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Common Questions

Whether you’re choosing a new floor, planning an installation or looking for advice on care and maintenance, the Floorscape Common Questions page is here to help. We’ve answered some of the most common flooring questions with practical information to help you choose, install and care for your floor.

Browse the common topics below to narrow down your question, or use the search bar above to quickly find answers using a keyword or phrase.

Choosing a floor
What is engineered timber flooring?

Engineered timber flooring combines the beauty of real wood with enhanced stability and efficient use of natural resources. Unlike solid timber flooring, which is made from a single piece of wood, engineered timber flooring features a genuine hardwood top layer, often around 2 to 3 mm thick, known as the lamella.

Beneath this hardwood layer are multiple engineered layers designed to improve dimensional stability and reduce the natural movement that can occur with changes in temperature and humidity. This construction allows you to enjoy the authentic look and feel of real timber while benefiting from a floor that is well suited to modern living.

Because it uses a thinner layer of hardwood than solid timber flooring, engineered timber can also be a more sustainable way to enjoy the character and warmth of natural wood in your home. By combining a genuine hardwood surface with engineered supporting layers, it makes more efficient use of valuable timber resources while still delivering the authentic look, texture and uniqueness of real wood.

In addition, Quick-Step engineered timber flooring features a high-quality lacquered finish that is highly resistant to wear and stains. The real hardwood top layer can also be sanded and refinished up to two or three times, making it a durable, long-lasting flooring solution

What is hybrid flooring?

Hybrid flooring, often referred to as rigid vinyl flooring, combines multiple layers of advanced materials to create a durable, waterproof and easy-to-maintain floor for modern homes.

A typical hybrid floor includes a protective wear layer, a decorative design layer that replicates the look of natural materials such as timber or stone, a rigid core (typically made from PVC combined with mineral fillers such as limestone) that provides strength and stability, and an attached acoustic underlay that helps reduce sound and improve comfort underfoot.

Most hybrid flooring features a click installation system, allowing the planks to lock together without the need for nails or glue. This makes installation quicker and more straightforward while creating a stable floating floor.

Designed to handle the demands of everyday life, hybrid flooring offers excellent water resistance, durability and comfort, making it a popular choice for busy households, including kitchens, living areas and other high-traffic spaces.

While hybrid flooring is known for its waterproof planks, not all hybrid floors create a watertight seal between boards. Thanks to Quick-Step’s advanced click technology and water-resistant design, Quick-Step hybrid floors provide a watertight surface that helps prevent water from penetrating through the joints, offering extra peace of mind in busy areas of the home.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is a multi-layer flooring solution designed to combine the beauty of natural materials with exceptional durability and easy maintenance. It typically consists of a high-density fibreboard (HDF) core, a decorative layer that recreates the look of real wood, and a durable melamine wear layer that helps protect against scratches, stains and everyday wear.

Many laminate floors also feature a click installation system, allowing planks to be installed as a floating floor without the need for nails or glue.

Quick-Step laminate floors are designed to bring the beauty of nature into your home while delivering premium quality and everyday confidence. They feature HydroSeal technology and an impenetrable joint for a 100% waterproof surface, making them suitable for moisture-prone areas such as kitchens and hallways.

What is the best flooring for pets?

If you have pets, you’ll want durable flooring that can handle claws, muddy paws and the occasional accident while remaining easy to clean and maintain.

For many households, laminate flooring is a great all-round option thanks to its durable surface and resistance to everyday wear. Selected Quick-Step laminate floors feature Scratch Guard technology, making them up to 10 times more scratch resistant than standard laminate flooring. Selected collections also include an All Pet Warranty, providing added peace of mind by covering pet-related scratches and accidents, including urine, faeces and vomit, for up to 15 years.

Vinyl and hybrid flooring are also popular choices for pet owners due to their water resistance and easy-care surfaces. If you prefer the warmth and character of genuine timber, Quick-Step engineered timber floors feature durable protective finishes designed to help resist dirt, moisture and everyday wear.

What flooring is best for busy family homes?

For family homes, the best flooring is one that can handle everyday life — including spills, dirt, high foot traffic and the occasional accident — while remaining easy to clean and maintain.

