Frequently Asked Questions

Most of the damage pets cause to hardwood flooring is fine scratches in the finish, which can give the surface of the floor a dulled or etched appearance. Evoke floors have a finish layer similar to that of hardwood floors, and they are susceptible to the same type of damage. And while these finishes are scratch-resistant, they are not scratch-proof.

Pet nails can cause deeper gouges or indents in wood flooring; that is less of an issue with laminate, luxury vinyl, and rigid core floors as they have greater impact resistance than wood. 

GREENGUARD is a low emissions certification program owned and managed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), one of the largest and most respected product safety organizations in the world. GREENGUARD has two certification levels: GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold. At this time, all of Evoke's GREENGUARD certified products have achieved Gold status. GREENGUARD Gold certification complies with CA 01350 but under stricter certification requirements than any other emissions program. It also establishes a very low Total VOC level and sets emissions for specific VOCs at 1/100th of the US Federal Government’s Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for occupational exposure. 

In UL’s words, GREENGUARD Gold certification is “designed to define low-emitting materials suitable for environments where people, particularly children and sensitive adults, spend extended periods of time, in particular schools and healthcare facilities.” 

GREENGUARD Gold certification is also recognized by LEED as a qualifying attribute for low emitting materials credits. 
For more information visit ul.com/gg

Laminate, luxury vinyl, rigid core are all categories of manufactured flooring.

Laminates and Surge® are hard surface flooring products manufactured from several layers of material fused together with heat and pressure to form rigid, fixed size boards. The primary material used is HDF* (high density fiberboard.). 

Luxury vinyl is also a hard surface flooring material but has the added benefit of being “softer underfoot”. Luxury vinyl is used in homes but most often in commercial environments where products need to stand up to heavy use conditions like high foot traffic or rolling loads. The surface of the product is protected by a high performance wear layer and durable UV-cured coating. High quality products like Evoke are made from real vinyl; some inferior brands may use composite or filler material. Luxury vinyl products are also made in fixed size tiles or boards, but they are flexible and come in a variety of installation options.

Rigid core is a newcomer to the manufactured flooring world. It combines the very best features of both laminate and luxury vinyl. The boards are rigid planks with a click together joint system like laminate, but they’re constructed from a waterproof vinyl composite material, which gives them the ‘install it anywhere’ flexibility of vinyl flooring.

A common feature of nearly all laminate, luxury vinyl and rigid core flooring is that they have the appearance of being made from wood, stone or other natural materials.

*(Technical note: HDF is a term used by industry to describe a type of MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) with specific weight and strength properties designed for specific applications – like laminate flooring cores. MDF is a technical and legal label that covers a broad category of fiberboard products and is, therefore, the term used by regulators to cover the entire category.  In CARB (California Air Resource Board)/TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) terms, it is all classed under MDF, as a result, we refer to MDF when discussing indoor air quality. Outside of indoor air quality language, we follow industry custom and refer to it as HDF, as do most laminate manufacturers.

If you’re flooring a ‘wet room’ like a laundry area or bathroom, luxury vinyl, rigid core, or Surge® are the better choices. Laminate is not recommended in wet areas. 

Otherwise, it’s largely a matter of personal preference based on appearance and feel. For example, do you prefer a soft or hard surface? Each flooring has similar wear, durability, and performance characteristics. If in doubt, contact us or an Evoke dealer near you.  

AC stands for Abrasion Class. It is a standardized test to determine the “normal” wear and tear tolerance levels of the product being tested. Most of our laminate is rated as an AC4, which is suitable for Moderate Foot Traffic. Surge® is rated as an AC5, which is suitable for heavy foot traffic.

Regular sweeping and vacuuming are sufficient to keep your Evoke floor clean. Steam mops should not be used on Surge® flooring. Also, avoid using soaps, waxes, and topical polishes. For a more thorough cleaning, use a product recommended for Evoke flooring.

Watch the video to learn floor care best practices.  

Generally speaking, laminates should not be installed in an area larger than 30’ by 30’. In installation areas larger than this, it is recommended an expansion space be incorporated into the floor and covered with a molding.  

