Ask the expert

Q: What technique do they use for fumed oak flooring?

Q: Subfloor labour how much should I take per square meter (joist and 18mm plywood)?

Q: Hi, I'd like to install 18mm thick solid oak flooring in our downstairs rooms (total approx 55sqM). The sub floor is 18mm thick chip board which sits on joists. This subfloor is dry / well aired, but in some areas slightly uneven (where the joists aren't quite level/boards butt), also in some areas the subfloor is a little springy (joist span/thickness of chip board). I'm a DIYer so would like an easy installation solution - which method / underlay would you recommend?

Q: What colour laminate flooring to match maple units?

Q: Why is wood flooring preferred to laminates?

Q: What care is required for real wood flooring over laminate please?

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.

Q: What is the best type of flooring for a caterers kitchen, any ideas please? thanks.

Q: Hi Flooring Expert, I am currently in the process of getting a couple of Engineered Flooring quotes (fitting). Out of the handful of quotes half are saying to remove and replace the skirting boards and the other half are saying they will use a special purpose cutting machine to cut the bottom of the existing skirting boards. By removing and then replacing the skirting boards (may require new skirting depending on damage) this will cost a couple of hundred extra and will then reduce the budget of the actual floor purchased. On the other hand I am unsure of the finish the cutting machine will provide. Which option do you normally recommend for the fitting? I am not impressed with beading or the corked edges I have seen so would like to avoid this look even though it?s a cheaper solution.

Q: I need to floor a small bathroom (about 2 sq. metres). I would like something soft and warm underfoot. I think tiles would probably be easiest to lay maybe. Your expert suggestions please.

Q: I am looking at laying a hard wood floor in my lounge i have old block flooring (25 mm x100mm) fixed to concrete with bitumen and was wondering which is the best method to install it

Q: We have just brought some of your flooring for the room it is to go in as under floor heating and is about 58 square meters do we stick down or use under lay with gaps around all edges

Q: I have had a solid floor laid in dining room which is through room to lounge with carpet what do you suggest as trim from wood to carpet as wood floor boards are quite thick.

Q: I have a relative old vinyl floor on my kitchen floor but I noticed it started wearing very fast and breaking when I started using bleach to clean it. Is that a coincidence? or is the bleach attacking the material?

Q: 200 year old cottage with small rooms. which solid wood flooring is best. would prefer to glue as existing floor is quarry tiled.

Q: I want some non slip wooden flooring for my shop. please advise thank you

Q: Room is 8th by 16ft. How do I work out how many packs to buy?

Q: We are looking to use laminate flooring over about 35 sq meter long, diner and kitchen, would standard laminate be ok to go in the kitchen as risk of getting some water on it? We are also considering engineered flooring, would it make a huge difference to the feel/look of the flooring and which would you recommend to be better? Also which underlay would be best to use?

Q: I am proposing to lay an engineered floating timber floor in Melbourne Australia. I would like to lay an underfloor heating system i.e. carbon film radiant heat. All the manufacturers of this product in Australia will not warranty their products if under floor heating is installed. Can you tell me if heating is common practice in U.K. with warranty unaffected. If so what could be the difference between the products? Or could it be just incompetent installation of the under floor heating due to limited knowledge. I would be grateful for your advice.

Q: I have just taken up some cushionfloor which has been down for 20 years which leaves a very level floor consisting of thermoplastic tiles and concrete. Do I need to treat the floor in any way before laying new vinyl flooring?

Q: I have chipboard floors, what is the best flooring to use?

Q: The floor we would like to cover is part wood and part concrete. Would we be able to lay a bamboo floor on this base please?

Q: Spillages question I would like to laminate floor all of my studio flat but I have a puppy who has a spillage every so often. I clean it up quickly but I am wondering if i am quick enough and I would like to use the white oak v groove laminate but would I need to use something a little more water resistant?

Q: I am going to install a solid wood floor over a plywood subfloor probably using the nail down method. Can I install underlay under the floor to reduce noise?

Q: Where is ACC-UN-FF-032 undelay on your website?

Q: I am installing your solid oak floor on concrete using fast fit peel & stick. It is a floating floor, do I also need to glue the groove of the planks when fitting them together?

Q: What are the differences between brushed and oiled and hand scraped?

Q: Is it possible to install Engineered Wood or Laminate on a residential staircase? As that is my preference but not sure about the pros and cons and whether it is even possible at all.

Q: Can I glue your Cushion Premium Black Underlay to a concrete floor and then glue the engineered floorboards to it? The engineered boards are being fitted under existing kitchen units.

Q: I have just purchased 10mm engineered wood flooring and silver backed underlay,from you could you inform me does the silver side face the flooring or the concrete(underfloor heating)

Q: I have purchased 14 mm click system engineered flooring. This is going over a sub floor of both concrete and wooden floor. How should I level and fix the boards?