Laminate, vinyl and hybrid flooring are popular choices for families because they combine durability with practical features such as scratch resistance and water protection. Quick-Step laminate floors feature Scratch Guard technology on selected collections, helping protect the surface against everyday wear and maintaining the appearance of your floor over time.

Vinyl and hybrid floors can also be excellent options for busy households, offering comfort underfoot, easy maintenance and a quieter floor that helps create a more peaceful living environment.

When choosing flooring for a family home, consider how each room is used, including areas such as kitchens, living spaces and hallways where wear is typically higher.

What is the difference between Laminate, vinyl & hybrid flooring?

Laminate flooring is known for its exceptional durability, premium timber-look designs and high resistance to scratches and everyday wear. Quick-Step laminate floors use advanced surface technologies and realistic textures to replicate the look and feel of natural timber, while offering excellent long-term performance.

Hybrid flooring combines a rigid core construction with strong water resistance, comfort underfoot and a highly realistic timber appearance. Many hybrid floors, feature an integrated underlay for improved acoustics and easier installation.

Both laminate and hybrid floors use click-lock joining systems, allowing for floating installation without the need to glue the floor down. While both can achieve an authentic timber look through detailed designs and structured surfaces, laminate generally offers a harder, more durable surface, while hybrid flooring can provide a softer and quieter feel underfoot.

Both Quick-Step laminate and hybrid floors also feature a completely watertight surface, helping to prevent water from penetrating through the joints and providing added peace of mind in everyday living.

Why are all engineered timber planks not the same length?

When purchasing an engineered timber floor, in line with the variation in size of raw materials, it is common for the specified plank length to be made up from shorter planks. This improves sustainability by allowing us to make full use of the tree. These can be used at the start or end of a row, leaving the full plank lengths for the centre.

Why do some engineered timber floors have more character than others?

Timber is a natural product which contains unique features such as knots, gum veins, fine cracks and colour variation. The ‘liveliness’ of these features will vary according to the character within the source tree. For this reason Quick-Step timber is graded to ensure consistency within each floor.

Where are floating floors made?

Quick-Step was founded in Belgium and remains a proudly Belgian brand. Selected Quick-Step laminate and hybrid floors are designed and manufactured in Belgium, where decades of flooring innovation, research and development help ensure the premium quality the brand is known for today.

Belgium has long been at the heart of Quick-Step’s product development, with ongoing investment in design, technology and sustainable manufacturing. This commitment has led to innovations such as the patented Uniclic installation system and HydroSeal technology.

What is a pressed bevel?

A pressed bevel is a feature used on floors where the bevelled edge is created during the manufacturing process and integrated into the floor’s surface texture. This helps create a more natural and realistic plank appearance by enhancing the definition between boards.

Unlike a painted or applied bevel, a pressed bevel follows the floor’s decorative surface and texture, resulting in a more authentic look and feel. The bevel helps highlight the shape of each plank while adding depth and character to the floor.

What is Incizo

Incizo is Quick-Step’s multifunctional finishing profile system, designed to create a neat, professional finish while helping your floor transition smoothly between different areas of the home and stairs.

Instead of requiring multiple profile types, a single Incizo profile can be adapted for a variety of applications, including:

  • Doorway transitions between rooms
  • Transitions between different floor heights
  • Finishing against walls, windows and sliding doors
  • Expansion profile applications in larger floor areas where movement allowances are required
  • Edging and finishing details for a clean, coordinated appearance
  • Stair nosing, with the use of an aluminium sub-profile

Available in matching colours and designs, Incizo profiles are designed to complement your Quick-Step floor and create a seamless look throughout your home.

By using the same profile for multiple applications, Incizo offers a versatile and convenient solution that simplifies floor installation while helping deliver a high-quality finish.

Installation
Can laminate flooring be installed over tiles?

In many cases, laminate flooring can be installed over existing hard, flat surfaces such as tiles, vinyl or timber, provided the subfloor is clean, dry, level and structurally sound.

One important consideration when installing laminate over tiles is telegraphing, where the pattern, texture or unevenness of the existing surface can become visible through the new flooring over time.

