Hi all, Been posting a few ramblings on here deciding on flooring. I went with QuickStep Livyn Pulse in the end. And I used a fitter that's a "Master Installer" The fitter's a nice guy, and I really want everything just to go well and be happy with it, but basically what's happened is he's used a tapping block when installing the planks. Bashing that block against the bottom side has damaged the bevel, which means for several planks in my installation so far the whole top surface has broken away at the bevel, revealing the black vinyl underneath - typically in spots that are a few centimetres wide - several spread along the bottom edge of that plank. I checked the other uninstalled planks, and most are fine. However some have the white underneath the print layer showing a little on the same bottom edge. Which either suggests the batches have been handled badly by the supplier, or by the fitter. I don't know if the bottom edge is more delicate for some reason? The click groove is longer on that side. Basically it's black vinyl with the white print layer followed by the clear PU wear layer. So a bit of wear reveals the white of the print layer. And wearing the print layer off completely reveals the black vinyl. The installation instructions explicitly state not to using a tapping block: http://www.quick-step.co.uk/en-gb/flooring/vinyl/installation He was hitting it pretty hard tapping the board up. And then hitting the block on top of the vinyl as well. Seems completely unnecessary as it goes together nicely. But it's caused major damage. Anyway, I don't want to name names etc. But if anyone can advise what the best thing to do is that'd be much appreciated. Already paid more than what the product costs as my deposit. My deposit is probably the product + wages at least. Almost 3k. I'm going to ask to have what's been put down so far (just one room), redone. So the planks that are damaged replaced. And the the existing planks put back carefully. But to be honest I wish I'd just ordered the product from lfdirect.co.uk who throw in the cutter and tool for free, and fitted it myself. Could have got it for 2k with the underlay and tools etc. Because I've had to be there the whole time to properly prep the subfloor, and then ensure the place is clean, and that the floor is put down without repeats. Before I mentioned anything he put down the same design next to each other at one point. He's been good with working to deal with repeats etc and make sure it goes down well since we spotted that, but the damage to the boards is a major issue. Also it voids my warranty Anyway, any advice much appreciated. Thanks a lot Prot
I did a load of livyn in a kitchen showroom earlier this year, it went together by hand lovely no need for a tapping block. But I did actually read the instructions before I started, I'm guessing your guy didn't? I don't think there's anything that can be done other than pulling up and replacing the damaged planks. Sent from my Galaxy S6
Is the person a quick step livyn master installer or just a master installer for there more well known laminate ranges?
He's a master installer for both. But it seems he mostly works with engineered wood etc, which I didn't realise. Seems he's barely installed Livyn, and after doing their training (where he must have used their tools and correct method), just reverted to using a tapping block as if it's hardwood. I did have the installation instructions with me on my phone and was reading them again when he was working, but didn't want to be annoying telling people what to do when I saw him using the tapping block, and didn't see the damage until I inspected the floor after he left. Should have said something. To be honest I'd rather he just refund my deposit, take the damaged product and I'll do it myself. I can take as long as I like, while a fitter will always have time pressure as time is money. Freeley did you use the livyn tool to pull the planks, or just by hand? Also my skirting is a bit over 5mm from my chipboard subfloor (there was foam sheeting under there which we removed - used in the new build pressure tests). This lets us slide the flooring under, and then seal with mastic. Is that okay? Given he hasn't even put the floor down right, I'm not confident about any other plans either. I wanted to use mastic so dust doesn't go under the gaps in the skirting. Also, the floor seems to sag in the middle, meaning the livyn is tight to the skirting on on the ends of the wall, but has over 5mm extra gap in the middle. My understanding is the mastic has enough flex to allow the board to expand and still move under the skirting. I'm going to ask my fitter to redo the room and replace the damaged boards, but that I'd prefer if he just refund and take the product. Hopefully that'll be alright?
I did it by hand didn't have any issues as it went together so nicely. I'm not a quickstep master installer btw but have the common sense not to be using a tapping block with an lvt! Sent from my Galaxy S6
Given all your knowledge and questions so far i dont know why you didnt do it yourself in the first place Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Didn't take that as sarcastic at all, and fair point. I've done some research but never fitted a floor before, and although I like working with my hands I've never owned a place, so not done much DIY at all.
