Floor Fitting Services
We offer a comprehensive wooden floor fitting service. Fitting a wooden floor is a considerable investment and it is well worth taking the time to carefully plan and execute the project. We can offer expert advice at every step, including choosing the wooden flooring, preparing the sub-floor, installation methods, aftercare and maintenance.
The huge number of choices and options available can be bewildering but our knowledge and experience can help you achieve the end result you have in mind. We can obtain samples from local suppliers, show you different colours, stains and seals or simply advise you on where to purchase the product you have decided upon.
Once the fitting is underway we will continue to work with you on the details of the project, as many of the options (such as thresholds, trims and colour finishes) are easier to decide upon once the floor installation is taking place. Finally, our expertise in floor sanding complements our floor fitting service perfectly when it comes to completing projects where an unfinished product has been selected.
How is a wooden floor installed?
There are three main methods of wooden floor installation:
- Secret nailing. The floor is nailed to the sub-floor using nails driven into the side of the board at 45 degrees. The nail head is then hidden by the next board. Driving in the nail ensures the board is very tight against its neighbour. The end result is a very secure, solid fit. This requires a wooden subfloor or joists to nail into.
- Glue. If you have a concrete subfloor, or if you are fitting parquet, you will need to use a specialist flooring adhesive to fix down your floor. The retailer who supplies you with the flooring should be able to supply you with the correct amount of adhesive.
- Floating. The boards are glued to each other but nothing else. The weight of the floor is what holds it in place. This method is used if an underlay is needed, for example for acoustic reasons. Some floating floors click or snap together, meaning glue is not needed.
What happens at the edge of a room?
All wooden floors need to be fitted with an expansion gap on all sides. This is typically around 10mm and needs to be hidden in some way. We usually deal with this in one of three ways:
- Remove the skirting boards, which are usually about 20mm thick. We then fit the floor and re-fit the skirting once we have finished, which hides the expansion gap.
- Undercut the skirtings without removing them with a specialist tool. We then fit the floor by sliding it under the skirting at the edge of the room.
- Hide the expansion gap with a pre-moulded beading or scotia. This will usually be in the same species wood as the floor.
What happens in doorways?
We undercut all door frames and door jambs with a saw to give a neat professional finish to the floor. We will also undercut doors where necessary.
Can a wooden floor be fitted as soon as it is delivered?
No, a wooden floor needs time to acclimatise to its environment before it is fitted. This is because wood readily absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and will expand as it does so. Your flooring packs should be left for about a week in your home in as close to normal conditions as possible prior to fitting.
How do I care for my wooden floor?
As with our floor sanding service, once all the work is finished we provide you with simple instructions on how to care for and maintain your wooden floor. The maintenance will vary slightly depending on the product you purchased. The manufacturer or retailer may also provide you with instructions. If a wooden floor is cared for correctly, it should last a lifetime.
Engineered Oak Floor - once fitting is complete all that is required is a final coat of oil for added protection