High-quality laminate flooring with a strong, stable construction can help minimise the risk of telegraphing, but correct subfloor preparation is still essential.

Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and consult a flooring professional if you are unsure whether your existing surface is suitable.

Do I need underlay for a floating floor?

Yes, underlay is required when installing a floating flooring. Underlay sits between the subfloor and flooring, helping improve comfort underfoot, reduce noise, provide protection against rising moisture, and accommodate minor subfloor imperfections.

The only exception is hybrid (rigid vinyl) flooring, which often includes an integrated underlay and typically does not require a separate layer.

The type of underlay required will depend on your flooring system and installation conditions. For example, Quick-Step Combilay combines underlay and moisture protection in a single solution.

Can I install flooring myself?

Many Quick-Step floors can be installed by experienced DIY renovators thanks to the innovative Uniclic click system, which allows planks to lock together quickly and easily. Before installation, it is important to ensure the subfloor is clean, dry and level, and to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are unsure, a professional flooring installer can help ensure the best possible result. Nearly all Quick-Step engineered timber floors are designed for floating installation, however they can also be glued down.

How long does a standard bedroom take?

The time required to install flooring can vary depending on the size of the room, the shape of the room, the condition of the subfloor and the type of flooring being installed. In many cases, a standard bedroom can be completed within a day, particularly when installing a floating floor using Quick-Step’s Uniclic system.

Factors such as furniture removal, subfloor preparation, door trimming and finishing details may add additional time to the installation process.

How long after installing a floating floor can I walk on it?

You can walk on a floating floor as soon as the installation is complete. Because the floor is not glued to the subfloor, there is no drying or curing time required. Nearly all Quick-Step engineered timber floors are designed for floating installation, however they can also be glued down.

Can a floating floor be glued down?

Floating floors are designed to be installed without being fixed directly to the subfloor. Instead, the planks are connected using a click system, such as Quick-Step’s patented Uniclic technology, allowing the floor to expand and contract naturally with changes in temperature and humidity.

In most cases, a floating floor should not be glued down unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer. Gluing a floor that has been designed to float can restrict natural movement and may affect its performance over time. Nearly all Quick-Step engineered timber floors are designed for floating installation, however they can also be glued down.

Quick-Step laminate and hybrid floors are designed for floating installation. Quick-Step timber floors can be installed as a floating floor, but may also be glued directly to the subfloor where appropriate. While this typically involves additional installation time and cost, a glued-down installation can provide improved acoustics and a more solid feel underfoot.

When does a moisture barrier need to be installed?

A moisture barrier is required for all hybrid floors on concrete & is usually required when installing a floating floor over a concrete subfloor. Concrete can retain and release residual moisture over time, which may affect the performance of the flooring if it is not properly protected.

A moisture barrier is generally recommended:

  • Over concrete slabs, including ground-level and suspended concrete floors
  • For all hybrid floors on concrete
  • On newly constructed concrete subfloors that have not been fully assessed for moisture levels
  • Where local installation requirements specify moisture protection
  • When installing laminate, hybrid, selected vinyl and timber floating floors over concrete substrates

A moisture barrier is typically not required over timber subfloors unless specifically stated in the installation instructions. A moisture barrier is usually a continuous layer of recommended builder's plastic or membrane, with all joins sealed in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements to help prevent residual moisture from reaching the floor.

The suitability of a moisture barrier, and the type required, will depend on the flooring product, subfloor construction and measured moisture content. Even though Quick-Step hybrid floors feature a waterproof surface and an integrated underlay, a moisture barrier is still required when installing over concrete subfloors where moisture protection is recommended.

Do I need to allow for movement, expansion gaps or expansion joints?

Yes. All flooring materials naturally expand and contract in response to changes in temperature and humidity, so it is important to allow for movement during installation.

For floating floors, including Quick-Step laminate, vinyl, hybrid and wood floors installed using the patented Uniclic system, an expansion gap must be left around the perimeter of the room and around fixed objects such as kitchen islands, columns, pipes and cabinetry. As a general guide, an expansion gap of approximately 8 to 10mm is typically required. This gap is usually concealed by skirting boards or finishing profiles, creating a clean and professional finish.

