Frequently Asked Questions

General

Can I order Golden Select flooring from your website?
Unfortunately, we do not sell our flooring products on our website. If you are interested in one of our products, please contact our customer service team at [email protected] for information on where you can purchase nearest to your location.
How do I determine how much flooring I need to complete my room?
You can use our flooring calculator tool to help you easily determine how much flooring is required to complete your flooring project. A 5% buffer is factored into the calculation to account for waste during the installation process.

Laminate Flooring

How is Golden Select Laminate Flooring constructed?
Golden Select™ laminate flooring has five layers: a wear layer, a decorative layer, an inner core layer, a backing layer, and a pre-attached foam underlayment backer. The wear layer is a clear top layer of aluminum oxide that protects the floor from stains and fading. The decorative layer gives the floor its colour and pattern. The inner core is the pressed high-density fiberboard (HDF) that keeps the laminate stable and flat. The backing creates a barrier with the sub-floor and protects the floor from moisture and warping. Golden Select™ laminate floors come with a pre-attached foam backer.
Is it easy to install Golden Select Laminate Flooring?
The SelectLOC™ click installation system is designed to create a tight seal using a fast-snap, fold-down system. The planks click together on 4 sides, creating a floor that floats over the subfloor. SelectLOC™ allows for a fast and easy installation with minimal mess.
What is a floating floor?
A floating floor is built with all its component parts attached to each other, but none of the parts are fixed or glued to the supporting subfloor.
How do I cut the laminate planks?
A variety of saws can be used to cut laminate, including a handsaw, doorjamb saw, table saw, miter saw, circular saw, or jigsaw. When cutting a plank, ensure the decorative surface is facing the blade.
Which direction do I install the laminate flooring in?
We recommend installing the planks parallel to the longest wall in the room to make your space feel larger but consider what makes sense for your space. Install planks from the left to the righthand side of the room.
Can I install laminate in my kitchen and bathroom?
If you are planning to put laminate in your kitchen, we recommend using one of the designs from our SplashShield™ Collection (hyperlink to product). These laminates are water resistant for 24 hours, leaving you plenty of time to clean up any spills. While we do not recommend our laminate for your bathroom, our vinyl (link) selection has you covered!
Can I install laminate on the stairs?
Yes! For this type of installation you will need to cut and glue the planks to the stair treads and rises. You will also need stair nose moldings to finish off the installation. *picture of installation*
Can I install laminate on top of a radiant heated floor?
Installations over radiant-heated subfloors are acceptable. Always refer to the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer. It is recommended to maintain the temperature between 18-22°C (65-72°F). Temperature should never exceed 27°C (80°F). Radiant heat systems should be operating for a minimum of 3 weeks prior to installation of laminate flooring.
What is the difference between an underlayment and a vapor barrier? Do I need to buy either of them?
Golden Select™ laminate floors come with a 2 mm pre-attached foam backer so there is no need to purchase additional underlayment. This backer will help smooth minor subfloor imperfections, will act as an extra sound barrier, and will cushion the planks, making the laminate more comfortable to walk on. If you are installing over concrete or certain existing floors (including vinyl or ceramic), you will need to install a 6-mil (15 mm) vapor barrier. This is to prevent the moisture inside the subfloor from reaching the laminate planks. Consult the Golden Select™ laminate installation guide for full installation instructions.
Is Golden Select laminate water resistant?
Laminate flooring from the Design Collection are moisture resistant, whereas laminate in the SplashShield™ Collection are water resistant for 24 hours.
How do I clean my laminate floor?
Golden Select™ laminate flooring can be regularly cleaned using dust mops, vacuums, water-based laminate cleaners and warm water with a bit of vinegar. Design Collection laminates can be cleaned with a damp mop if needed and our SplashShield™ Collection can be wet mopped. It is important to avoid using soap or detergent-based cleaners and wax-based products that could dull or damage the floor.
Are Golden Select laminate products pet-friendly? Can dogs scratch the surface of a laminate floor with their nails?
Yes, Golden Select™ laminates are pet-friendly. The AC4 wear layer protects against daily wear and tear. In general, animal claws do not scratch laminate floors. However, this cannot be guaranteed as different animals have different habits. Keeping claws trimmed will help avoid a potential scratching of your laminate floors.
What is a handscraped texture?
Handscraped laminate floors have a contoured surface that delivers a rustic, authentic hardwood appearance. Planks have subtle grooves, scallops and scrapes that create a textured finish.
What does EIR or authentic woodgrain texture mean?
EIR stands for Embossed in Register and is a manufacturing method that creates the look and feel of real hardwood. This method aligns the texture on the plank with the printed woodgrain design and intensifies the depth and appearance of the floor. A common term associated with EIR is Authentic Woodgrain Texture.
What is an embossed texture?
Laminates with an embossed texture have subtle grooves and ridges to give the floor a look of real hardwood. The texture is randomly spread across the planks to add depth and character to the laminate.
What sort of emissions are given off by laminate flooring?
Golden Select™ laminate flooring complies with international formaldehyde emissions standards, including California Air Resources Board (CARB) Phase 2 standards, the EPA Title VI regulations, and European E1 formaldehyde standards. The flooring is vigorously tested through multiple third-party testing companies. In addition, Golden Select™ laminate floors are Greenguard Gold certified for indoor air emissions to keep your home safe.

