Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about choosing, installing and maintaining your Tajima floor.

Choose a topic or search for your question. Always consult the product information and installation instructions for your particular floor.

How can we help you?

1. Choosing a floor

Compare flooring types and find the right foundation for your interior.

PVC and vinyl are often used to describe the same type of resilient floor covering. LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tiles: planks and tiles with, for example, a wood or stone appearance. The name alone does not tell you how the floor is installed or which applications it suits. Compare the installation method, use class and technical specifications as well.

Glue-down PVC is bonded to a prepared subfloor. Click PVC has joints that lock the individual pieces together. Loose lay is designed for installation without full bonding, subject to requirements for the room, subfloor and fixing.

The installation guidance for Contract-SL and Denim describes loose laying up to 150 m², with the flooring restrained around the entire perimeter. Where this is not possible, the document specifies suitable tape or tackifier. Have the installation method assessed separately for heavy loads or substantial temperature changes.

Contract-SL and Denim installation guidance (PDF, Dutch)

Start with the room and its everyday use. Is it a living room, an office or a busy shop? Then consider installation method, floor height, maintenance and appearance. When requesting advice, also tell us whether you have underfloor heating and what the existing subfloor is. This helps us recommend a suitable solution.

The wear layer is the transparent top layer that protects the design. The use class indicates the applications for which a floor has been classified. A thicker floor is not automatically more suitable for intensive use. Assess the wear layer, use class and other performance characteristics together using the product data sheet.

Choose a collection suited to the expected loads and check the product specifications. No floor is completely scratch-proof. Remove sand regularly and use suitable furniture protectors. Office chairs need appropriate castors and, where necessary, a suitable protective mat. If in doubt, ask for advice for your specific floor.

2. Rooms and applications

From living room to workplace: what does your space need?

This depends on the collection, installation method and floor build-up. Water-resistant flooring material does not automatically make the entire floor watertight. Joints, edges and the subfloor need particular attention. Confirm the suitability of your bathroom solution before installation. Shower areas require a separate assessment.

On stairs, the floor covering, adhesive and stair-edge finish must be compatible. Grip, loads and the shape of the stairs also matter. Have a specialist assess which collection and stair nosing are suitable. A smooth substrate alone is not enough to establish suitability.

First determine the expected demands: foot traffic, wheeled furniture, dirt brought inside and cleaning. Then check the use class and the performance your project requires, such as slip resistance and reaction to fire. Share your project details with us for advice on a suitable collection.

Strong sunlight can heat parts of the floor considerably. For large glazed areas, conservatories and heat sources, take the chosen collection’s installation requirements into account. Discuss beforehand whether shading, another installation method or a different adhesive is needed. Lightfastness and heat resistance are different properties.

Check the acoustic requirements that apply to your home or building. Acoustic performance depends on the complete combination of structural floor, any underlay and floor covering. Ask for an appropriate test report for that combination. A general description such as ‘sound absorbing’ is not sufficient evidence that your requirement is met.

3. Underfloor heating and cooling

Check the combination of flooring, heating system and subfloor.

The product data sheets for Ambiente and Contract-SL state that these floors are suitable for underfloor heating. For installation, also check the laying instructions, heating system and permitted temperature. This statement does not automatically approve every electric heating system or underfloor cooling.

Ambiente product information (PDF, Dutch) · Contract-SL product information (PDF, Dutch)

Check whether underfloor cooling is permitted for the selected collection and floor build-up. The system must be set up to prevent condensation. Have the installer match the controls and operating conditions to the flooring, and consult the collection-specific installation instructions.

Not every electric system works in the same way. Suitability depends on factors including the build-up, temperature controls and local heat development. Have the exact combination of heating system and chosen floor assessed before installation.

Use the temperature limit stated in the current installation instructions for your collection. Pay attention to where the temperature is measured: the system’s water temperature is different from the floor surface temperature. If you are unsure which limit applies, ask before adjusting the heating.

The product data sheets for Ambiente and Contract-SL specify a thermal resistance of 0.02 m² K/W. This is the value for the flooring product; assess the complete floor build-up separately. Consult the downloads for heating-up guidance and agree the procedure with your installer.

Ambiente product information (PDF, Dutch) · Contract-SL product information (PDF, Dutch) · All downloads

4. Preparation and installation

A good result starts beneath the floor.

The subfloor must meet the chosen flooring system’s requirements for flatness, dryness, strength and stability. Whether levelling is necessary depends on the existing subfloor and installation method. Have the subfloor assessed beforehand; a click joint does not automatically make an uneven subfloor suitable.

