RIGHT FIRST TIME | MALMO

Gail Alcock, Product Director, Malmo™

When it comes to fi tting any type of flooring it’s important to get to know your customer and their lifestyle to determine whether they are they choosing the right flooring for a particular environment. Ask yourself, are you offering the customer their forever floor?

GETTING IT RIGHT FIRST TIME

TOP TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FLOORING INSTALLATION

Gail Alcock, Product Director for Malmo™, off ers some sound advice to help installers achieve a successful Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) fl ooring installation the fi rst time around.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) off ers a host of benefi ts thanks to its ability to deliver durability, stylish looks, easy installation and low maintenance. Design choices have continued to evolve and LVT now off ers a level of authenticity like never before, saving valuable time when compared to laying stone, tile or real wood fl ooring.

But, like anything, it’s important to get to know the product and learn how to install it correctly to avoid potential problems further down the line. Crucially, it’s important to understand the diff erences between rigid click and stickdown formats and the environments where they’re best suited.

GET TO KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER

When it comes to fi tting any type of fl ooring it’s important to get to know your customer and their lifestyle to determine whether they are they choosing the right fl ooring for a particular environment. Ask yourself, are you off ering the customer their forever fl oor?

Create a checklist following the classic adage of the ‘5Ws →

MA20 Livia - Tile Rigid Comfort from the Malmo™ Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring range

WHO?

Find out who will be using the area where the fl ooring is being installed. For example, is the customer a wheelchair user where transition strips would be an issue, or are there children or elderly people in the household where additional slip resistance would be benefi cial?

Once you understand this you can establish which fl ooring off ers the features and benefi ts to meet the customer’s needs, but it doesn’t end there.

WHAT?

Is the project a new build, a full refurbishment, or a quick and simple renovation? Stickdown LVT is often an excellent choice for a refurb as the fl ooring can be laid ahead of heavy items being installed. Rigid click LVT on the other hand may be better for a kitchen or bathroom makeover as it is easier to install and is made for fi tting around existing fi xtures. Malmo™ Rigid with its patented Välinge 5G click system only requires a light fi nger touch to securely click the product into place.

Find out the customer’s expectations of the fl ooring. For example, are they looking to create a seamless transition between rooms? Are scotias around the edge of a room a no-no? A customer may not have considered these things but highlighting them will ensure a more satisfi ed customer in the long run.

Crucially, check out the moisture level and condition of the subfl oor for yourself. A subfl oor that is dry, smooth, level, and free from debris is essential for a successful fl ooring installation. It’s vital to know what you’re dealing with and to undertake necessary preparatory work before getting started.

WHEN?

Find out when the fl ooring is due to be installed, for example does it need to go in before kitchen furniture. Stickdown LVT is an ideal choice here as cabinetry, kitchen islands and appliances can be placed on top without experiencing expansion or contraction. The room that the fl ooring is going into is key to the planning process as diff erent fl oorcoverings have strengths and weaknesses in diff erent settings.

Bathrooms have specifi c requirements such as water resistance, while conservatories and rooms with skylights, patios and bi-fold doors need fl ooring that can cope with temperature hotspots. The stability off ered by stickdown LVT means it can deal with areas of high and fl uctuating temperatures so is a good option to recommend for installation in these areas.

WHY?

Another question you should ask is why the fl ooring is being replaced. Has the customer had issues with a previous type of fl ooring or are they looking to achieve a certain aesthetic?

If they have already decided on a specifi c product before speaking to an expert, what is it about that product that is so important to them? Finally, fi nd out how long the customer expects the product to last. Are they a serial DIYer who is constantly redecorating or are they investing in their forever home? This will determine things like the wear layer of the fl ooring which gives it its durable and hardwearing surface. The full Malmo™ Freedom Stickdown and Malmo™ Rigid Senses ranges off er an enhanced 0.55mm wear layer as standard.

Nothing beats a site visit - it’s a great opportunity to get to know the customer and get the answers you need, plus spot potential issues which the customer may not be aware of.

Malmo™ has a range of helpful resources available including installation guides, technical data sheets, FAQs and a lifestyle brochure. We also have experts on hand who can help with product advice and any installation queries.

www.malmofl ooring.com

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) offers a host of benefi ts thanks to its ability to deliver durability, stylish looks, easy installation and low maintenance.