In larger rooms or long, continuous runs of flooring, additional expansion gaps or expansion joints may be required. Expansion joints are designed to accommodate the natural movement of the floor and are often needed at doorways, transitions between rooms or within large floor areas.

The exact expansion requirements will depend on the flooring product, installation method, room dimensions and environmental conditions. In some glue-down installations, expansion joints may not always be necessary.

Allowing for adequate movement and expansion is an important part of the installation process. Insufficient expansion space can place stress on the floor and may lead to issues such as lifting, peaking or buckling.

Always refer to the installation instructions for your specific flooring product to ensure the correct expansion requirements are followed. If you are unsure, consult your retailer or professional installer for guidance.

What’s the difference between a floating and glued-down installation for an engineered timber floor?

Quick-Step engineered timber flooring can be installed as a floating or glued-down floor (with the exception of Herringbone which can’t be floated). A floating floor is clicked together and laid over a Quick-Step underlay, without being fixed to the subfloor, making it faster to install and ready to walk on straight away. A glued-down floor is bonded directly to the subfloor using a suitable adhesive, such as Quick-Step Parquet Glue, providing a more solid feel underfoot.

What are expansion joints and why do I need them for an engineered timber floor?

As timber floors expand and contract due to changes in humidity it’s important to allow expansion joints at doorways, walls and fixed objects to accommodate expansion. With a glued-down installation expansion joints are not always necessary. For detailed information, check the installation instructions on our website.

In which direction should I install my floor?

GUIDED BY THE LIGHT The direction in which you lay your floor will have a huge impact on the overall appearance of a room. As a general rule, you should lay your floor in the same direction as the main light source in a room and in line with the most frequently used entrance. If there are several doors and windows, then opt for the direction that’s the easiest to install in.

IN SMALL ROOMS If you’re laying your floor in a small room, you’ll want to add a sense of depth. Make a room seem larger by installing your floor lengthwise. Want to increase the effect of the lengthwise installation even further? Then combine a light-coloured floor with darker walls, which will add even more depth to your room.

IN SHORT ROOMS In a narrow room, why not lay your floor parallel to the shortest wall? Planks laid width wise will make a surface appear wider, avoiding a boxed-in feeling. To enhance this further, avoid dark colours for your floor or walls, as these will make the room seem even narrower.

How do I finish off a floating floor?

Floating floors are typically finished using skirting boards, scotia or matching finishing profiles to cover the required expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room.

The right finishing method will depend on your installation. If existing skirting boards remain in place, a scotia or quad trim can be used to neatly conceal the expansion gap.

Where skirting boards are being replaced, the expansion gap can often be hidden beneath the new skirting for a clean, seamless appearance.

Quick-Step offers a range of colour-matched profiles and accessories designed to complement your floor, helping you achieve a professional-looking finish while allowing the floor to move naturally as intended.

Care & Cleaning
Can I use a steam mop on my floating floor?

For most laminate floors, regular sweeping or vacuuming, followed by cleaning with a well-wrung damp microfibre mop, is the recommended approach. Steam mops should only be used where they have been specifically approved, as excessive heat and moisture can affect flooring performance over time.

Selected Quick-Step laminate floors feature HydroSeal technology, making them 100% waterproof surface and helping to protect against everyday spills and moisture. Where permitted in the product’s maintenance instructions, steam mops can be used according to the recommended guidelines.

Vinyl floors are designed for easy everyday maintenance and are highly resistant to moisture. However, steam mop suitability depends on the specific product and its care requirements.

Steam mops are not recommended for timber floors. As a natural material, wood is more sensitive to heat and moisture, which can affect the floor’s appearance and performance over time. Always follow the recommended cleaning and maintenance
guidelines for your wood floor.

Always refer to your floor’s maintenance guide before using a steam mop.

How do I clean my floating floor?

Floating floors are designed to be easy to maintain, with regular cleaning helping preserve their appearance and performance over time. The best cleaning method will depend on the type of flooring installed, but most floors can be kept looking their best with simple, consistent care.

