Help Center
Engineered Wood FAQ's
Do I need to acclimatise my wood flooring before fitting?
Yes, you must acclimatise your wood flooring before installation. For engineered wood, allow 48–72 hours; for solid wood, give it at least 7 days. Keep the packs flat, unopened, and in a room with stable conditions.
Can I install wood flooring over underfloor heating?
Yes, you can install wood flooring over underfloor heating—but it must be a water-based system. Never use electric underfloor heating with wood flooring, as it can overheat and damage the boards.
Do I need expansion gaps when fitting wood flooring?
Yes, always leave an expansion gap of 10–15mm around the perimeter of your wood flooring. This allows the wood to expand and contract naturally with changes in temperature and humidity.
Can engineered wood flooring be sanded?
Yes, engineered wood flooring can be sanded, but only if the top wear layer is thick enough—usually at least 3mm. Thinner layers may not allow for sanding without damage.
What is the best underlay for wood flooring?
The best underlay depends on your floor thickness and room type. We recommend a 3mm underlay for floors up to 15mm thick, a 5mm underlay for anything thicker, and a special 4mm underlay if you have water-based underfloor heating.
How do I install tongue and groove flooring?
To install tongue and groove flooring, ensure your subfloor is clean and level. Apply wood glue to the groove edge of each plank, then fit the tongue of the next board into it. This flooring can be laid as a floating floor, meaning it isn’t fixed directly to the subfloor. Always leave an expansion gap around the edges.
Is engineered wood flooring suitable for underfloor heating?
Yes, but only with water-based underfloor heating systems.
What are the most popular finishes for engineered wood flooring?
Brushed & lacquered, brushed & oiled, and lacquered are our customers top choices.
Can engineered wood flooring be laid over tiles or old vinyl?
Yes, as long as the surface is flat, clean, and stable.
What’s the difference between click-lok and tongue-and-groove engineered wood?
Click-lok is quicker to install, while tongue-and-groove offers a traditional, glued joint.
Solid Wood FAQs
Do I need to acclimatise my wood flooring before fitting?
Yes, you must acclimatise your wood flooring before installation. For engineered wood, allow 48–72 hours; for solid wood, give it at least 7 days. Keep the packs flat, unopened, and in a room with stable conditions.
Can I install wood flooring over underfloor heating?
Yes, you can install wood flooring over underfloor heating—but it must be a water-based system. Never use electric underfloor heating with wood flooring, as it can overheat and damage the boards.
Do I need expansion gaps when fitting wood flooring?
Yes, always leave an expansion gap of 10–15mm around the perimeter of your wood flooring. This allows the wood to expand and contract naturally with changes in temperature and humidity.
What is the best underlay for wood flooring?
The best underlay depends on your floor thickness and room type. We recommend a 3mm underlay for floors up to 15mm thick, a 5mm underlay for anything thicker, and a special 4mm underlay if you have water-based underfloor heating.
How do I install tongue and groove flooring?
To install tongue and groove flooring, ensure your subfloor is clean and level. Apply wood glue to the groove edge of each plank, then fit the tongue of the next board into it. This flooring can be laid as a floating floor, meaning it isn’t fixed directly to the subfloor. Always leave an expansion gap around the edges.
Should I choose pre-finished or unfinished solid wood boards?
Pre-finished is quicker to install, unfinished offers more customisation.
What’s the typical lifespan of solid wood flooring?
30–100 years, depending on care and finish.
How do I know when solid wood flooring needs sanding or refinishing?
When it looks dull, scratched, or loses its finish.
Can I lay solid wood flooring in a conservatory or sunroom?
We don’t recommend it — use engineered wood instead.
What’s the best season to install solid wood flooring?
Spring or autumn, when humidity is stable.
Parquet Flooring FAQs
Do I need to acclimatise my wood flooring before fitting?
Yes, you must acclimatise your wood flooring before installation. For engineered wood, allow 48–72 hours; for solid wood, give it at least 7 days. Keep the packs flat, unopened, and in a room with stable conditions.
Can I install wood flooring over underfloor heating?
Yes, you can install wood flooring over underfloor heating—but it must be a water-based system. Never use electric underfloor heating with wood flooring, as it can overheat and damage the boards.
Do I need expansion gaps when fitting wood flooring?
Yes, always leave an expansion gap of 10–15mm around the perimeter of your wood flooring. This allows the wood to expand and contract naturally with changes in temperature and humidity.
What maintenance does parquet flooring need?
Regular sweeping and proper cleaning keep it in great shape.
Can parquet flooring be used in modern homes?
Absolutely — it suits both traditional and contemporary interiors.
Is parquet flooring difficult to install?
It’s more complex than standard planks and often best left to professionals.
What’s the difference between parquet and herringbone flooring?
Herringbone is a type of parquet pattern.