Regular sweeping and vacuuming are sufficient to keep the floor clean. Steam mops should not be used on laminate flooring. Also, avoid using soaps, waxes, and topical polishes. For a more thorough cleaning, use a product recommended for laminate flooring. We recommend Pro Series Therapy floor care system by Metropolitan.

Learn more about Pro Series Therapy products and caring for your Evoke floor or watch the video to learn floor care best practices.

The Pro Series: Cleaning Engineered, Vinyl and Laminate Floors

Depending on the collection, you may require an underlayment. In cases, where an underlayment is already attached, no additional underlayment is required. If you are installing over concrete or plywood, different underlayment options are required. Please consult the flooring installation instructions or contact technical services at Metropolitan, the manufacturer and distributor of Evoke, for additional information on what underlayment you may require for your specific installation.

Yes, all Evoke floors are approved for use over radiant heat. Refer to the appropriate flooring installation guide for special instructions and use of the floors over radiant heat systems. 

Installing laminate or Surge® flooring is generally a DIY friendly project, however you will require specialized tools, such as a tapping block, pull bar/pry bar, and a few different types of cutting blades. You should be confident in the use of all specialized tools prior to installation. If you have any doubt on whether you can accomplish this yourself, please reach out to the dealer you purchased the floor from for expert installation services.

Yes. The principal component of a laminate floor is the HDF core which, like any wood-based material, can absorb moisture and deform. Evoke laminate floors all use premium grade HDF (High Density Fiberboard) with very low absorption rates, which means they have a certain measure of moisture resistance, but as a general rule laminate floors should not be exposed to moisture.

No, the thickness of a laminate floor is not an indicator of quality. A thicker HDF (High Density Fiberboard) layer is often used in products that have a deep or aggressive surface treatment, such as ‘deep embossing’, where the core needs to be thick enough to accommodate the manufacturing of the surface effects.  As far as performance, a thin, good quality HDF core will perform just as well as a thick one. 

Generally, our warehouses are climate controlled, however the transportation to and from your home, may involve a truck or delivery service that exposes the product to the environment. Our warranty requires that your home’s interior environment be between 30-50% relative humidity and between 60-80°F. The best case scenario for your floors to perform the way they were intended, is to first ensure your home is capable of achieving and maintaining the indoor environmental conditions we stipulate in our instructions, then deliver the wood into that environment and let it sit there to acclimate. During this acclimation period it is important to ensure the environment is balanced. All wet trades should be complete, meaning, this is not the time to start drywall mudding, painting or HVAC installation as all of these activities will introduce moisture into the environment, thus likely throwing off your relative humidity. Remember: the HDF (High Density Fiberboard) core in laminate will absorb moisture if given the opportunity. Subjecting your flooring to excess moisture may void your warranty.

No. Powered spinning mops, steam mops, and beater bar/power vacuum heads that spin are not suitable for use on laminate flooring, as prolonged use may actually “polish” the floor. Steam mops should be avoided all together, as the steam produced is basically moisture vaporized at high pressure and high heat that is forced into micro spaces between the joints in your flooring. Excessive use in one area or prolonged use may cause the HDF (High Density Fiberboard) core to absorb that moisture, causing damage to the locking system and potentially compromising the integrity of the floor and/or cause surface defects or a breakdown of the core. This breakdown could lead to the planks being easy to scratch, dent or chip—all of which are not covered under our warranty.

No. Laminate flooring is meant to “float”. That means that the floors must be free to expand and contract with seasonal changes in temperature and environment. When you install cabinets, kitchen islands or anything “fixed” in place, this creates a “pinch point”, where the floors may bind when they expand or contract. That “binding” may cause things like gapping, end lifting or tenting-to name a few. As a general rule, proper expansion space must be maintained when flooring meets any vertical obstruction.

Yes, provided it meets the specifications required for subfloor preparation. Bear in mind that plywood and OSB substrates tend to get roughed up during construction, and any imperfections in the surface will eventually telegraph through to the surface of the floor. Consider using a surface preparation product to provide a smooth installation surface.  

Yes, all Evoke floors are approved for use over radiant heat.  Refer to the installation guide for special instructions and use of the floors over radiant heat systems. 