Start by regularly removing dirt, dust and grit using a soft broom, vacuum or microfibre mop. When a deeper clean is required, use a damp mop with a flooring cleaner recommended for your specific floor type. Avoid excessive water, abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the surface over time.

Quick-Step offers cleaning solutions designed specifically for its flooring ranges, including the Quick-Step Spray Mop and Quick-Step Cleaning Solution, which help remove everyday dirt while protecting the finish of your floor.

Whether you have laminate, hybrid or engineered timber flooring, following the recommended cleaning methods will help maintain the floor’s appearance and extend its lifespan.

Can engineered timber flooring be sanded and recoated?

Yes, many engineered timber floors can be sanded and recoated, helping to refresh the surface and extend the life of the floor. The number of times this can be done depends on the thickness of the hardwood top layer, known as the lamella.

Quick-Step timber floors are designed to deliver lasting beauty and everyday durability. Features such as the protective Easy-to-clean technology help preserve the floor’s natural appearance by making it easier to keep clean and helping to protect against dirt and marks. While sanding and recoating may be possible in the future, the need for restoration can be reduced through this technology.

Can I repair a floating floor?

Yes, floating floors can often be repaired if they become damaged. For minor scratches, chips or small imperfections, repair products can help restore the appearance of the floor without the need to replace a plank.

Quick-Step offers a Wax Repair Kit designed to fix small areas of damage and colour-match many Quick-Step floors, helping to keep your floor looking its best. For more significant damage, individual boards can often be removed and replaced.

Thanks to Quick-Step’s patented Uniclic installation system, damaged planks may be replaced without needing to replace the entire floor, depending on the location and extent of the damage.

Quick-Step floors are designed for lasting performance, with technologies such as Scratch Guard on laminate floors and Easy-to-clean on timber floors helping to protect against everyday wear and maintain the floor’s natural beauty for longer.

Why does my timber floor look different to the sample colour?

Timber is a natural material, which means every plank is unique. Variations in grain, texture, knots and colour are a natural characteristic of real wood and contribute to the floor’s authentic appearance.

Because timber comes from different trees, and even different parts of the same tree, the colour and character of the installed floor may vary from the sample you viewed. Samples are intended to provide an indication of the overall look and colour, but they cannot represent every natural variation that may occur across an entire floor.

It is also important to remember that natural wood can change colour over time when exposed to light and everyday living conditions. This natural ageing process can cause some timber floors to become lighter or darker, depending on the wood species and the environment.

Quick-Step timber floors are designed to celebrate the natural beauty and individuality of real wood, ensuring every floor has its own unique character while delivering the warmth and authenticity that only natural timber can provide.

Waterproof & Durability
Which floors are most scratch resistant?

When choosing a scratch-resistant floor, it is important to consider the surface finish, construction quality and how the floor will be used. While all flooring types are designed to withstand everyday living, some offer greater resistance to scratches and marks than others, like laminate.

Laminate flooring is generally one of the most scratch-resistant flooring options, making it a popular choice for busy households with children, pets and high foot traffic areas. Quick-Step laminate floors are designed with durable protective surfaces, and feature Scratch Guard technology, making them up to ten times more scratch resistant than standard laminate flooring.

Vinyl and hybrid flooring are also highly durable options. Their slightly softer surface can make them more forgiving underfoot and help absorb everyday impacts.

Timber flooring provides the natural beauty of real wood and, when finished with a high-performance lacquer, can offer excellent protection against everyday wear. Quick-Step timber floors feature durable protective finishes designed to help preserve the natural character of the wood while improving resistance to daily use.

Which floors are best for water resistance?

When choosing flooring for areas where spills, moisture or everyday accidents are likely, it is important to consider both the surface protection and how well the flooring system prevents water from reaching the subfloor.

Glue-down vinyl flooring is often considered one of the most effective solutions for water resistance, as it is adhered directly to the subfloor and does not rely on a floating installation system. This can help minimise the risk of water reaching the subfloor and makes it a popular choice for moisture-prone areas.

