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General
Where are you based?
We are an online store and sell flooring products throughout South Africa. We do have three sample libraries in the Western Cape:
Do you do installations?
We have a small, focused installation team that only serves the Cape Town area and surrounds.
Do you do returns and refunds?
Please refer to our terms and conditions page for details on our returns policy, click here.
Laminate Flooring
What is laminate flooring?
Laminate is a multi-layered synthetic and wood fibre flooring installed as a floating floor with a moisture barrier underneath. It’s affordable, scratch-resistant, and easy to install, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
Is laminate flooring water-resistant?
Laminate offers some water resistance, but it is sensitive to excessive moisture and may swell or warp if exposed. It’s not recommended for bathrooms, and kitchen installations require special board joint treatments for protection. High-end laminate ranges do offer some great water resistance technologies, such as waxed joints and superior joint quality.
What affects the price and quality of laminate flooring?
Higher-priced laminates typically offer better density, tighter and waxed joints, realistic printing, embossing, and UV/anti-scratch coatings. V-groove planks and extra-long or wide dimensions also increase cost due to their premium appearance and durability.
Can laminate flooring be installed DIY?
Yes. Laminate uses a click-and-lock system that’s relatively easy to install without professional tools. However, proper underlay installation, expansion gaps, and attention to door frames and fixed items are essential for a successful DIY result.
What kind of underlay is needed?
A moisture barrier underlay is essential to protect the flooring. For improved sound insulation, you can upgrade to acoustic underlays like cork or crumbed rubber. Proper installation includes sealing and/or turning the underlay up the walls.
What are the limitations of laminate flooring?
Laminate can sound "clickety" underfoot due to its floating floor characteristics, although this can be improved using a quality acoustic underlay. It requires expansion gaps and breaks, limiting room-to-room visual flow. It’s also sensitive to water and isn’t suitable for very wet or humid environments.
What preparation is needed before installing laminate flooring?
A dry, clean, stable, and level surface is ideal. Thinner planks require more surface flatness. Avoid locking the floor with heavy fixtures (like a kitchen island), small screwed in fixtures (like door stoppers), or excessive silicones and glues. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation method for the specific plank system.
Glue Down Vinyl Flooring
What is glue down vinyl flooring?
Glue down vinyl (LVT/LVP) is a durable, waterproof flooring solution that’s adhered directly to a level subfloor using adhesive. It’s ideal for high-traffic areas and provides a long-lasting, secure installation.
What do I need to install glue down vinyl flooring?
You'll need the flooring itself (including 10–15% extra for cut-ins), moisture barrier (if moisture >4% CM), bonding primer, self-levelling screed, and a suitable adhesive. In almost every case, the site will require a full substrate prep system to ensure longevity.
Is glue down vinyl flooring DIY-friendly?
Not really. This is a highly technical flooring product that usually requires professional installation and special tooling. A perfectly flat, dry, and clean substrate is essential, as substrate imperfections telegraph through the vinyl once it has had a chance to relax into its installation environment. Moisture control is essential before screeding and prior to installation so that maximum moisture conditions are not exceeded.
How do I choose the right glue down vinyl product?
Start by clarifying your design preferences (wood, stone, etc.), color, and budget. For homes, wear layer thickness isn’t as important as it is for commercial use. Wider planks look more premium but cost more. Always factor in substrate prep when budgeting, as this can become a big factor depending on your substrate quality.
Why is substrate preparation so important?
Glue down vinyl must be installed on a dry (≤4% CM), very level, and contaminant-free substrate. This typically involves applying a 2.5–3.5mm self-levelling screed with proper primers. Poor prep can lead to product failure and warranty issues. When evaluating your installation quote, make sure your installer has specifically documented the screed thickness quoted on to not get short changed when a thinner screed is cast and it is not up to spec.
What kind of environment is best for installing glue down vinyl?
A thermo-stable environment is key. Manage sunlight exposure (e.g. use window film) to avoid overheating planks and premature adhesive curing. This is especially important in rooms with full sun.
Can I use my own contractor for installation?
Yes. Floor Mechanics will deliver the materials upfront and you can use your preferred installer. Just ensure the contractor follows correct prep and installation practices to protect your warranty. Your installer or contractor skills directly impact your end result.
Floating Vinyl (SPC) Flooring
What is SPC Click Vinyl Flooring?
SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) Click Vinyl is a rigid, top-down waterproof floating vinyl flooring made from a mix of limestone and PVC. It features a stable core, click-lock system for easy installation, built-in underlay, and realistic wood or stone-look finishes.
Is SPC Click Vinyl really 100% waterproof?
SPC flooring is waterproof from the top down, meaning spills and surface moisture won’t damage it. However, it is not waterproof from the bottom up, so a properly installed damp-proof membrane is essential.
Can SPC Click Vinyl be installed as a DIY project?
Yes, SPC click flooring is DIY-friendly thanks to its click-lock system. However, thicker planks are easier to install without damaging joints. Care must be taken, as the click system is more fragile than laminate.
What subfloor preparation is needed for SPC flooring?
A dry, clean, and very level substrate is essential—more critical than with laminate. Thinner planks especially need a smoother surface. Installing over timber requires professional advice due to potential structural issues.
Can I use extra underlay with SPC Click Vinyl?
No. SPC planks already include a built-in underlay. Adding extra cushioning can lead to excessive vertical movement, which may damage the click joints and void the warranty.
What affects the quality and price of SPC flooring?
Higher-quality SPC has a thicker, more flexible core made from the right balance of calcium carbonate and PVC. These planks are more stable, easier to install, and offer better durability—especially in heat.
What installation details are important to remember?
Follow strict expansion gap rules, stagger planks randomly to avoid repeat patterns, and avoid locking the floor with heavy furniture or glue. Undercut doorframes and ensure the damp-proof membrane is sealed properly and returned up the wall edges.
Can I get the damp proof membrane from Floor Mechanics?
Yes you can! However, the damp proof membrane (DPM) or plastic can usually be acquired from your local hardware store and, depending on our location, it might be a more economical for you than shipping DPM from our suppliers. Get your floor from us and the DPM locally if you are outside main distribution zones. Chat to us about the best option we would recommend based on your area.