It depends on many factors: the type of traffic, the location, installation requirements, and more. Contact us or an Evoke dealer near you for help choosing the best installation method.

Rubber-backed or latex-backed mats should not be used directly on a luxury vinyl floor unless they are marked “colorfast” by the mat manufacturer. Many of these products contain chemicals in the non-slip backing which can permanently stain the floor.

If using Stick or Quick products, there is no limit to the size of area that can be installed. 

If using a Click product, the floor should not be installed in an area larger than 55’ by 55’. In installations larger than this it is recommended an ‘expansion’ seam be incorporated into the floor and covered with a molding.  

Yes. The finish on Evoke Luxury Vinyl floors contains a UV inhibitor to help minimize the effects of exposure to sunlight but fading may occur over time. To reduce fading, use shades or blinds to minimize the floor’s exposure to direct sunlight.

Yes, but the manufacturer of the particle board must warrant that it will not stain the flooring. Some older styles of particleboard tended to emit a stain that bled through into the flooring above. 

Evoke luxury vinyl floors have a textured surface which helps reduce slipperiness when wet. There is also a slip resistance factor in the polyurethane finish. Grease or other contaminants may also contribute to making the surface slippery. For the slip resistance of a particular style, please consult your Evoke dealer. 

This is a bit complicated. Luxury vinyl planks (or tiles) are, in themselves, completely waterproof and cannot be damaged by exposure to moisture. For that reason they are an excellent choice for laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and other areas where moisture is around. 

However, when LV is installed over concrete, there is a possibility that moisture under the floor – whether it seeps down from above or is emitted from the slab – can react with chemicals in the concrete to create high levels of alkali, which can degrade the vinyl. In other words, simple moisture can’t affect the LV, but when it comes into contact with concrete, it can give rise to a problem.

For this reason, installations over concrete should always include moisture testing and moisture control measures for the slab. Installations in ‘wet rooms’ should also include measures to ensure that the seams and perimeter of the floor are well sealed to prevent moisture from getting under the luxury vinyl onto the subfloor below. 

Yes, with certain cautions. Luxury vinyl will expand and contract slightly when exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations. Click and Quick style products are both ‘floating’ installations and can accommodate some movement. If using a Stick product, ask the installer to use an epoxy adhesive, which performs better in a situation where there may be extreme temperature variations.

Yes. Stick and Quick products can be ‘reverse laid’ easily. To reverse lay Click products you will need a Board Replacement and Inlay Kit, available from your Evoke dealer.   

Yes. Structure is typically adhered directly to the substrate and doesn’t require the flooring to float.

Yes, cabinets can be placed directly on Structure luxury vinyl flooring.

Yes and no. To discuss your commercial needs, contact Metropolitan’s Technical Services. Metropolitan is the manufacturer and distributor of Evoke flooring and its Technical Services Team are Evoke flooring experts. 

Yes, the recommended adhesive is Mapei MS 4 Walls. Note: the installation of any type of material on walls or ceilings will depend upon your site conditions, building- and fire codes. A wall or ceiling installation is not warranted by Evoke.

If a releasable adhesive was used for installation, start by heating the edge of the plank you wish to remove. Insert a knife or sharp point tool near the edge of the plank that you want to remove. Pull it up slightly, which will allow you to pull the plank up with your other hand. Apply adhesive to the substrate and place the new plank into place, and you are done.

Luxury vinyl (LV) planks, or tiles, are in themselves completely waterproof and cannot be damaged by exposure to moisture. That is why they are an excellent choice for laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and other areas where moisture is present. 

However, when LV is installed over concrete, there is a possibility that high levels of moisture vapor and alkali salts emitted from the slab may degrade the vinyl flooring or adhesive.  In other words, simple moisture can’t affect the LV, but when if the moisture comes into contact with concrete, it can cause a problem.

For this reason, installations over concrete should always include moisture testing and moisture control measures for the slab. Installations in ‘wet rooms’ should also include measures to ensure that edges at vertical obstacles, and the perimeter of the floor, are well sealed to prevent moisture getting under the LV onto the subfloor below.