Hybrid flooring is well known for its waterproof construction, making it a popular choice for busy households, kitchens and areas where spills may occur. However, the performance of any floating floor also depends on the quality of the joining system. If water can penetrate through the joins, it can reach the subfloor and potentially create issues such as swelling, damage or mould over time.

Engineered timber and laminate flooring typically requires more consideration in wet environments due to the natural properties of wood.

Quick-Step laminate, hybrid and selected timber flooring collections are designed with waterproof surfaces and watertight joining systems, helping prevent liquid from penetrating through the floor when installed correctly. For example, all Quick-Step laminate floors feature HydroSeal technology, providing a waterproof surface that makes cleaning easier and helps protect against everyday spills.

Which floors are most stain resistant?

When choosing a stain resistant floor, it is important to consider the protective surface layer, finish quality and how the flooring is designed to handle everyday spills and marks.

Laminate flooring is an excellent choice for stain resistance thanks to its sealed, easy to clean surface. Quick-Step laminate floors are designed to help prevent everyday spills, food stains and household marks from penetrating the surface, making them easy to maintain.

Hybrid and vinyl flooring are also highly stain-resistant options, with non-porous surfaces that help prevent liquids, dirt and common household stains from being absorbed into the floor. Their easy to clean surfaces make them particularly well suited to busy households, kitchens and other high-traffic areas.

High-quality timber floors, such as Quick-Step engineered timber, feature durable lacquer finishes designed to protect the surface from everyday wear and help resist common household stains while maintaining the character of real wood.

For the best results, spills and stains should be cleaned as soon as possible using the methods recommended in the Quick-Step Care & Maintenance Guide. For more stubborn marks, Quick-Step Spot Cleaner is recommended. Always follow the product instructions and maintenance guidelines for your specific floor.

Which flooring is most resistant to indentations?

If indentation resistance is a priority, it’s important to consider how your floor will be used. Heavy furniture, kitchen appliances, pets and everyday foot traffic can all place pressure on the floor over time.

Laminate flooring is often recognised for its excellent resistance to indentation. Its high-density core and durable surface layer create a strong, stable floor that performs well under the demands of everyday family life. Quick-Step laminate floors combine premium materials with advanced surface protection, helping them maintain their appearance even in busy areas of the home.

Vinyl flooring also offers excellent durability, alongside a comfortable feel underfoot and a natural-looking design inspired by real materials. While vinyl floors are designed to perform well in everyday living environments, very heavy furniture or appliances may leave impressions depending on the product and loading conditions.

Timber flooring brings natural warmth and character into the home. As a natural material, its resistance to dents and marks will vary depending on the wood species, construction and finish. Technologies such as Quick-Step’s Easy-to-Clean help protect the surface and support long-lasting beauty in everyday use.

For areas where heavy furniture or frequent use is expected, laminate flooring will often provide the highest level of indentation resistance, while vinyl and wood floors each offer their own unique benefits in comfort, appearance and natural appeal.

Does a thicker top-layer mean a longer-lasting engineered timber floor?

Quick-Step engineered timber floors feature a 2.5mm top-layer to ensure we use as much square meters of beauty from the tree. An advanced surface coating on every Quick-Step floor provides superior durability. Meaning it is unlikely re-sanding is required across the life of the floor. However, a Quick-Step floor will accept 2 to 3 re-sanding and relacquering cycles if ever needed.

Why can engineered timber flooring change colour?

Engineered timber flooring is not colour-fast, therefore the colour will change over time with exposure to UV light.

Troubleshooting
Why is my floor making creaking or crackling sounds?

Changes in temperature and humidity can also affect how a floating floor behaves. Ensuring the correct expansion gaps are provided and following the manufacturer’s installation guidelines can help minimise movement-related issues and support long-term performance. In rooms with large windows or significant exposure to direct sunlight, the floor may experience greater expansion and contraction throughout the day. If adequate expansion space has not been provided, this movement can sometimes contribute to creaking or other unwanted noises.

Why is my floating floor lifting?

Floating floors require adequate expansion gaps around the perimeter of the room, around fixed objects and, where required, within large floor areas or long continuous runs of flooring to allow for natural movement. If these gaps are insufficient, the floor may have nowhere to expand as temperatures and humidity levels change, which can cause lifting, peaking or doming.