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?

Q: I want to install the same wooden flooring in my kitchen, utility and downstairs bathroom. What do you suggest would be the most economical and durable for these areas? Many thanks Gill

Q: We have a large kitchen/diner and want to put wooden floor throughout the room -most of the white goods ie freezer/washingnmachine/tumble dryer are in the utility room but we will have just an integrated dishwasher and integrated fridge in the kitchen. Would like advise on the type of flooring as we do not expect to have a lot of water/moisture in the kitchen area

Q: what wooden floor is advised for a 7msq bathroom?

Q: Your question here...Have ceramic tiles and want to lino over them. Can I use underlay to cover them and then lay it.

Q: Would pergo laminate be alright to be fitted in a static caravan?

Q: I want to put Electric underfloor heating throughout the ground floor of a to-be-refurbished 1980s house. I am restricted as to the thickness of the insulation I can put under the flooring. I do not want to completely lift and re-do the screed. Would I be better using a top grade Laminate flooring, or could I use an Engineered-wood floor ? It will be about 60 Sq metres in all. I want the best quality end finish that is possible, and I want it to last. In either case what is the best insulation material I can use under the flooring ?

Q: What is the recommended post installation finish and ongoing cleaning and maintenance regime for an "HPPC" solid wood floor? How does "HPPC" differ from an oiled finish?

Q: What is the best laminate flooring to withstand a dogs claws. ie. scratches?

Q: Hello, What is the standard dampness of wood in the Uk?

Q: Hi, I am intending laying a Quick-step laminate floor with electric mat underfloor heating. It will be laid on either a solid or over existing wooden floorboards overlaid with ply. Do I lay the underlay on top of the existing floor and then lay the heating mat on top of the underlay with the laminate being laid last of all?

Q: We have laminate flooring currently and would like to replace with solid wood flooring. Underneath the laminate is chipboard and not ply wood, do i need to replace this with ply wood before fitting the solid wood flooring?

Q: I am interested in your cork flooring for a small bathroom. The current flooring is standard floorboards. What type of underlay do you recommend?

Q: I was intending to lay solid oak flooring to my kitchen extension but people have told me that engineered flooring would be better as we have bifold doors leading to garden and pets. They say that solid oak flooring can get warped if it gets wet regularly, which it probably will. Please advise.

Q: Do I need to put a liner under vinyl before putting it on a new stone floor in my conservatory?

Q: I was looking at the engineered floors. Does it need to be left in the room to acclimatize before laying ? If yes for how long?

Q: I am looking at oiled engineered wood which I believe you need to oil every 2 to 3 years. Is this a big job?

Q: How much laminate flooring would I need to cover an area 8'6" x10'6"?

Q: Which flooring is best for hallway please?

Q: How much wastage should I allow for in measuring room?

Q: Would cork be suitable for a conservatory and would the colour fade?

Q: Which engineering oak floor has the lighter colour?

Q: Hello, can you advise, is cork suitable for an open plan kitchen/dining/living area? I am concerned about heavy furniture such as sofas on it?

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 ?

Q: I want to lay laminate flooring in our landing. There are 4 doors leading off from the landing each with door saddles. What do I need to finish off the laminate at the door saddle? Also, what do I need for the stair end?

Q: I am proposing to put a wood floor in a domestic hallway. It currently has an old parquet floor which is loose in places and I assume I have to lift it all. The parquet is bedded in a thin layer of bitumen. What preparation do I have to do before I lay the wood flooring? There is no dampness problem and I do not believe the bitumen is a DPM. Thanks.

Q: I have 130mm wide engineered flooring and I want to cut a 45 degree angle what with?

Q: can you use wood flooring in a bathroom

Q: Is a laminate floor covering suitable for kitchens?

Q: Do I need a base or underlay for vinyl flooring to go onto floor boards? The floorboards are new and even but I've heard that it could have a reaction with the vinyl; something about the coating on new floorboards causing the vinyl to bubble? Is this true?

Q: Can you use engineered oak floor in the conservatory

Q: I am interested in purchasing real wood but due to existing skirting boards and doors, the floor should not be thicker then 10mm. Do you do such a product.

Q: Hi sorry i was not to clear with my query I'm ordering 30 sq meters of 90mm florence lacquered oak for two floors will I need two installation kits and do you advise a cork expansion joint all round each room.

Q: Hi, I'm intending to lay an engineered wood floor with underlay over a concrete slab with underfloor heating. The room size is 5.5m x 5.2m Is there a specification or guidance for the flatness of the concrete slab (for example flat to within x mm per metre)? Thanks in advance.

