) including the expansion gap.
2. The expansion gap is normally the same as the thickness of the new flooring, for example, ½” flooring requires ½” expansions.
3.  Next, use a chalk line to connect the two marks. Follow this chalked line when applying both the adhesive and boards. THE FIRST ROWS MUST BE STRAIGHT.
4. Using an approved trowel and wood flooring adhesive, glue the first few rows between the wall and chalk line.
5. First row only. Using a table saw remove the tongue part, then place the tongue side towards the wall with groove side facing outwards. Lay flooring into the adhesive following the straight line. Stay off the new floor while working.
6. Progressively lay-in the next boards by engaging the tongue and groove then drop board into adhesive. Avoid dragging or sliding boards together as this can trap or squeeze glue up in between the boards creating gaps. Continue working 4 or 5 rows together, then measure and cut the last boards as needed to complete the rows.
7. The balance of a board cut is used to start a new row, discard lengths under 6”. Avoid clustering of end joints. Stagger the ends of the boards correctly. Smaller boards should be intermixed throughout the installed floor. A tapping block can be used to gently tap the boards into proper position. During installation, end gaps between boards can be minimized by temporarily locking a completed row in place by using spacers placed between the wall and the last board of each row, remove when glue has dried.
8. Repeat the process. Chalk new lines, spread adhesive and continue working 4 or 5 rows together until completed.

The last rows:

1. Most often, the entire length of the last row will need to be trimmed so that it is narrow enough to fit the remaining space. It should be glued and wedged into place. Leave all spacers in the expansion space until the adhesive has cured, then remove. Keep the floor free from foot traffic, until adhesive has cured.
2. Do not to spread adhesive too far ahead of your work area. If the adhesive skins over and fails to transfer, remove and spread new adhesive to achieve proper bonding to the subfloor.
3. Occasionally lift a board and check for adhesive transfer. Adequate adhesive transfer is necessary to ensure sufficient holding strength.
4. When not in use, keep the adhesive container tightly closed to prevent drying and difficulty in spreading the adhesive. Proper ventilation within the room should be provided. Follow the recommendations on the adhesive container.
5. After installation, allow glue to fully cure for 24 hrs before replacing furniture and foot traffic.
6. For best matching of sheen or milling save a box of flooring for future repairs.

 

Have more questions? Call our Tech & Installation team at 800-366-4204 for additional assistance!

Understanding Underlayment

Underlayment can give you a more comfortable room, minimize airborne sound transmissions between floors, and even keep the floor warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. We have several underlayment products to choose from, so which one is right for you?

Eco-Silent Sound HD Underlayment

Square Feet per Roll: 100
Roll Size: 34” x 141’ x .078”
Flooring Applications: floating, glue-down, nail-down
Flooring Type: Hardwood, Laminate, Vinyl

Benefits:
Helps eliminate minor subfloor imperfections
Helps reduce floor noise by providing excellent sound absorption
Adds a thermal value
Can be used with radiant heat flooring
Made with 100% post consumer recycled granulated rubber tires and polyurethane foam

Installation Instructions: http://bit.ly/14p7jRb

 

Bellawood Premium Underlayment

Square Feet per Roll: 100
Roll Size: 3’ x 33.4’ x 0.11”
Flooring Applications: nail-down, glue-down
Flooring Type: Clic Vinyl, Engineered Hardwood, Laminate (floating)

Benefits:
Great acoustic benefits
Can be used with radiant heat flooring
Can be used over most industry-approved subfloors
The vapor barrier is specifically designed for optimal bond with adhesives and helps seal around mechanical fasteners in nail-down applications.

Installation Instructions: http://bit.ly/WsQjLG

 

Dream Home Insulayment

Square Feet per Roll: 100
Roll Size: 3’ x 33.4’ x 0.11”
Flooring Applications: glue-down, nail-down, floating
Flooring Type: Solid Hardwood, Engineered Hardwood

Benefits:
Excellent sound reduction
Helps keep flooring warm in the winter and cool in the summer
Cushions flooring
Has an antimicrobial structure
Can be used with radiant heat flooring
Made with 100% recycled fiber

Installation Instructions: http://bit.ly/WsTgvQ

 

Dream Home Quiet Walk Underlayment
Square Feet per Roll: 100
Roll Size: 3’ x 33.4’ x 0.125”
Flooring Applications: floating
Flooring Type: Laminate, Hardwood

Benefits:
Helps smooth out minor subfloor imperfections
Excellent sound reduction
Adds a thermal value
Can be used with radiant heat flooring
Has a moisture barrier with increased strength
Has an antimicrobial composition and attached vapor barrier
Made from recycled materials
QuietWalk® filaments are randomly air-laid creating a capillary affect to cushion the floor and absorb sound. When properly installed, QuietWalk can wick sub-floor or incidental perimeter moisture and disperse it through the pad. 

