Flooring FAQs

Choosing new flooring comes with a few practical questions. We believe in straightforward advice, clear costs and giving you time to make the right choice. Here are some useful answers to help you get started.

Jump to: Choosing your flooring · Measuring, estimates and fitting · Caring for your flooring · Visit or contact us

Choosing your flooring

Can you help me choose the right flooring?

Yes. Tell us about the room, how you use it, the look you have in mind and your budget. We’ll help you compare suitable carpets and hard flooring, explaining the differences so you can make an informed choice.

You’re welcome to bring photographs, paint colours or fabric samples into the showroom. There’s no need to have everything decided before you visit.

What is the difference between wool and polypropylene carpet?

Wool is a natural fibre valued for its resilience and ability to recover after compression. Polypropylene is a synthetic fibre with built-in resistance to many everyday stains.

Both can be suitable for busy homes. The carpet’s construction, suitability for the room and care requirements matter alongside the fibre itself. We’ll help you compare the options.

Which carpets are suitable for homes with pets?

A cut-pile carpet is often a practical starting point, particularly if you have cats whose claws could catch in a loop-pile carpet. Easy-clean polypropylene ranges can also be useful where spills and muddy paws are a concern.

Tell us about your pets and how they use the room so we can help you choose an appropriate carpet.

What is the difference between LVT, sheet vinyl and laminate?

Luxury vinyl tile, usually called LVT, comes as individual planks or tiles, often with wood or stone designs. Sheet vinyl comes on a roll.

Laminate usually has a wood-fibre core beneath a decorative surface and protective wear layer. Water resistance, fitting methods and performance vary between products, so it’s worth comparing the specific ranges rather than choosing by appearance alone.

What is the difference between gluedown and click LVT?

Gluedown LVT is bonded to a prepared floor using adhesive. Click LVT has interlocking edges and is generally installed as a floating floor.

The right choice depends on the room, the existing floor and the product’s installation requirements. Click flooring still needs a suitable base; it does not automatically remove the need for preparation.

Is LVT suitable for kitchens and bathrooms?

Many LVT ranges, including Karndean, are suitable for kitchens and ordinary bathrooms when correctly installed. Their resistance to surface water makes them a practical option for these rooms.

However, suitability for a bathroom does not automatically mean suitability for a wet room or somewhere with continual standing water. We’ll check the intended use against the chosen product’s guidance. Spills should still be wiped up promptly.

Can I have carpet or hard flooring over underfloor heating?

Yes, suitable products are available, but the flooring must be compatible with your particular heating system.

For carpet, the carpet and underlay both affect how easily warmth reaches the room. With hard flooring, temperature limits and installation requirements also need checking. Please tell us about your heating system before choosing, including its make and model if available.

Measuring, estimates and fitting

Do you offer free measuring?

Yes. We offer a free, no-obligation home consultation and measuring service. We’ll measure your rooms, discuss your plans and look at details such as underlay, floor preparation and doorways.

Contact the showroom with your postcode and the rooms you’re considering, and we’ll discuss a suitable appointment.

Can I see samples at home?

Yes. We can bring samples to your home so you can compare them alongside your furniture and in your own light. Let us know what you’re looking for beforehand so we can bring a useful selection.

Can you work within my budget?

Absolutely. Knowing your budget helps us suggest suitable options and explain where it makes sense to spend a little more and where you can save.

We’ll consider the overall cost, including any underlay, accessories, preparation and fitting, so you have a clear picture before deciding.

Will I receive a written estimate?

Yes. Your written estimate will set out your chosen flooring, accessories and any preparation or additional services discussed.

Fitting costs will be identified separately. We’ll explain who will provide the installation, who your fitting agreement will be with and who you will pay before you proceed.

Will I need new underlay?

We’ll discuss what is suitable for your chosen flooring and assess any existing underlay during the home visit. If we recommend replacing it, we’ll explain why and include the options in your estimate.

Who will fit my flooring?

We work with a combination of our own employed fitting team and vetted, recommended independent fitters.

Where we supply the fitting service, your installation agreement is with us and the fitting charges are payable to us. This includes work carried out by our employees or a fitter engaged on our behalf.

Where we introduce an independent fitter, your fitting agreement is directly with them, separate from your flooring purchase, and the agreed fitting charges are payable directly to them.

We’ll make clear which arrangement applies to your job before you proceed.

Can I use my own fitter?

Yes. You’re welcome to buy your flooring from us and arrange your own fitter. Please tell us when discussing your order so we can clarify measurements, quantities and any accessories you need.

Can you help with furniture and removing old flooring?

Please mention any help you need when we measure. We’ll discuss what can be arranged, who will carry out the work and the charges involved.

Furniture moving, uplifting old flooring and disposal are additional services unless specifically included in your estimate. Before fitting day, please clear smaller belongings, breakable items and valuables from the working area.

What if my floor needs preparation?

We’ll discuss any visible preparation requirements during measuring and include the agreed work in your estimate.

Sometimes, removing the old flooring reveals something that could not be seen beforehand. Whoever is providing your installation will explain any additional work and agree the charges with you before proceeding.

Why might I need plywood or a smoothing compound before LVT is fitted?

LVT needs a properly prepared base. Depending on the existing floor, preparation may include flooring-grade plywood, a smoothing compound or other treatment to create a suitable surface.

Moisture also needs checking: a newly laid screed can look dry without being ready to receive flooring. The required preparation depends on the floor’s condition and the installation system being used. We’ll explain the proposed work and costs.

Will my doors need trimming?

New flooring can affect the clearance beneath a door. Trimming or easing doors is additional work unless specifically included in your estimate.

Please raise any concerns during the measuring visit so we can discuss the arrangements before fitting day.

How soon can my new flooring be fitted?

Timing depends on your flooring choice, availability, any preparation needed and the fitting diary. We’ll discuss the likely timescale when preparing your estimate.

If you have a particular deadline, let us know early so we can check what is achievable before you order.

Caring for your flooring

How should I care for my new flooring?

We’ll advise you on care and maintenance, including everyday cleaning, suitable products and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

We send care information after your purchase. You can also read our guide to caring for your flooring, or ask us for another copy of your care information.

If you’re unsure about a cleaning method or product, contact the showroom before using it. We’re happy to help you understand the guidance for your particular flooring.

Does “bleach cleanable” mean I can use bleach on any carpet?

No. This applies only to carpets whose manufacturer specifically permits it, using the stated dilution and method. It should not be assumed to apply to every synthetic carpet, and bleach must not be used on wool carpets.

Follow the care instructions for your exact carpet. If you’re unsure, ask us before treating a mark—we’ll help you find the appropriate guidance.

Visit or contact us

Still have a question?

Visit our showroom or contact the team for friendly, practical advice. You can also request a free home consultation.

We’re grateful to everyone who chooses our family business or recommends us to someone else. We work hard to earn that trust, from your first enquiry through to advice on looking after your new floor.