Frequently Asked Questions
Visit our showroom, request a quote, or ask any questions you may have. We're here to support your project.
Beiraportal
How long has Beiraportal been around?
Beiraportal was founded in 1999 in Viseu. We started out focusing on doors and gradually expanded to offer a full range of wood products, including flooring, staircases, baseboards, wardrobes, beams, and suspended ceilings.
Where is the showroom located?
Our showroom and headquarters are located at Estrada Nacional 2, Fontainhas, 3510-939 Viseu. A visit is the best way to see our products in person, view actual finishes, and discuss your project with our team.
Do you work with clients outside the Viseu region?
Yes. We supply products throughout the country and have clients involved in international projects. You can contact us initially by phone, email, or through the form on our website, and from there we’ll guide you through the process based on the location of the construction site.
Does Beiraportal have any certifications?
Yes. We have held the “PME Líder” and “PME Excelência” designations since 2010. Our flooring and wood products carry FSC or PEFC environmental certifications, as applicable to each product.
products
What kinds of flooring do you sell?
We offer four main categories: laminate floating flooring, SPC vinyl flooring, multilayer flooring, and solid wood flooring. Our catalog features more than 240 products, organized into series with specific technologies (Durable, Hydroprotect, Cork Underlay) and suited for different applications.
What is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?
Laminate flooring consists of layers of wood-based materials with a printed decorative surface. It offers good wear resistance and is the most common flooring solution in Portuguese homes. SPC vinyl flooring consists of a compact mineral core and is completely moisture-resistant. The choice between the two depends on the room: laminate for dry areas (bedrooms, living rooms, offices), and vinyl for wet areas (kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms).
What wood essences do you have available?
For flooring and solid wood products, we primarily work with oak, beech, pine, and walnut. Our flooring catalog also includes ash, merbau, jatoba, sucupira, teak, and other specific wood species. For doors and closets, the selection is broader, depending on the manufacturer.
Are the floors compatible with radiant heating?
Several of our product lines are certified for use with radiant heating, but not all of them. Our technical support team will identify the appropriate product numbers for your project before you make your final decision.
Do you sell decks and outdoor products?
Yes. We work with composite decking and solid wood decking (including tropical wood species that are resistant to moisture and sun exposure). For more information, please contact our team.
product selection
How do I choose the right flooring for my home?
Four criteria guide the decision: the type of room (wet areas require SPC vinyl, while dry areas can accommodate laminate or solid wood); the traffic level (AC4 or AC5 classes for heavy use, AC3 for normal residential use); compatibility with radiant heating, when applicable; and visual coordination with existing doors, baseboards, and furniture. Our team provides free assistance with this decision, either in person at the showroom or remotely.
What footer height should I choose?
The rule of thumb is to base the height on the ceiling height. Low ceilings (up to 2.5 m) call for baseboards between 60 and 80 mm. Medium-height ceilings (2.5 to 2.8 m) work well with baseboards between 80 and 100 mm. High ceilings (above 2.8 m) benefit from baseboards starting at 100 mm. The style of the house also plays a role: contemporary designs tend to favor taller, linear baseboards, while classic designs work well with lower, molded baseboards.
How do you match the floor color to the doors?
The general rule is to avoid a stark contrast between the flooring and the doors, unless it is a deliberate design choice. Light oak flooring calls for doors in similar shades (natural oak, white, beige). Dark walnut flooring can work well with lighter-colored doors to balance out the visual weight. We handle color coordination as part of our technical support for any project.
Can I see the products before I buy them?
Yes, and we recommend it. The showroom in Viseu features actual samples of flooring, doors, staircases, and finishes. Seeing the products in person helps avoid disappointment with colors that look different in the catalog and allows you to feel the textures of the finishes.
installation
Does Beiraportal offer installation services?
In specific cases, yes. For most projects, we recommend specialized installers from our network—professionals who are familiar with our products and ensure a high-quality installation. We provide contact information based on the project’s location.
How long does it take to install flooring?
It depends on the area and the type of flooring. For a typical three-bedroom home (about 100 m²), installing a floating floor typically takes 2 to 4 business days. Solid or glued floors may take longer, depending on the installation technique and the required drying time.
Can I install floating flooring on my own?
It is technically possible, but it requires the right tools and experience. The most common mistakes in DIY installation are improperly sized expansion joints, forced fits, and misaligned baseboard trim. These mistakes compromise the flooring’s durability and are rarely reversible. To ensure quality and maintain the warranty, we recommend using professional installers.
Can new flooring be installed over the existing flooring?
In many cases, yes. Laminate and SPC vinyl floating flooring can be installed over smooth ceramic tile floors, leveled concrete subfloors, and other stable substrates. Existing hardwood flooring or old floating flooring must be removed. Our team evaluates each case individually based on the specific situation.
maintenance
How do you clean laminate flooring?
Vacuum or sweep regularly to remove sand and abrasive particles. For wet cleaning, use a well-wrung cloth and products specifically designed for laminate flooring (avoid bleach, ammonia, and abrasive products). Never mop with a bucket of water: excess moisture is the main enemy of laminate flooring.
What about vinyl flooring?
More durable than laminate, it withstands frequent damp cleaning and standard cleaning products (as long as they are non-abrasive). Vacuum regularly and clean with a damp cloth and mild cleaners. SPC is completely moisture-resistant, but abrasive dirt remains the main cause of visible wear.
Can solid flooring be refinished?
Yes. That is the main advantage of solid wood: it can be sanded and refinished several times over its lifetime, preserving its original appearance for decades. The number of times it can be refinished depends on the thickness of the usable wood layer above the bonding layer.
How do you maintain wooden doors and closets?
Clean with a dry or slightly damp cloth (never soaking wet). For varnished finishes, avoid products containing harsh solvents. For natural oil finishes, reapply a specific product every 2 to 5 years, depending on use. We provide maintenance recommendations with every product sold.
Quotes and Orders
How do I request a quote?
There are three ways to do this: fill out the form on the website, call 232 954 533 (landline) or 915 112 061 (cell phone), or send an email to [email protected]. The more information you provide (approximate area, number of rooms, photos of the space), the more detailed our initial response can be.
What is the delivery time?
It depends on the product. Items in stock are shipped within a few days. Special orders depend on the manufacturer and can take between 2 and 8 weeks. We will provide a specific delivery time when we submit the quote.
Do you deliver nationwide?
Yes. We arrange shipping to any location in mainland Portugal. Specific terms apply to the islands and international shipments; please contact us for shipments outside the mainland.
What forms of payment do you accept?
ATM, MB WAY, bank transfer, and cash at the showroom. For higher-value orders, installment payments may apply as agreed upon in the quote.
Do the products come with a warranty?
Yes. The warranty varies depending on the product and the manufacturer: laminate flooring typically comes with a 20- to 30-year warranty for residential use; vinyl flooring comes with a 15- to 25-year warranty; and doors come with a warranty that varies by manufacturer (5 to 10 years on average). Detailed terms and conditions are provided with each quote.