Installation Instructions: http://bit.ly/10a5XwJ

 

Elastilon Self Adhesive Underlayment

Square Feet per Roll: 107.64
Roll Size: 3.281’ x 32.81’ x 1/8”
Flooring Applications: floating
Flooring Type: Solid Hardwood, Engineered Hardwood

Benefits:
Excellent sound reduction qualities
Great thermal characteristics
Can be used with under floor heating systems
Resists mildew, mold and bacteria
Permanently elastic underlay that can be installed 50% to 70% faster…no more glue or nails!

Installation Instructions: http://bit.ly/XQLlXo

 

Dream Home 6mm Cork Underlayment Sheet

Square Feet per Roll: 150
Roll Size: 2’ x 3’ x ¼”
Flooring Applications: glue-down, nail-down, floating
Flooring Type: Hardwood

Benefits:
Excellent sound and insulation qualities
Cork is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to mold and mildew
Perfect as an isolation barrier to dampen impact noise between floor levels
Ideal for condominiums and building associations requiring sound control before allowing the installation of a hard surface floor

Installation Instructions: http://bit.ly/VAlraT

 

Dream Home Foam Underlayment

Square Feet per Roll: 100
Roll Size: 4’ x 25’ x 1/16”
Flooring Applications: Laminate with pre-attached pad, floating Engineered Hardwood

Benefits:
Helps even imperfections in the sub-floor
Helps muffle sound
Comes with adhesive tape for seams

Installation Instructions: Use with 6 mil poly moisture barrier when installing over concrete substrates. Heavier floating floors perform best applied over heavier, denser underlayments offering better support to the locking system.

 

Dream Home 6mil Poly Sheeting

Square Feet per Roll: 300
Roll Size: 10’ x 30’ x 0.006”
Flooring Applications: floating over concrete
Flooring Type: Laminate, Engineered Hardwood, Vinyl (installed on a slab)

Benefits:
Impermeable moisture barrier guaranteed to prevent moisture from getting to your new floor from the substrate when installed over concrete slabs

Installation Instructions: For best moisture protection, overlap seams 6-8”, tape seams well with duct tape or an aggressive plastic tape. Allow the vapor barrier to run up the walls 3-4”. The excess can be trimmed once the installation is complete. Do not use over wood subfloors!

 

15 lb Felt Paper

Square Feet per Roll: 432
Roll Size: 3’ x 141’ x 0.024”
Flooring Applications: nail-down, staple, floating
Flooring Type: Recommended to use over crawl spaces, basements, garages

Benefits:
Slows down the natural upward moisture vapor transmission
Can be used in layers to build up differences in subfloor irregularities

 

White Silicone Vapor Paper

Square Feet per Roll: 400
Roll Size: 34” x 141’ x 0.006”
Flooring Applications: nail-down, staple, floating over wood subfloors
Flooring Type: recommended to use over crawl spaces, basements, garages

Benefits:
Can be used in layers to build up differences in subfloor imperfections
Reduces squeaking
Slows down natural upward moisture vapor transmission
Made from 100% recycled paper
Best choice over radiant heat systems 

Customer Projects: Winter 2013

This winter, Lumber Liquidators customers completed some awesome projects! Check out these upgraded homes with customer photos from December through March! 

Your Reviews

“These floors are beautiful. Their handscraped texture gives them a rustic feel which is perfect for our Mediterranean style home. They seem very durable as I have dropped a few things on them and not left any mark at all. Holy recommend. they’re gorgeous.”
(Morning Star Antique Strand Handscraped) 

“Great price for a great look! This flooring was used in my rental duplex after pulling up the carpet. Makes the unit look much more elegant. My other tenant is jealous!”
(Calico Cherry Laminate)

“We used this flooring to replace glue down hardwood floors that were damaged in a water loss, on the downstairs floor. The wood was so amazing at the local San Antonio, TX store, I went ahead and purchased enough to redo the kitchen tile to all wood for a seamless look...and I AM SO GLAD I DID! We were looking at a lower price point engineered flooring at the store but they were out of stock...we went up in our budget and every penny was worth it. The floors have that wow factor and our installation husband and wife team fell in love with it! So much that she wants to pull her tile up and put something like this down in her home! All my husband's friends, think it's just great and have asked for their wives to look at it in our home. I'm so excited about it! With four kids, 2 huge dogs and 2 cats, clean up is a breeze, scuffs and marks are a thing of the past and any that is significant is just character to the distressed and handscraped planks.” 
(Virginia Mill Works Arezzo Hickory Handscraped) 

