Flooring
Flooring, laid properly.
A good floor is mostly about what's underneath it. Get the subfloor level and dry first, and whatever you lay on top will look right and stay right.
- For
- Worn floors, new rooms, whole houses
- Rules
- A new finish needs no approval
- Key check
- Moisture
- Time
- About half a day for one room
How it works.
- Check what's there. Lift a corner and see. HSE warns that old asbestos floor tiles can be hidden under carpets.
- Check for moisture. Limits vary by product, so we follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Prepare the subfloor. Repair, level or screed as needed.
- Acclimatise and lay. Again, to the manufacturer's instructions for that product.
- Finish. Trims, thresholds and skirting details. Internal doors may need trimming.
Not sure what to choose? Read laminate, LVT or wood: which room?
We supply and fit laminate, LVT, engineered wood, solid wood and herringbone floors.
Questions we get asked.
Do I need building regs to replace flooring?
Not for a new finish. Replacing the structure of a ground floor, such as a screed or timber deck, can be different.
Do I have to insulate a ground floor when I replace it?
Sometimes. Sources quote different percentages, so check with building control.
Could my old floor tiles contain asbestos?
They could, in a building built or refurbished before 2000. Don't break or remove them until they're checked.
How long before I can lay flooring on new screed?
Quick-Step's rule of thumb is one week per cm up to 4cm, and always measure moisture.
Can I put a hard floor in my flat?
Check your lease first. You could be asked to take it up if it wasn't allowed.
Sources
- GOV.UK, When you do not need approval
- Planning Portal, Floor insulation
- Building Regulations 2010, regulation 23
- Energy Saving Trust, Floor insulation
- HSE, Locations of asbestos
- Forbo Flooring, Technical FAQ
- Quick-Step, Laying laminate on fresh screed
- Basingstoke and Deane Council, Laminate and wood flooring noise
Recent floors