Q: Hi, I purchased florence 10mm series laminate flooring in chocolate oak plank v groove. I am having alot of difficulty with this flooring. It shows every scuff, mark, water drips etc. when you look at the whole floor it is totally covered in marks. I've tried everything and nothing works. I spent alot of money on it and it said it was hard wearing. Its the worse floor I've ever had to up keep. Please can you tell me what i can do to remove all of the marks.

Q: What type of boards are best for kitchens and do you do heavy duty floorboards and how much are they and the thickness?

Q: Hi im about to order 90mm oak flooring for two floors will i need two fixing kits and do you advise having a cork expansion joint all around each room?

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.

Q: what solid wood i can have for living room ,hall and kitchen

Q: What causes blisters on laminate flooring? My floor was laid just over a year ago and blisters have been gradually appearing and growing on aprox 7 boards. The flooring used was Florence 7mm oak plank v groove with barrier plus underlay.

Q: Is it possible to lay cushioned lino on a communal spiral staircase?

Q: I'm looking to purchase some flooring but I need to know what will work best with underfloor heating? We have pipes inbetween wooden joists and reflector plates that hold the water pipes.

Q: I am looking to lay a flooring in the bathroom, the floor boards are very uneven and need to be covered before I can tile. Would I need to use Marine Ply or would normal ply be sufficient as will be tiling and then grouting?

Q: I have purchased Galleria Solid European Fumed Oak 180mm HPPC Oiled Flooring and I am wondering if it can be laid directly on to a riven slate floor with the Fast Fit Peel and stick underlay? Alternatively, would I be better to lift the slate floor?

Q: Can laminate flooring be laid on top of original laminate flooring?

Q: What is the ideal base for adhesive vinyl tiles? I have a ceramic tiled kitchen floor I want to cover

Q: Which style of floor would be best for a scree base [c1988 build], room size approx 17ft x 17ft?

Q: What type of wood should be used in bathrooms?

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?

Q: How long should I leave flooring to acclimatise?

Q: What type of flooring for a kitchen

Q: I want to lay tiles down on kitchen floor but there is a lot of movement on the existing floor what can I do?

Q: I recently bought cushion heat flow underlay and was wondering what way up it should be fitted?

Q: For electric under floor heating, would you recommend engineered wood ahead of solid wood? Please state reasons. Thanks.

Q: I purchased a Galleria 150 x 20mm solid Oak floor from you and want to know how to install the oak end stops at doorways for transition from wood to tile. The end stops are not as high as the floor planks, so how (and to what) do you attach them to keep them in place and hide expansion gap?

Q: We are laying electric under floor heating. This has insulation between it and the concrete floor below. Do I need to install any material between the heating mat and the engineered flooring as the underfloor heating company says no?

Q: Does rhino flooring come in tile form or sheets? The reason I am asking is that I have an elderly dog who pees a lot. I have been advised not to get it in the tiled form as the urine gets underneath and they start to lift up after a while.

Q: Is a engineered oak moisture resistant as my solid oak floor has swelled all over? Due to my over site it is not concreted. Also would you recommend a damp proof underlay? My floor boards have been over boarded with hardboard, should this be removed? Unfortunately even my sofas went mouldy after the oak was laid.

Q: Is solid wood flooring better than engineered wood flooring in kitchens?

Q. I want to fit a 15mm engineered wood floor but after removing the existing floor I need to make up 35mm. Can I fit direct on to a polystyrene board?

Q. I would like to ask about the Series Elite 10mm American Black Walnut V Groove Laminate Flooring. Is it a DPL construction with a HDF core? What warranty is offered? What rooms is it suitable for?

Q. Will engineered boards be suitable for under floor heating? If so what guarantee do you offer?

Q. What is the best way to install solid hardwood flooring onto a cement floor?

Q: We have just bought an unusual home: it's an old lighthouse! Obviously everything is concrete - including the subfloors - and we are wondering what sort of underlay is best.

Q. What is the best advice for cleaning a newly laid oak floor?

Q. Do dog claws scratch engineered flooring? I have three big dogs.

Q: Hi, could you please recommend solid wood flooring that would be suitable for a kitchen and hallway? I know not all is recommended for use in kitchens, so would appreciate your help as I don't have much time to choose and don't want to make the wrong decision. Many thanks!

Q: Can wood flooring be laid on a concrete floor with underfloor heating?

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.

Q: Can engineered boards be used in a kitchen and if so how should they be cleaned?

Q: What is the best type of underlay to use with bamboo flooring? It is to be put on a floor that is mostly floorboards but with a small area of cemented floor.

Q. Hi there, what is the difference between brushed & oiled and lacquered flooring? Is there a quality or maintenance difference? I'm looking to use this throughout the downstairs of my house, including in kitchen, I have 2 cats and a toddler so wish to know which would be best?