Yes, Evoke offers an assortment of flooring trims and accessories for our full line of rigid core floors, including overlap stair nose, flush-mount stair nose, end cap, T-mold, overlap reducer, and quarter-round trims. View available installation and finishing accessories. 

Generally speaking, rigid core flooring should not be installed in an area larger than 40’ by 40’. In installations larger than this, it is recommended that an ‘expansion’ space be incorporated into the floor and covered with molding. 

At present, all Evoke rigid core flooring has an integral underlayment attached to the underside of every board. These products require no additional underlayment.

Yes, all Evoke floors are approved for use over radiant heat. Refer to the installation guide for special instructions and use of the floors over radiant heat systems.

Yes, because of the nature of the product you may need to purchase a little extra to make sure the install works out. If installing an area less than 750 sqft, add a cutting allowance of 15% to your order.  If installing an area of more than 750 sqft, add a standard 10% cutting allowance. Having a few excess boards on hand is always a good idea should you need to do a board replacement.

Although rigid core is waterproof and not susceptible to humidity like wood-based products, it can be susceptible to extreme heat that can expand the flooring. For the best performance of a floating installation, make sure the flooring has adequate expansion space at all vertical surfaces and keep the ambient temperature between 65°f-85°f (18°c-30°c).

If you’re planning to install rigid core in areas that experience temperatures outside this range (like sunrooms), a full-spread glue-down installation is recommended (the attached pad will need to be removed). For more information contact Technical Services at Metropolitan. Metropolitan is the manufacturer and distributor of Evoke flooring and its Technical Services Team are Evoke flooring experts.

The Evoke warranty does not cover any aspect of installation, including labor. The Evoke warranty assures the product against manufacturing defects and the finish for durability. For more information, please consult the Warranty. 

Yes, in several ways. As a hard surface flooring, it will not hold fur and dander and is very easy to get thoroughly clean. Evoke rigid core is not affected by pet urine, but more aggressive liquids such as sulfuric acid and lacquer thinner will affect the surface.

The finish on Evoke rigid core floors is scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof, and pet nails may cause some surface scratching. Keeping the nails of pets trimmed will help reduce this. 

Yes, but the planks will need to be glued in place and the job will require some additional preparation. The attached underlay will need to be removed and the back of the boards cleaned of any residue or debris to ensure a good adhesive bond. (We recommend using Pro Series 3089 with a 1/16” square notch trowel.) You will also need to purchase the flush-fitting stair nose for the flooring (available from your dealer). Please note that the Evoke warranty does not cover any form of installation. 

Yes. The finish on Evoke rigid core flooring contains a UV inhibitor to help minimize the effects of exposure to sunlight but some fading and discoloration may occur over time. To reduce the risk, use shades or blinds to minimize the floor’s exposure to direct sunlight.

With its built-in acoustic underlayment, Evoke rigid core already has excellent sound-dampening properties. Use of additional acoustic cushion under any Evoke rigid core is not approved. 

Regular sweeping and vacuuming are sufficient to keep the floor clean. For a more thorough cleaning, use a product recommended for vinyl flooring. We recommend Pro Series Therapy floor care and maintenance products.

Watch the video to learn floor care best practices. 

The Pro Series: Cleaning Engineered, Vinyl and Laminate Floors

Evoke rigid core floors have a textured surface which helps reduce slipperiness when wet. Grease or other contaminants may also contribute to making the surface slippery. For the slip resistance of a particular style, please consult an Evoke dealer near you. 

Rubber-backed or latex-backed mats should not be used directly on rigid core floors unless marked “colorfast” by the mat manufacturer. Many of these products contain chemicals in the non-slip backing, which can permanently stain the floor.

Because rigid core is more stable than other types of floating floors, it can be installed without the use of transition strips in doorways leading from room to room, provided the perimeter expansion requirements have been met and a temperature range of 65-85°F (18-30°C) is maintained before, during, and after installation.

Yes, provided it meets the subfloor specifications, as laid out in the installation guide. 