What Is a Wear Layer and Why Does It Matter?
The wear layer is the top protective surface of your floor – it resists damage and determines how long your floor will last.
How Long Does It Take to Fit New Flooring?
Fitting takes 1–4 days depending on the flooring type – but be sure to allow extra time for acclimatisation, especially with wood floors.
Who lays flooring near me?
Use our Checkatrade partnership to find trusted local flooring fitters near you, wherever you are in the UK.
Laminate Flooring FAQs
Can laminate flooring be installed over underfloor heating?
Yes, but only over water-based underfloor heating, and the laminate must be rated for it.
What does the AC rating mean for laminate flooring?
It’s a durability scale — higher AC ratings mean tougher flooring.
Is laminate flooring water-resistant?
Some laminate flooring is water-resistant, but not all — always check the product description.
Who lays flooring near me?
Use our Checkatrade partnership to find trusted local flooring fitters near you, wherever you are in the UK.
Who installs flooring?
We’ve partnered with Checkatrade to help you find trusted, local flooring fitters for a professional installation.
Is wood flooring better than laminate or vinyl?
Wood flooring offers a natural look, long lifespan, and the ability to be refinished, but laminate and vinyl flooring each have their own benefits depending on your needs.
How do I keep my new floor looking great?
Regular sweeping, gentle mopping, and the right cleaner work wonders.
How do I measure my room for new flooring?
To measure your room for new flooring, multiply the length by the width in metres to get square metres—don’t forget to add 10% for waste.
How do I prepare my subfloor before laying new flooring?
To prepare your subfloor, clean it thoroughly, ensure it’s dry and level, and repair any cracks or bumps before laying new flooring.
How do I install click-lock flooring myself?
Click-lock flooring is designed for easy DIY installation—simply lay the planks over your underlay and click them together, no glue or nails required.
LVT Flooring FAQs
What is vinyl flooring made from?
Vinyl flooring is made from layers of PVC vinyl with a printed design and protective top coat.
How Long Does It Take to Fit New Flooring?
Fitting takes 1–4 days depending on the flooring type – but be sure to allow extra time for acclimatisation, especially with wood floors.
Who lays flooring near me?
Use our Checkatrade partnership to find trusted local flooring fitters near you, wherever you are in the UK.
Who installs flooring?
We’ve partnered with Checkatrade to help you find trusted, local flooring fitters for a professional installation.
what flooring is best for bathrooms
LVT is the best flooring for bathrooms – it's water-resistant, durable, easy to clean, and available in stylish designs that suit any space.
What flooring is best for kitchen?
Viynl flooring (Luxury Vinyl Tile) is the best flooring for kitchens – it's durable, water-resistant, easy to clean, and available in a wide range of styles.
Is wood flooring better than laminate or vinyl?
Wood flooring offers a natural look, long lifespan, and the ability to be refinished, but laminate and vinyl flooring each have their own benefits depending on your needs.
How do I keep my new floor looking great?
Regular sweeping, gentle mopping, and the right cleaner work wonders.
How do I measure my room for new flooring?
To measure your room for new flooring, multiply the length by the width in metres to get square metres—don’t forget to add 10% for waste.
How do I prepare my subfloor before laying new flooring?
To prepare your subfloor, clean it thoroughly, ensure it’s dry and level, and repair any cracks or bumps before laying new flooring.
Accessories FAQs
Where Should Flooring End in a Doorway?
Flooring should end directly under the centre of the closed door, with a threshold for a neat and seamless transition.
What’s the difference between 3mm and 5mm underlay?
Think all underlay is the same? Not quite! Discover how the right thickness can impact comfort, noise, and the feel underfoot.
What is underlay and why is it important?
Underlay is a thin layer of material that sits between your subfloor and your flooring, whether that’s engineered wood or laminate. It might seem like just an extra step, but it actually plays a huge role in how your flooring feels, sounds, and wears over time.
What’s the difference between underlay types for wood flooring?
Choosing the right underlay can make a huge difference to how your flooring looks, feels, and lasts—especially in a busy household like mine, where there's always a child, a dog, or a toy train zooming about! Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types:
What is the purpose of underlay for flooring?
Underlay plays a vital role in enhancing the performance and longevity of your flooring. It serves multiple purposes, including:
Should I replace skirting boards when fitting new flooring?
Replacing skirting boards isn’t always necessary but can provide a neater finish. If you want to avoid removing existing skirting, scotia beading is a practical alternative to cover expansion gaps.
What accessories do I need when fitting flooring?
When fitting new flooring, the right accessories ensure a professional finish and enhance functionality. Here’s a guide to the essentials:
What’s the Difference Between Beading and Skirting?
Beading and skirting are both essential elements in flooring and interior design, but they serve different purposes. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
What Is Scotia Beading?