“I used this flooring to revamp my 1,000sqft condominium unit. It looks gorgeous & has added increasing value for when I sell. But now that I love the flooring I don’t want to sell. Really, it’s a gorgeous product. The color is beautiful and rich. It really changed my small living space! What a great upgrade!”
(Dream Home Angel Fire Cherry Laminate) 

We recently had laminate flooring installed in our home. We chose the long length oak as the original flooring was a wide plank flooring. Our home was built in 1812. We have been renovating it, trying to keep as much of the original wood working and molding as possible. We were, however, unable to salvage the original flooring on the main level (second floor) and the long length oak was a perfect replacement.
(Dream Home Heritage Long Length Oak Laminate) 

“We have our entire condominium redone with this floor, and we couldn’t be happier with it. This bamboo replaced white carpet and improved the look and feel of our condo by 100%. We have two large dogs so we needed something durable, and this bamboo fit the bill. No scratches.”
(Morning Star Antique Clic Strand Bamboo) 

“The floor is very durable and relatively easy to install. We installed it ourselves, and it took about two days to do 1,100 square feet. We have two dogs, both over 100 pounds, and have yet to see a scratch caused by them.”
(Morning Star Songjiang Strand Handscraped Bamboo) 

 

Before and After

"I'm sending a couple of before and after photos of our kitchen remodel.  We absolutely LOVE the floor -St. James Collection by Dream Home - 12mm Kings Forest Maple- Laminate Flooring- 25 Year Warranty. The service and price at Lumber Liquidators was amazing!"

Dream Home Blacksburg Barnboard Laminate

Mayflower Dakota Birch Handscraped (previously called Sundance Birch)

Hickory Smoked Mesquite

 

Images We Love

Clover Lea Savannah Gold Heart Pine

Dream Home Tanzanian Wenge Laminate

Williamsburg Butchre Block American Walnut Countertop

Williamsburg Butcher Block Co. Maple Countertop

Dream Home Mission Olive Laminate

Dream Home Glacier Peak Poplar Laminate

Dream Home Apple River Canyon Oak Laminate

Bellawood Brazilian Cherry

Morning Star Tiger Strand Bamboo

Cleaning Dos and Don'ts

Wet mops, vinger, oil, soap, detergent…these are all things that should never come in contact with your floor! Protect the natural beauty of your hardwood flooring with these cleaning dos and don’ts.

Do

Try using our Bellawood Hardwood Floor Cleaner. (It's designed for hardwood, laminate, ceramic or vinyl!)

Read all the precautionary information if you choose to use a different brand of cleaning product, and check your warranty to ensure using a specific product won’t void it. Use products compatible with the finish on your floor. (There are so many products out there, we can’t endorse or recommend a specific one. Just know what you’re putting on your floors and what your warranty allows.)

Use a damp cloth to blot spills.

Sweep, dust and vacuum regularly with a soft floor attachment. As annoying as this can be, it will prevent dirt buildup that can scratch your floor.

Try removing tough spots like lipstick, markers and paint with mineral spirits on a clean white cloth then wiped with a damp cloth.

Try hardening spots like candle wax and chewing gum with ice and then gently scraping with a plastic scraped like a credit card. (careful not to scratch the floor, though!)

 

Don’t

Don't clean with a steam or wet mop. They are not recommended because moisture can collect between boards, and moisture damage can cause some big issues, like warping, edge cupping and bubbling.

Don’t let liquid stand on your floor.

Don’t clean with:
Vinegar (it’s is a mild acid that, even diluted, can cloud, soften or etch your finish.
Oil-based cleaners
Wax
Polish
Ammoniated or abrasive cleaners
Steel wool or scouring powder
Soap (including oil-based soap)
Products containing lemon oil, tung oil, silicone or ammonia
Detergent
Any other liquid cleaning material
Buffing machines

Featured Floor: Schon Quick Clic Engineered Natural Hickory

Natural Hickory is a durable engineered floor constructed with a real hardwood veneer on top of a moisture-resistant high density fiberboard. This provides extra protection against denting and enables the most precise milling to enhance ease of installation.

