Friday 24th May 2013

Ask the expert

Wooden floors or laminate?
Q: Why is wood flooring preferred to laminates?
Wood flooring and under floor heating
Q: Can I install underfloor heating under wood flooring ? If so how long can I lay the wood floor after the installation of the underfloor heating ? Would you advise installing a wooden floor in a kitchen.
Solid wood installation
Q: I am using screws to fit a solid wood floor to a 12mm plywood sub floor. If the solid floor is screwed down how does it expand and contract. Also does the plywood subfloor need a 10mm surround gap?
Fumed floors
Q: What technique do they use for fumed oak flooring?
Installation query
Q: I want some non slip wooden flooring for my shop. please advise thank you
Flooring question
Q: Our neighbour laid solid oak floorboards in our lounge. Unfortunately he didn't leave enough gap between the boards and the granite hearth. The floorboards are now really tight against the hearth and we need to make a gap before they expand any further and either crack the hearth or lift the whole floor. Does anybody have any ideas how we can make this gap? We tried a drevell but even the smallest bit wouldn't fit underneath the lip of the hearth.
Flooring advice for a 7msq bathroom
Q: what wooden floor is advised for a 7msq bathroom?
Can solid wood flooring be used in a bathroom?
Q: I would like oak flooring in my bathroom. The bathroom is not the family bathroom and should not be wet excessively! To eliminate water stains will underfloor heating work? Would it be possible to prevent the moisture entering the wood if, once layed the floor is coated with yacht varnish?
Wood flooring installation info
Q: I was enquiring when a newly screeded floor laid two months ago - 100mm thick; how long before we can lay a 14mm solid wooden floor on top of this - how long would you advise?
Replacing antique floor boards
Q: I would like to replace my existing antique pine floorboards (@1900) with solid hardwood flooring. Can I simply replace the floorboards with hardwood and install direct to the floor joists? Thanks
Engineered oak installation
Q: I've got a 15mm engineered oak floor, can it be fitted using hidden screws or nails,or does it need to be floated?
Solid wood and sound reduction underlay
Q: What would you recommend for underlay that helps in sound reduction, uneven subfloor and thermal insulation? I would like to have solid wood floorboards over the present floorboards for the hallway. I live in a flat. Thanks.
Finishing oak floors
Q: I have just bought a house with oak flooring and I want to white wash them. How do I do that? Is it something you could do for me?
Solid wood basement flooring
Q: I want to put solid wood in my basement - previously oak flooring lifted because of damp subflooring (concrete floor: sand, asphelt level, adhesive & oak flooring). What do you suggest?
Oak flooring damage
Q: I made the mistake of using white spirits on my oak flooring to try to remove a black scuff mark. When I got up this morning the patch I worked on was almost white! I've since wiped it with a damp cloth and the colour returned but I'm worried that when it dries again I'll be back to what looks like bleached wood. What are my options?
Solid wood flooring installation info
Q: We're thinking of solid wood flooring but would appreciate a little info re: insulation for solid wood floors. 1. What's the best insulation for solid wood floors - does it need it? 2. What's the depth of the insulation? 3. What's the warmest/ best? 4. How much is insulation per sq metre (cheapest - expensive) 5. Do you install insulation & flooring - how much? 6. Any idea on price for the above questions for approx 20 sq metres. 7. How much seasonal movement can there be, and what's the best way to combat this? Many thanks for any info you can provide.
Changing to wooden floors
Q: I have small house in London and would like to change from carpet to wooden floor, but I don't have any experience at all about how to choose the best option for my house (but I would prefer to have solid wooden floor) and how to get it installed. My question is: Do you have anyone who can do a survey at a site (measure the rooms, etc) and give a recommendation? Also, do you have anyone who could install a wooden floor in my house? If yes what the cost will be?
Flooring question
Q: I have a wooden floor in the kitchen and would like to lay underfloor heating and put laminate tiles on top, is this suitable ?
Floating floor fitting for fearful folk
Q: We have been looking at wooden floors and are thinking of buying one that is a 'floating' floor. What does it float on and how do we install it?
Lounge & dining room flooring
Q: I want wooden flooring in my lounge and dining area but dont know what type to buy! Which is the best flooring to have for these rooms?
Solid oak flooring installation
Q: I want to fit solid oak flooring to a wooden floorboard sub floor. Can I fit it using screws only without an underlay?

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