Floor movement can also be restricted by heavy fixed objects. Floating flooring should generally not be installed beneath fixed cabinetry, kitchen islands or other permanently installed fixtures, as this can prevent the floor from expanding and contracting as intended.

Other factors that can contribute to lifting include excess moisture in the subfloor, water ingress, subfloor movement or installation issues. Rooms with large windows or significant exposure to direct sunlight can also experience greater temperature fluctuations, increasing the amount of expansion and contraction the floor is exposed to throughout the day.

Quick-Step laminate, vinyl and timber floors are designed to perform reliably when installed according to the recommended guidelines, including correct subfloor preparation, moisture control and expansion allowances. Features such as the Uniclic installation system help create a strong and stable floor, while proper installation supports long-term performance.

If your floor is showing signs of lifting, it is important to investigate the cause promptly to help prevent further damage.

Why are gaps appearing in my timber flooring?

Small gaps can appear in timber floors as wood naturally expands and contracts in response to changes in temperature and humidity. This seasonal movement is a normal characteristic of real wood and can be more noticeable during drier periods when the timber loses moisture and contracts slightly.

The quality of the floor’s construction and joining system also plays an important role. Quick-Step wood floors feature the patented Uniclic installation system, which helps maintain the structural integrity of the floor while still allowing the natural movement needed as environmental conditions change.

Quick-Step timber floors featuring a waterproof surface are designed to maintain their watertight performance when installed and maintained correctly.

Why does my floor sample look different to the website?

Website images, brochures and printed materials are designed to provide the most accurate representation of each floor possible. However, colours, textures and finishes can appear different depending on factors such as lighting conditions, device type and screen settings.

For this reason, we always recommend viewing a physical sample before making your final flooring selection. A real sample allows you to see the true colour, texture and finish of the floor in your own home and under your own lighting conditions.

For additional confidence, visit a Quick-Step retailer to view larger floor displays and compare different colours and designs in person. You can also order free samples to see how your preferred floor looks alongside your furniture, paint colours and interior finishes.

Sustainability
What floors are environmentally friendly?

Many flooring types are designed with sustainability in mind, but the environmental impact of a floor depends on factors such as raw materials, manufacturing processes, durability and how efficiently natural resources are used.

At Quick-Step, sustainability is a continuous focus across laminate, vinyl and timber flooring. Quick-Step laminate and timber floors are made using recovered wood, giving valuable raw materials a second life and helping maximise the use of every tree.

Quick-Step engineered timber floors are designed to make efficient use of natural resources. Rather than using solid hardwood throughout, they feature a genuine hardwood top layer, typically around 2-3 mm thick, known as the lamella. This is supported by engineered layers made from fast-growing and recovered wood, allowing more of each tree to be used while still delivering the beauty and authenticity of real wood.

Quick-Step vinyl floors are designed for long-term durability, helping extend the product's lifespan and reduce the need for replacement. They also incorporate recycled materials where possible and are developed with a focus on improving recyclability over time.

Beyond the products themselves, Quick-Step continually invests in circular manufacturing, renewable energy, responsible sourcing and low-emission
production.

Many Quick-Step floors achieve recognised environmental and indoor air quality certifications, helping you create a home that is both beautiful and comfortable to live in.

To learn more, visit the Quick-Step Sustainability page, which covers circularity, renewable energy, indoor air quality and environmental certifications.

Does flooring use responsibly sourced timber?

It can be difficult for consumers to independently verify whether timber flooring has been sourced from responsibly managed forests. One of the most reliable ways to assess this is by looking for recognised third-party certifications and the manufacturer’s commitment to responsible sourcing.

At Quick-Step, sustainability is a key consideration throughout the product lifecycle. Quick-Step timber flooring is sourced from responsibly managed forests and is PEFC certified, helping to ensure that timber is sourced with respect for forest regeneration, biodiversity and long-term environmental stewardship.

Quick-Step also maximises the use of timber resources through efficient product design and responsible manufacturing practices.

To learn more about Quick-Step’s sustainability initiatives, visit our Sustainability section.