Why do we love it?
- Real Wood Layer
- Single Strip
- Easy Floating "Click-Together" installation
- Backed by a 30 Year Warranty

Hear from the experts about click floating floors:

  

100% of those who reviewed this product on our website would recommend it to a friend. What have reviewers said about it?

Pros:

Attractive finish

Beautiful color

Easy to install

Easy to clean

Durable

Best Uses:

Bedroom

Dining room

Living room

Family room

Office

 What are customers saying about it?

“Very easy to install. I am a tear down walls, put in new windows and doors
kind of guy but I never did a floor install before. Very quick and great quality at a very good price. Removing the old rug was the hardest part. The floor install was no problem.”

"Installed in basement. Looks amazing. Install was easy. Just need to be careful putting sides together, as some material can keep it from going completely together. You just need to pull them apart and clean out any small pieces that are in there."

“We took the carpet out of our small bedrooms and installed this hickory floor. We have a 20 year old ash floor in our great room so we wanted something light that would flow. This floor was so easy for my fiance to install. It took him 2 days and his only tool was a handsaw. This wood is so beautiful and much harder than the ash. I wish Lumber Liquidators had been around when I built the house 20 years ago.”

“This was very easy install... infact it only took 1 day to complete the entire job. Looks great!”

 

 

Ready to replace your floor? Get Schon Natural Hickory, and all Engineered Quick Clic floors for 10% off until Monday, 3/18!

Top 3: Dream Home Laminate

 Taking advantage of the 20% discount you'll get on all Dream Home Laminate until March 18? Dream Home Laminate offers a regal alternative to hardwood. These are three of our best selling laminates from the St. James collection by Dream Home, found at your local Lumber Liquidators!!

Dream Home- St. James African Mahogany Laminate

4.6 stars

97% would recommend to a friend 

Pros:

attractive finish, beautiful color, easy to clean, durable, easy to install

Customers Say:

“The floor looked easy to install, however, a professional contractor installed it for us. They did a beautiful job and it took them only one day.”

 “We ordered over 900 sq feet on Weds. Our installer ( for a small fee) delivered it to the house on Friday. On Monday we had beautiful new floors in the bedrooms and office. Lumber Liquidators delivered spot-on service, product and a great price. I'd buy from them again.”

“Great product, easy to install and planks that fit like a glove. Shines beautiffully and looks wonderful.”

“We needed to take out the carpet in our living room and den and to our surprise it only took us 2 weekends and a few weeknights to finish both rooms. They looked so beautiful we decided to do the entire house. As one of the reviewers stated, the room entrances do require more work, but the rest of the work went pretty quickly as my husband was installing as I laid out the planks. We absolutely love the results - our house looks brand new! I would recommend this product to anyone who is thinking of replacing their carpet with flooring.”  

The Look:

Dream Home- St. James Nantucket Beech Laminate

4.6 stars

98% would recommend to a friend

 Pros:

attractive finish, beautiful color, easy to clean, easy to install, durable 

Customers Say:

“We love the color, finish, and durability of this floor. It looks much more expensive in person and we've had several people compliment us about our choice and ask for info on how they can get it for themselves.”

“I used this laminate in my bedroom and it's beautiful! The high gloss is unbelievable. It looks as if I just had the floor buffed. Everyone who sees it says the same thing:"It doesn't look like laminate!" To my surprise, it really does look like good quality wooden flooring. What a great investment!”

“I've had them down in a home office for a couple of weeks now and could not be happier.”

“The floor far exceeded our expectations. I will never buy another floor anywhere but lumber liquidaters. My friends and family are very impressed and my daughter and son-in-law are going to purchase the same floor we did. I am very pleased.”

The Look:

Dream Home- St. James Brazilian Koa Laminate

4.3 stars

92% would recommend to a friend

 Pros:

attractive finish, beautiful color, easy to install, durable, easy to clean

Customers Say:

“I love my new floor. I wish I continued it in our bedrooms that is how much I love it!”

“I feel as if I have new home. The floor is perfect for the earth tones I use throughout the living, dining and sun rooms. Love it. I have no complaints!”

“We are so happy with the product.”

“Our house feels like new! I am so glad we went with the 12mm laminate over our old wood floors.The house is quieter, cleaner and looks great. The St James Brazilian Koa looks great!The sale price was incredible, and we plan to do our bedrooms next.”

The Look:

 

 

Get these and ALL Dream Home Lamiantes for 20% off until March 18, 2013! Visit www.lumberliquidators.com for details!