We've fitted thousands of floors. These guides answer the questions we get asked most.
No upselling, no jargon — just straight answers. We've been fitting floors across Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside for over 30 years. The same questions come up time and again: which floor is right for a kitchen, what's the difference between LVT and laminate, does subfloor preparation really matter? We've written down the honest answers.
Start here
LVT vs Laminate
The most asked question we get. Both are popular, both have their place. Here's how they actually compare — waterproofing, cost, durability, appearance and which room suits which.
Read the guide →Subfloor Preparation
Why it matters more than the floor itself. Most flooring failures trace back to the subfloor — damp, unevenness, loose boards. Skipping prep to save money always costs more in the end.
Read the guide →Underlay Guide
What's underneath matters as much as what's on top. The right underlay improves comfort, acoustics, warmth and floor longevity. Cheap underlay under a quality floor is a false economy.
Read the guide →Common questions, answered directly
How long does floor fitting take?
A standard room — up to around 25–30m² — typically takes one day to fit, including preparation. A full house across multiple rooms may be two to three days. We'll give you an accurate time estimate when we survey, so you can plan around it. We work efficiently, clean up as we go, and move furniture back before we leave.
Do I need to remove my old floor first?
In most cases, yes. Old carpet must always come up — you cannot lay hard flooring over carpet. Old laminate or LVT can sometimes stay as a subfloor if it's fully adhered, flat and structurally sound, but adds height and can affect door clearances. Tiles can sometimes be overlaid, again if solid and level. We'll check during the survey and advise you honestly. We include old floor removal as part of our service.
What's the difference between AC3, AC4 and AC5 laminate?
The AC rating is the abrasion class — how hardwearing a laminate is. AC3 is suitable for domestic rooms with normal use (bedrooms, living rooms). AC4 is commercial-grade and handles heavy domestic traffic — use this in hallways and kitchens. AC5 is heavy commercial and is rarely needed in a home. The rating affects price, so don't over-specify for a bedroom, but don't under-specify for a hallway.
What does "click-lock" mean?
Click-lock (also called floating floor) means the boards connect to each other using a tongue-and-groove profile that clicks together without adhesive. The whole floor floats as one piece over the subfloor. It's the standard installation method for most LVT and laminate. It's faster, allows for thermal expansion, and can usually be lifted and relaid if needed. Glue-down installation is used for some LVT in commercial settings or on heated substrates.
Do I need to acclimate the floor before fitting?
Yes — most hard flooring products need to acclimate in the room where they'll be fitted for 24–48 hours before installation. This allows the boards to adjust to the room's temperature and humidity and reduces the risk of expansion or contraction after fitting. We'll tell you exactly how long to leave the product in the room when we arrange the fitting date.
Does flooring add value to a home?
Good flooring absolutely helps a property sell and supports asking price. Engineered wood and quality LVT are the most valued by buyers. Worn or cheap laminate can do the opposite — buyers factor in the cost of replacing it. New flooring is one of the most cost-effective improvements before a sale, particularly in hallways and living rooms where buyers form their first impression.
What floor works in which room?
Different rooms have different requirements. Use these guides to find the right floor for each space.
Still not sure? Call us.
30+ years of experience means we've seen every scenario. Tell us about your room — we'll tell you what we'd fit and why. Free home consultation, 2-hour callback.
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