Questions and Answers for TrafficMaster Silverton Oak 8 mm T x 7.5 in. W Water Resistant Laminate Wood Flooring (23.7 sqft/case)

A:  Hey Theodore, thanks for your question. Underlayment is needed when installing in a basement or a concrete slab. When doing this type of install, you must be careful about moisture migration from the ground through the concrete. We recommend several ways to test this and steps you can take to control it. Most importantly, the concrete must be completely cured a minimum of 90 days. You must use a 6-mil vapor barrier and, of course, underlayment padding. Drains of any kind, French or otherwise, are clear indicators that this concrete floor is not acceptable for laminate installation. Additional information concerning installation, care, and maintenance can be found at the manufacturer's web site: https://www.swisskrono.com/us-en/#/ or by calling customer service at 866-334-9923.

A:  Thank you for your question. Laminate flooring, regardless of the brand, should be cared for and maintained just like real hardwood flooring. The core structure of laminate flooring is manufactured using a wood product called Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). Most all residential laminate flooring is manufactured using this same type of MDF board, regardless of the brand. Just like a real hardwood floor, you should never let water stand for prolonged periods of time. With that said, given the proper installation, you can count on laminate flooring, just like real hardwood flooring, to standup well to normal household spills, pet droppings, etc. provided that these unfortunate events are cleaned up in a timely manner. Additional information concerning installation, care, and maintenance can be found at the manufacturer's web site: https://www.swisskrono.com/us-en/#/ or by calling customer service at 866-334-9923.

A:  Yes.

A:  No. This floor is neither nailed to the subfloor nor held down with an adhesive. All laminate flooring are "floating floors." Meaning, they sit on top of the subfloor and can mildly expand and contract as humidity changes. That is what prevents planks from pushing each other up.

A:  I recommend a circular saw with at least 100 teeth on the blade. The manufacturer has this video of all the tools you'll need to successfully install Hawks Edge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbdchaBcyV4&t=169s

A:  A full palette of this items runs around $1350 before taxes and covers more than 900 square feet. You can learn more here: https://www.homedepot.com/p/TrafficMaster-Hawks-Edge-Maple-8-mm-T-x-7-5-in-W-Water-Resistant-Laminate-Wood-Flooring-947-6-sqft-pallet-TM4P/319925471

A:  Here is the website link for this manufacturer's care and maintenance guide: https://www.swisskrono.com/us-en/about-us/swiss-krono-usa/the-learning-center/maintaining/#/

A:  I will look into this for your.

A:  You can install this floor over a concrete basement subfloor, but be careful about moisture migration from the ground through the concrete. We recommend several ways to test this and steps you can take to control it. You must use a 6-mil vapor barrier and, of course, underlayment padding. Drains of any kind, French or otherwise, are clear indicators that this concrete floor is not acceptable for laminate installation. The floor's evenness will likely match the subfloor's evenness.