Calculators

Guides

Guide

Why Laminate Flooring Creaks

Creaking usually means that planks or locking joints are moving under load. Locate the sound and inspect the subfloor, underlayment and perimeter before trying a quick fix.

Guide

Why Laminate Flooring Needs Expansion Gaps

A floating laminate floor needs room for small dimensional changes. Leave the perimeter and other fixed details according to the flooring manufacturer’s guidance.

Guide

Why Laminate Flooring Joints Separate

Separating joints mean that the locking system is being moved or was not assembled correctly. Check the planks, subfloor, perimeter and moisture before forcing a repair.

Guide

Moisture-Resistant vs Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring

Moisture resistance may mean better tolerance of short spills, while water resistance depends on the specific construction and exposure limits. Neither label means unlimited waterproofing.

Guide

Can You Lay Laminate on Fresh Floor Screed?

Do not lay laminate just because fresh screed can be walked on. Moisture, strength, flatness and the flooring manufacturer’s requirements must be checked together.

Guide

Can You Lay Laminate on an Uneven Floor?

Laminate flooring does not correct a visibly uneven or flexible subfloor. Movement transfers into the locking joints, causing noise, gaps and early damage.

Guide

Can Laminate Flooring Be Used With Radiant Floor Heating?

Laminate belongs over radiant heating only when the flooring, underlayment and heating system are approved as a compatible build-up. Operating limits come from the system documentation.

Guide

How Much Extra Laminate Flooring Should You Buy?

Laminate waste depends on the layout and the number of cuts, not only on floor area. Plan the rows first, then choose a practical extra allowance.

Guide

How to Prepare a Subfloor for Laminate Flooring

A laminate subfloor should be sound, dry, clean and sufficiently flat for the chosen system. Underlayment is part of the system, not a substitute for preparation.

Guide

How to Choose Underlayment for Laminate Flooring

Underlayment supports the flooring system, affects sound and thermal behaviour, and may provide a moisture layer where appropriate. It does not level a badly uneven floor.

Guide

Why Does Floor Screed Crack?

A crack in screed may be a drying defect or a sign that the substrate and floor system are moving. Check its stability and surroundings before repairing or covering it.

Guide

How Long Does Floor Screed Take to Dry?

A screed can be firm enough to walk on while still retaining moisture. Mix, thickness, substrate and room conditions determine when it is ready for the chosen floor covering.

Guide

How Much Extra Screed Mix Should You Buy?

Screed reserve should follow measured area, average thickness, floor geometry and product data. Extra bags cannot compensate for an unsuitable thickness or weak base.

Guide

How Thick Should Floor Screed Be?

Required screed thickness is a system decision, not a single number. Average thickness helps estimate material, while local high and low points determine the construction method.

Guide

Why Tiles Crack: What to Check Before Replacing Them

A cracked tile is not always a defective tile. Movement below the finish, unsupported areas, impact and moisture can all create the same visible symptom.

Guide

How Tile Layout Affects Cutting Waste

Waste falls when you plan the visible axis, edge cuts, joint width, openings and pattern before fixing tiles. The goal is a balanced layout, not zero offcuts.

Guide

How Much Extra Tile Should You Buy?

The right extra tile allowance depends on the layout, room geometry, cuts and whether you want spare pieces for future repairs. There is no universal percentage.

Guide

How to Prepare a Surface for Tiling

A reliable tile installation starts with a sound, clean, sufficiently flat and cured substrate. Primer does not replace removing weak layers or fixing moisture.

Guide

Why Laminate Flooring Swells and What to Do

Laminate flooring can swell because of moisture, blocked expansion space, subfloor movement or damaged joints. Remove the cause before replacing boards.

Guide

Why Tiles Come Loose and How to Find the Cause

Loose tiles are usually a symptom of a weak or poorly prepared substrate, unsuitable adhesive, incomplete coverage or movement. Find the cause before retiling.