VINYL FLOORING

What is Rigid Core Vinyl?
Rigid core vinyl, known as stone polymer composite or stone plastic composite, is a 100% waterproof vinyl. It is denser and heavier than some other forms of vinyl flooring making it more dimensionally stable.
What is Engineered Vinyl?
Engineered vinyl, known as plastic composite vinyl, is 100% waterproof vinyl that is characterized by being quiet underfoot.
What is a wear layer?
The top layer of the vinyl planks is called the wear layer and is measured in mil or in mm depending on the market. This layer protects against stains and scratches. The thicker the wear layer the more durable the floor will be.
How do I clean my vinyl floor?
Use a dust mop or vacuum regularly to keep your floors clean. You can also use a damp mop with a diluted floor cleaner if necessary. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents that could damage the floor.
What precautions should I take for furniture and heavy appliances?
Furniture should be moved onto the newly installed floor using an appliance hand truck over hardboard runways. Frequently moved furniture should be equipped with felt pads to avoid scratching the floor. Heavy furniture and appliances should be equipped with non-staining large surface floor protectors. Furniture with castors or wheels must be easy swiveling, non-staining and suitable for resilient floors. Do not use ball type castors as they can damage the floor.
Is Golden Select Vinyl Flooring waterproof?
Yes, our vinyl products are 100% waterproof. You can install them in any room of the house including mudrooms, basements, bathrooms and kitchens.
Can I install Vinyl Flooring on stairs or steps?
Yes, you can. To do so, you will need to cut and glue the planks to the steps and rises. You can purchase stair nose moldings on our website to finish off each step. *insert pic*
Is Golden Select Vinyl Flooring pet-friendly?
Yes. The wear layer on the vinyl flooring prevents scratches, making this product pet-friendly. However, different animals have different habits, so we recommend keeping claws trimmed to avoid any potential damage to your floors.
Does Golden Select vinyl flooring have low VOC emissions?
Golden Select vinyl flooring is Floorscore certified and compliant with stringent indoor air quality emissions. Additionally, all Golden Select vinyl flooring is lead-free, formaldehyde-free, and phthalate-free.

