Wood flooring jargon
When visiting our show room, you may hear us use terms (Jargon) you have never heard before. Please keep your ears peeled when talking to one of our experienced sales team.
Materials
Screed
This mostly comes in a liquid form, such as latex, that is applied and spreads out to create a level surface. When it hardens you are able to lay your floor over it. It’s used to level uneven floors.
Damp-proof membrane (DPM)
This plastic sheeting is essential when laying laminate or wooden boards over a concrete or sand and cement floor. It prevents moisture moving up into the boards, which would cause them to warp.
Underlay
This is used to cushion the flooring boards, increasing their durability and providing sound insulation.
Tongue-and-groove
This describes the way that planks fix together. A tongue that projects from the side of one plank fits into the groove of the adjacent plank.
Tools
Tapping block
A plastic block that is used to protect floor planks as they are hammered together. Rather than hammering the edge of the plank directly you hammer the block, so you can’t damage the plank with the hammer.
Pull bar
A handy tool used to drive glued planks tightly together at the tongue-and-groove joints. This tool is especially helpful at the wall when driving the end tongues and grooves together, where it is not possible to use a tapping block.
Wedges and spacers
Use these to maintain the expansion gap around the perimeter of your room when laying laminate and real wood flooring. Also useful for creating a straight edge against a wobbly wall to give your floor a good start.
Adhesive
This is used to glue tongue-and-groove boards together and to fix beading or skirting in place above the edge of the floor.
Finishing touches
Radiator Pipe Covers
These ring-doughnut-shaped pieces of wood are used to cover the expansion gaps left around radiator pipes.
Wood floor plank features
Bevelled edges
The edges of some laminate turn downwards to create a more realistic boarded appearance. It also helps to avoid damage caused by moisture-induced swelling at the edges of laminate boards.
Expansion gap
Wood flooring expands in a humid room and contracts in a dry atmosphere. You’ll need to leave a 10-12mm gap around the edge of your floor.
Hardwax Oil
A blend of natural oils & waxes offering exceptional durability & resistance for internal natural wood flooring, kitchen worktops (wood) and areas subjected to a high degree of wear. Produces a quick drying, natural satin / matt water repellent, tread-fast finish that will not peel or flake.
Various colours available
If you have any questions, always feel free to ask!