No. Surge® flooring is meant to “float”. That means that the floors must be free to expand and contract with seasonal changes in temperature and environment. When you install cabinets, kitchen islands or anything “fixed” in place, this creates a “pinch point”, where the floors may bind when they expand or contract. That “binding” may cause things like gapping, end lifting or tenting-to name a few. As a general rule, proper expansion space must be maintained when flooring meets any vertical obstruction.

Generally speaking, Surge® flooring should not be installed in an area larger than 40' by 40' or up to 60' feet in lenght or width. In installations larger than this, it is recommended an expansion space be incorporated into the floor and covered with a molding.

Generally, our warehouses are climate controlled, however the transportation to and from your home, may involve a truck or delivery service that exposes the product to the environment. Our warranty requires that your home’s interior environment be between 30-50% relative humidity and between 60-80°F. The best case scenario for your floors to perform the way they were intended, is to first ensure your home is capable of achieving and maintaining the indoor environmental conditions we stipulate in our instructions, then deliver the wood into that environment and let it sit there to acclimate. During this acclimation period it is important to ensure the environment is balanced. All wet trades should be complete, meaning, this is not the time to start drywall mudding, painting or HVAC installation as all of these activities will introduce moisture into the environment, thus likely throwing off your relative humidity. Remember: the HDF (High Density Fiberboard) core in laminate will absorb moisture if given the opportunity. Subjecting your flooring to excess moisture may void your warranty.

Depending on the collection, you may require an underlayment. In cases, where an underlayment is already attached, no additional underlayment is required. If you are installing over concrete or plywood, different underlayment options are required. Please consult the flooring installation instructions or contact technical services at Metropolitan, the manufacturer and distributor of Evoke, for additional information on what underlayment you may require for your specific installation.

Yes, all Evoke floors are approved for use over radiant heat. Refer to the appropriate flooring installation guide for special instructions and use of the floors over radiant heat systems. 

Installing Surge® flooring is generally a DIY friendly project, however you will require specialized tools, such as a tapping block, pull bar/pry bar, and a few different types of cutting blades. You should be confident in the use of all specialized tools prior to installation. If you have any doubt on whether you can accomplish this yourself, please reach out to the dealer you purchased the floor from for expert installation services.

For Surge® waterproof floors, the core has been specially formulated to withstand moisture, however it is not waterproof from below. That is to say, if you had a flood, the top surface is safe from moisture for up to 24 hours according to NALFA, however moisture has a way of finding the path of least resistance and in some cases, standing water (especially a lot of it) will start to follow the flooring bevels to the walls, where it will likely travel under the baseboards and then under the floors. When this happens, the floors are in most cases – not salvageable and more likely an insurance claim at this point. Rest assured though, general day to day spills that are cleaned up within a reasonable amount of time will not harm your laminate or Surge® floor.

No, the thickness of a laminate floor is not an indicator of quality. A thicker HDF (High Density Fiberboard) layer is often used in products that have a deep or aggressive surface treatment, such as ‘deep embossing’, where the core needs to be thick enough to accommodate the manufacturing of the surface effects.  As far as performance, a thin, good quality HDF core will perform just as well as a thick one. 

No. Powered spinning mops, steam mops, and beater bar/power vacuum heads that spin are not suitable for use on Surge®  flooring, as prolonged use may actually “polish” the floor. Steam mops should be avoided all together, as the steam produced is basically moisture vaporized at high pressure and high heat that is forced into micro spaces between the joints in your flooring. Excessive use in one area or prolonged use may cause the HDF (High Density Fiberboard) core to absorb that moisture, causing damage to the locking system and potentially compromising the integrity of the floor and/or cause surface defects or a breakdown of the core. This breakdown could lead to the planks being easy to scratch, dent or chip—all of which are not covered under our warranty.

Regular sweeping and vacuuming are sufficient to keep the floor clean. Steam mops should not be used on Surge® flooring. Also, avoid using soaps, waxes, and topical polishes. For a more thorough cleaning, use a product recommended for laminate flooring. We recommend Pro Series Therapy floor care system by Metropolitan. Learn more about Pro Series Therapy products and caring for your Evoke floor. 

Watch the video to learn floor care best practices.

The Pro Series: Cleaning Engineered, Vinyl and Laminate Floors