Scotia beading is a type of trim used in flooring installations to cover the expansion gap between the floor and the skirting boards. It provides a neat, professional finish while allowing the flooring to expand and contract naturally.
Do I Need Underlay for Parquet Flooring?
We don’t recommend using underlay for parquet flooring. Instead, it should be glued down directly to the subfloor for a secure and long-lasting finish.
Flooring Order Storage
Can I choose a delivery date later on, after I’ve ordered?
Yes, absolutely! If you’re not ready to book a delivery date at the time of purchase, that’s no problem at all. Many of our customers take advantage of our free 6-week storage to give themselves time to finish up building work, decorate, or just wait for the right moment to fit their flooring.
When does the 6-week free storage period start?
The 6-week storage period starts from the date your order is paid in full. We’ll confirm the storage timeline with you so you know exactly when your free period ends.
Do I need to pay the storage fee in advance if I extend beyond 6 weeks?
Yes — once your free 6-week storage period ends, and you’ve let us know you’d like to extend, we’ll ask how much longer you’d like us to store your flooring for. From there, our team will send you a proforma invoice based on the extended time period at £5 per day, per pallet.
Will my flooring be safe while in storage?
Absolutely. Your flooring is stored in a secure, dry, and temperature-appropriate environment to ensure it stays in perfect condition until you're ready for delivery.
Can I extend the storage period beyond 6 weeks?
Yes! Extend your flooring storage beyond 6 weeks for just £5 per day per pallet. Contact us to arrange extended storage and keep your flooring safe until delivery.
Is there a fee for holding my flooring order?
Not at all! We offer complimentary storage for up to 6 weeks, giving you peace of mind and flexibility without any extra cost.
How do I request storage for my order?
Simply let us know during checkout or contact our customer service team after placing your order. We'll pop your flooring into secure storage and arrange delivery when you're ready.
Can you hold my flooring order until I'm ready for delivery?
Yes, we can! At Flooring365, we're happy to store your flooring order for up to 6 weeks after purchase, free of charge.
Wood Flooring
Do I need to acclimatise my wood flooring before fitting?
Yes, you must acclimatise your wood flooring before installation. For engineered wood, allow 48–72 hours; for solid wood, give it at least 7 days. Keep the packs flat, unopened, and in a room with stable conditions.
Do I need expansion gaps when fitting wood flooring?
Yes, always leave an expansion gap of 10–15mm around the perimeter of your wood flooring. This allows the wood to expand and contract naturally with changes in temperature and humidity.
What is the best underlay for wood flooring?
The best underlay depends on your floor thickness and room type. We recommend a 3mm underlay for floors up to 15mm thick, a 5mm underlay for anything thicker, and a special 4mm underlay if you have water-based underfloor heating.
Should I choose pre-finished or unfinished solid wood boards?
Pre-finished is quicker to install, unfinished offers more customisation.
What’s the typical lifespan of solid wood flooring?
30–100 years, depending on care and finish.
How do I know when solid wood flooring needs sanding or refinishing?
When it looks dull, scratched, or loses its finish.
Can I lay solid wood flooring in a conservatory or sunroom?
We don’t recommend it — use engineered wood instead.
What’s the best season to install solid wood flooring?
Spring or autumn, when humidity is stable.
Who lays flooring near me?
Use our Checkatrade partnership to find trusted local flooring fitters near you, wherever you are in the UK.
Who installs flooring?
We’ve partnered with Checkatrade to help you find trusted, local flooring fitters for a professional installation.
Orders
Can I return flooring if I change my mind?
Yes, you can return most online orders within 14 days—but there are a few important conditions.
What happens if items are out of stock?
Some products do sell out quickly—but our team can help you find out when they’ll be back or suggest great alternatives.
Can I pre-order products that are currently out of stock?
Yes, we understand that waiting for the perfect flooring can be frustrating, so we offer the option to pre-order out-of-stock products to secure your purchase. Here’s how it works:
Can I place an order for delivery outside the UK?
Unfortunately, we currently only deliver within the UK.
How can I place an order?
Placing an order on our website is simple and user-friendly. Follow these steps:
What happens if an item in my order is out of stock?
If an item is out of stock, our team will contact you with alternative options or the expected restock date. You can choose to wait, select a different product, or request a refund.
How Many Free Samples Can I Order?
At Flooring365, we want to ensure you feel confident in your flooring choice. That’s why we offer up to 10 free samples per customer!
Can you get samples of laminate?
Hi Sophie,Sorry - due to the costs involved we don't offer our free sample service on our laminate range.
Can I cancel or return my order?
Full details on how to cancel or return an order can be seen here on our Cancellation and Returns policy.
Can I change or cancel my order?
If you need to change or cancel your order, please contact on 0333 002 0175 as soon as possible. Changes can be made only before the order has been processed or dispatched.
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