Planning & Purchasing
Can I order a flooring sample?

Yes. Quick-Step flooring samples can be ordered online for free, allowing you to experience the colour, texture and finish of a floor in your own home before making a final decision.

Viewing a sample in your space can help you see how the floor looks under your home’s natural and artificial lighting, alongside your furniture, cabinetry and décor. For even greater convenience, you can also use Quick-Step’s RoomViewer tool to visualise different floors in your room before visiting a dealer or making a purchase.

Can I view flooring in my home before buying?

Yes. Quick-Step’s RoomViewer tool allows you to visualise different flooring designs using a photo of your own room. This makes it easy to compare colours, plank styles, floor direction and finishes before making a decision.

While digital visualisation is a great starting point, it is also recommended to view physical flooring samples in your home. Seeing both a sample and a RoomViewer visualisation can give you a more complete understanding of how the floor will look in your space under real lighting conditions.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, visiting a Quick-Step dealer can provide additional advice and help you confidently move forward with your purchase.

How do I choose the right flooring colour?

Choosing the right flooring colour depends on several factors, including the amount of natural light in the room, the size of the space, your interior style and the colours of existing furniture and finishes.

Lighter floors can help create a more open and airy feel, while darker tones can add warmth, depth and contrast. Because colours can appear differently depending on lighting conditions, it is always recommended to view flooring samples in your home before making a final selection. Quick-Step offers free flooring samples, delivered to your home.

Before selecting samples, it can be helpful to visit a Quick-Step retailer to explore the full range, compare larger floor displays and see how different colours, textures and plank formats look in person. Many retailers can also provide sample boards or swatches to help you assess flooring options in your own home and lighting conditions.

Quick-Step also offers RoomViewer, which allows you to upload a photo of your room and explore different flooring options in your own space. Combining RoomViewer with physical samples can help you choose a floor with confidence.

Where can I buy Quick-Step flooring?

Quick-Step flooring is available through a network of authorised dealers across Australia & New Zealand. Visiting a dealer allows you to explore flooring displays, compare colours and finishes, view larger product samples, and receive expert advice tailored to your project.

To find your nearest retailer, use the Quick-Step Find a Dealer tool. Your local dealer can help you select the right floor for your home, provide product information, arrange quotations and assist with ordering. For the most comprehensive experience, look for a Premium Store indicator, where you can explore an extended range of products, larger displays and expert flooring advice.

For the most confident decision, we recommend combining in-store advice with tools such as RoomViewer and physical samples viewed in your own home.

How much flooring should I order?

To calculate how much flooring you need, start by measuring the length and width of each room and multiplying these dimensions to determine the total area in square metres (m²).

As a general guide, it is recommended to order an additional 5% on top of your measured area to allow for cutting, trimming and installation waste. This extra material can also be useful for future repairs or replacement boards if required.

For rooms with complex layouts, angled walls or intricate installation patterns, additional allowance may be required. If you are unsure, your Quick-Step retailer or installer can help you calculate the correct quantity for your project.

Can I have an engineered timber floor in combination with underfloor heating/cooling?

Yes, you can! Underfloor heating contributes to the warm feeling of a floor, if you live in a warmer climate, underfloor cooling can also be used. If you’re installing underfloor heating/cooling, a glued-down floor will give you the best results in terms of heating efficiency. Not compatible with engineered timber Spotted Gum and Blackbutt flooring. Check out our special “Manual for installing Quick-Step floors over heated sub-floors” on our website for further detailed guidelines.

How much does a floating floor cost?

The cost of a floating floor can vary depending on the flooring type, construction, design and performance features. Factors such as room size, subfloor preparation and installation requirements can also influence the overall project cost. While budget is an important consideration, it is worth looking beyond the initial purchase price. A high-quality floor can deliver long-term value through greater durability, easier maintenance and a longer lifespan, helping it look better for longer and potentially reducing replacement costs over time.

Quick-Step floors are designed to combine beautiful natural-inspired designs with innovative technologies and premium quality construction. Features such as HydroSeal, Scratch Guard and Uniclic help ensure your floor not only looks great on day one, but continues to perform for years to come.