FAQs

We recommend only engineered wood, laminate or luxury vinyl tile that is guaranteed over under floor heating.  There are different requirements for different products and these can be found in our download section.  We do not recommend solid wood flooring is fitted over under floor heating.

Solid wood floors are machined from one piece of hardwood whilst engineered floors are made from a top layer of hardwood bonded to multi layer plywood, softwood of HDF board.  As engineered floors are much more stable (less likely to expand and contact) they are suitable to fit over an underlay as a floating floor or under floor heating.  Depending on the thickness of the top hardwood layer engineered floors can still be sanded and re-finished many times.

For real woods there are three main finishes: lacquer, natural oil or hardened (or UV )oil.  Lacquer and hardened oil finishes are the most popular options as they are durable and fairly low maintenance.  These days some lacquered finishes can even give a bare wood look, so lacquer doesn’t just mean a shiny finish.  Natural oil can look wonderful and has the advantage of being able to be spot repaired but you must follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning and maintenance program, which will include applying maintenance oil.

Both laminate and Luxury Vinyl are very low maintenance and very durable.

If you have the option, it is always better to fit the skirting boards after the flooring.  If this is not possible then the expansion gap can be covered with a scotia beading or small secondary skirting or, for some floors, it may be possible to undercut the skirting boards.

It is not possible to give an estimate for floor levelling until we have seen the whole exposed sub-floor.  However, we are usually able to give a rough guide based on the type of property and type of sub-floor.  For this reason, when we are installing, we raise an invoice for levelling to be paid with the balance of the job.

Ideally, yes.  We will discuss this at a home visit and we are able to provide a service to uplift and dispose of existing floor coverings and move furniture.

For supply only of materials we require payment in full at the time of order.

For Living Floors installations we require a 75% deposit to order materials and book fitting.  The 25% balance is due on completion of work.  If any floor levelling is required this is raised as a separate invoice and can be paid with the balance.

All of our equipment is either connected to a vacuum cleaner or has an integral dust bag so dust is minimised as much as possible.  Most of our work is done in occupied homes so the answer is not too bad at all.

This depends on the wood species and what the end result is that you hope to achieve.  Some wood species, such as Pitch Pine, are very resinous and don’t take colour well.  We will always listen to your ideas and then discuss the options and provide samples or we can provide an optional patch test sample in your home.

For most engineered floors it is possible to sand and re-finish them but it is important to check the hardwood layer first before sanding to see if it is thick enough.

Our preferred finishes are from well known brands such as Junckers, Bona, Treatex, Rubio and Ted Todd.  We will discuss what look you want to achieve and what degree of maintenance that you are happy with to tailor the perfect finish.

Yes, for the best results the room needs to be empty and the existing floor covering removed.  We can provide an additional service to remove and dispose of floor coverings and move furniture if required.

We are often able to do repairs as part of a full sanding job i.e. fitting blocks into old hearth areas, replacing floorboards.  However, we cannot guarantee exact matches of flooring when dealing with reclaimed wood.  Repairs are priced per job upon inspection.

We recommend that you follow the guidelines from your flooring supplier, these can be found on our downloads page.

There are some general rules to ensure longevity of your floor:

Have a good mat outside and inside your exterior doors to remove excess dirt and grit when entering the home.

If possible, remove outdoor shoes in your home.

Clean regularly, with approved cleaning products, microfiber mop and a minimum amount of water.

Use felt pads and castor cups on furniture and avoid dragging furniture across your floor.

Follow the guidelines from your flooring manufacturer.

Only natural oiled floors will need re-oiling, hardened or UV oiled floors are maintained exactly as a lacquer finish.  The time between oiling will depend on the foot traffic received and we recommend that light maintenance oil is used after the floor has been thoroughly cleaned.

No, our brands of Luxury Vinyl have a protective finish and do not require a polish.