Only if the existing floor covering and subfloor are suitable for the chosen system. Loose parts, height differences, joints and moisture must be assessed. Have your installer determine whether preparation is sufficient or removal is necessary. Follow the installation instructions for the relevant collection.

An additional underlay is not required or permitted with every system. Glue-down floors have different requirements from click floors. Use only a combination suitable for the collection, loads and any acoustic requirements. An overly soft or unsuitable underlay can affect how the system performs.

For Contract-SL and Denim, the installation guidance specifies at least 24 hours of acclimatisation in the room where the flooring will be installed. For installation, the document states a minimum room and floor temperature of 18 °C and a maximum relative humidity of 75%.

For other collections, follow their own instructions; these values do not automatically apply to the entire range.

Contract-SL and Denim installation guidance (PDF, Dutch)

Cutting waste depends on the laying pattern, room shape and size of the planks or tiles. Have the quantity calculated using a laying plan. Perimeter clearance and expansion joints are separate installation requirements governed by the flooring system’s instructions. Allow for them at doors, fixed furniture and junctions.

5. Cleaning and protection

Practical answers to help keep your floor looking its best.

Remove dust and loose dirt regularly. For PU-finished Ambiente floors, the maintenance document specifies a PU cleaner diluted 1:200 with water for adhering dirt. Also check the instructions for the specified cleaning product. Cleaning advice and dilution can differ by product and collection.

An entrance matting area helps trap dirt at the door. Follow the relevant maintenance guidance for other collections.

Ambiente maintenance guidance (PDF, Dutch) · Maintenance by collection

Use products recommended in the maintenance instructions for your floor. Do not assume that every all-purpose cleaner, polish or degreaser is suitable. Only use a steam cleaner if the instructions explicitly permit it. If in doubt, ask first and mention the product you intend to use.

First identify the cause of the stain or deposit. Use the method in the maintenance guidance and test an approved treatment in an inconspicuous area. Do not immediately start scrubbing abrasively or using strong solvents. If the stain remains, include a photo and details of the cleaning products used when requesting advice.

Keep sand and dirt off the floor and use suitable protectors under furniture. Lift heavy objects rather than dragging them. Regularly check chair legs and castors for wear and dirt. For heavy loads or prolonged point loads, ask which protection is suitable for your floor.

Follow the maintenance system for your collection. The maintenance document for PU-finished Ambiente floors describes periodic refreshing with a PU-Siegel Matt system after extended use or when wear occurs. This is different from routinely applying any polish every year.

Have the need for and application of an extra protective coating assessed according to the floor’s condition and use.

Ambiente maintenance guidance (PDF, Dutch)

6. Documentation and sustainability

Find the information for your collection.

Check the downloads for the documentation matching your collection and product code. Always use the current version when installing. If you cannot find the right document, include the collection name and product code in your enquiry so we can help you.

Ask about the certificates available for the specific collection. Check the product name, validity and scope of the document. A certificate for one product or collection does not automatically cover the entire range. For a project enquiry, also state which certification is required.

The relevant information must relate to the chosen collection. Ask for the available product and material declarations and explain which information you need. For specifications or project assessments, use the documentation for the particular product.

Contact us with the collection name and product code to check whether an appropriate environmental product declaration is available. An EPD reports environmental data within a defined product and calculation scope. Always confirm that the declaration covers the product you intend to use.

The options depend on the product, installation method, condition of the floor and available processing facilities. Ask in advance which routes are possible for your project. Keep offcuts and used flooring separate if the chosen collector requires it. Any take-back arrangement must be agreed beforehand.

7. Buying, warranty and service

From your first sample to support after purchase.

Browse the collections first and note the designs or product codes you like. Then contact us about receiving samples or viewing and buying the flooring. Include your town or project location so we can give you relevant advice.

Besides the flooring itself, the cost includes subfloor preparation, installation, cutting waste and finishing. Removing an existing floor may also be part of the cost. Ask for an itemised quotation based on the room, subfloor and desired laying pattern.

The applicable conditions depend on the product and its use. When purchasing, ask for the warranty terms for your collection and application. Keep your proof of purchase, product details and installation information. The nature of the issue and the circumstances are important when assessing a claim.

With some systems, an individual piece can be replaced. The method depends on the installation method, accessibility and damage. Have a flooring specialist assess the appropriate repair. Keeping a few spare pieces from the same delivery can help with future repairs.

Contact your supplier and provide the collection, product code, purchase date and installation date. Include general and close-up photos and explain when you noticed the problem. Where relevant, mention the subfloor, heating and maintenance products used. This helps the situation to be assessed more precisely.

Still have a question?

Tell us which floor you are considering and where you would like to use it. We will be happy to help.