Mosaic Wall Tiles

How do I seal the natural stone on the mosaic tiles?
Natural stone tiles should be sealed prior to grouting. A premium penetrating sealer is recommended for a natural look. This can be found at your local hardware store. Please review and follow the sealer manufacturer’s recommendations for application. Before applying sealer, it’s important that the surface is completely clean of grease and dirt. Ensure that you only apply the sealer onto the stone pieces.
Why do I need to put a sealer on the pieces of natural stone?
All stone benefits from sealing as it keeps environmental elements from penetrating the stone surface. The sealer protects the surface from grout, dyes, oil, water and other elements that can penetrate the stone.
How do you prevent natural stone from changing colour once it is installed?
The proportion of natural stone material that contains iron ion is different; therefore, please avoid stone material touching alkaline material as much as possible, otherwise it will cause stone discoloration. Moreover, it is recommended to use a professional stone protective material for regular maintenance of the stone surface.

Artificial Grass

Is artificial grass flammable? I am worried about cigarettes being near the artificial grass.
Our artificial grass is up to the ASTM flame retardant standards. Lit cigarettes cannot ignite the grass, but they can damage the grass by fusing the tips of the grass blades together. Cigarettes, fireworks, and open flames should be kept away from the grass surface. We do not recommend installing a barbecue over the artificial grass as this could damage the grass over time.
Is there a recommended cleaning method for dealing with animal waste on the artificial grass?
Our artificial grass is pet-friendly, but animal waste should be cleaned up promptly. Solid waste should be picked up and disposed of and the area should be rinsed with warm water. Pet urine should also be rinsed thoroughly with warm water.
Will the artificial grass withstand heat from the sun?
Absolutely! The artificial grass is made with a UV resistant additive and is up to ISO UVA and UVB standards. It can withstand sunlight and extremely high temperatures.

Concrete Resurfacing Kit

How to get the best visual effect out of your kit?
To create the correct textural and visual effect, the accent roller is meant to be lightly loaded and rolled randomly over the surface while still allowing the shade of the base coat to show through. The goal is not to cover the primer coat (Part 2) with the stone coat (Part 3), but that the two colors coexist.
Can I apply the Golden Select kit on a cracked concrete?
You would need to apply a skim coat of concrete patch material to the very rough areas of your concrete for a more uniform application surface. While our Golden Select concrete resurfacing kit is an excellent decorative and performance enhancing product for concrete, it unfortunately is not a concrete repair mortar.
Your product looks like a paint and paint does not stick to cement. How does your product differ from paint?
Actually, the product is not paint. It is a stone coating system specially designed to effectively adhere to concrete. Surface preparation is the most important factor in achieving lasting performance. Exterior concrete or garage floors must be thoroughly pressure washed and fully fried before the coating application.
What is the shelf life for the Concrete Resurfacing Kit? Does it expire after a certain amount of time?
The product will generally last up to four years in its unopened container, stored in a cool dry place.
What tinting can I use to modify the colour in each of the three paint layers?
Universal colourant.
Can I use this product on a wooden surface?
Wood is not a suitable surface for this product because it is too unstable. It tends to warp, split and naturally crack when exposed to the elements.

Mouldings

Where can I find matching mouldings for my floor?
We sell matching mouldings on our website. Please visit the Mouldings & Accessories section of our website to find your shade and make your purchase. If you need more information or require assistance, please contact our customer service team at [email protected].
Which mouldings do I need?
We offer four different types of mouldings on our website.

  • Reducers: Create a smooth transition between two floors that are slightly different heights, such as vinyl tiles and laminate.
  • T-Mouldings: Create a smooth transition between two hard surface floors that are the same height, such as ceramic and laminate.
  • End Caps: Create a smooth transition between two floors that are different heights, such as carpet and laminate.
  • Stairnoses: Used for finishing at the landing areas and on the edge of the stairs.
I placed an order for mouldings. When will I receive a tracking number?
You will receive a tracking number within three business days of receiving the confirmation email with the details of your purchase.
When will my mouldings arrive?
You will receive a confirmation email as soon as you make a purchase. You will then receive a second email with a tracking number for your shipment within three days of receiving the initial confirmation email. Once you have a tracking number, your mouldings will be delivered to you within 10 business days.