Q. We want vinyl flooring in our new utility room but none of the walls are straight. Would it look wrong to chose a tile effect vinyl or would a plain pattern work better? I would really like a tile effect but not sure it would work? Thanks in advance

Q: Is it possible to lay a wooden laminate floor over existing floorboards? my kitchen is over a flood cellar so it is very cold. Would laying a new floor on top of the original give some insulation?

Q: Can you put tile effect wood flooring in your living room?

Q: I want to fit solid oak flooring to a wooden floorboard sub floor. Can I fit it using screws only without an underlay?

Q: We are laying solid oak, glued tongue and groove, floating flooring over concrete floor 26sqm area, dining room and reception hall joining. Would you suggest we lay a damp proof membrane and an underlay or do we buy from you a combined underlay?

Q: I need a new kitchen floor but I am confused between altro and vinyl. Which is better?

Q: What is the best type of flooring when under floor heating has been laid. It would also have to be something hard wearing and easy to clean as we live in the country side.

Q: I would like to lay a wood floor in a reasonably busy office environment. The finish will need to be hard wearing and I don't want to spend time maintaining it. I'd prefer a dark wood colour. What could you reccommend?

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?

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?

Q: Which is the hardest wood floor ?

Q: I need medium priced sheet vinyl for tiny bathroom - one area 6' x 4', other area 4' x 3'. Please advise best product, plus estimate fitting cost. Thank you. Could you also confirm amount required is 3 square metres?

Q: Are there any laminate floors suitable for a bathroom? If not what would you suggest?

Q: Should I use water based flooring adhesive when laying my solid oak floor to ashphalt?

Q: I have a solid concrete floor and wish to install solid oak flooring on top. I would prefer to avoid glueing the wood planks down. Can you offer advice on any alternative method? I was considering fixing battons down to nail the boards to or are there any underlays?

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?

Q: Can I put wood flooring in a kitchen?

Q: I have just installed a solid oak stained and lacquered floor. What product should I use on it to make it waterproof and protect it for the future?

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?

Q: I am about to decorate my kitchen and need a thick very hardwearing vinyl. The size of the area is 8ft x 10ft and it is a hardboarded area.

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?

Q: Is engineering wooden floor good for hallway? Do high heels damage it? Can it be mopped?

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?

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?

Q: Do you do the fitting too?

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

Q: I have Marty Lineal Oak Decor flooring in my lounge and have now had the wall knocked down through to my dining room. Unfortunately it seems this flooring is no longer available. It has a plank width of 125mm, thickness of 14mm, wear layer of 3.2 and comes in a mixture of lengths. Can you recommend anything similar that will not look too different to carry on through to the next room?

Q: I want to have a solid wood bathroom floor, what type of finish should I be looking for?

Q: I need to lay vinyl floor tiles onto existing floorboards. Do I need to prepare the boards before laying the vinyl tiles?

Q: Is there anything different to do in fitting laminate flooring to a static caravan compaired to a house/flat?

Q: We are in the process of putting down flooring and I have areas of ceramic tile that will meet laminate. I purchased the transition pieces to make this join, however the ceramic tile is taller than the laminate and the track is not tall enough. They do not have a taller size track they tell me but I've spent over £5,000 and can't finish my floor. Can you offer any suggestions?

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.

Q: I am installing engineered wooden floor on a concrete floor that is already covered with vinyl tiles - from 1970's I think. Wuth regards to sound insulation - if I install adhesive underlay over these existing tiles will it provide greater sound insulation?(I am aware that if underlay consists of 2 different layers of fabric then sound travel is more limited) Thanks

Q: How many packs of laminated flooring do I need for a room 15 x 25 please?

Q: I have read about self adhesive underlay (Elastilon) for installing a solid wood or engineered wood over a concrete floor. Is this a good method, if not what would you recommend?

Q: My choice of kitchen flooring has been limited by the clearance under the outside UPVC back door. I have now arranged for this door to be taken off and re hung, what clearance would you recommend? Currently it just clears a vinyl floor and the company say that they should be able to raise it one inch.

Q: We are planning to fit a wooden floor - either engineered wood or solid wood (oiled) - in our kitchen over what used to be two rooms. Part of the base is concrete and part wooden floorboards - are there any special considerations? Also can we fit anything that would give us extra sound-proofing? Not because of folks beneath us, but because our children are very noisy and our modern house with plasterboard walls does not damp the sound well? Thanks

Q: I am having a conservatory built with underfloor electric heating and want a floor with a hard surface that will mark and dent the least. I have looked at your engineered Florence range, which products has the hardest surface without going for a laminate? Thanks.

Q: We have had our laminate floor for some time and the colour is looking a bit dull now. Can we brighten it up?