17 January 2023
When to install your flooring
When it comes to home improvements there is often a lot to consider. It can be hard to know where to begin. What starts out as ‘lick of paint’ or a ‘ freshen up’ can quickly turn into a full refurb and weeks and weeks of planning. One of the most common questions we’re asked is, when to install your flooring. Whether it’s a bedroom refurb or a new kitchen, it’s important to get the timing right.
Here is our top tips, on how to help everything run a little smoother…
First things first, and this one is really important…
Not all aspects of your home improvements will go according to plan and more often than not, they will over run. This is why it is always best to allow a week or two in between each stage, especially if you are employing a number of different trades to complete the work. Most trades will already have weeks of work booked in advance and so may not be to squeeze you in if you need to rearrange.
Essentially before your flooring is installed it’s important that all other works are completed. Flooring installation requires a clean empty space. Having all your trades working on top of each other, will only slow down any progress and prevent everything running smoothly. This can result in additional labour charges and delays.
Decorating
Whether you are using paint or wallpaper, covering up your floor or any furniture is a standard when decorating your home. This is why it is usually best to have your new carpet or flooring installed after all decorating has been completed. No dust sheet is a 100% accident proof and anything can happen.
New Paint, New Carpet
There are now many different types of paint available on the market. Which ever paint you choose, make sure you keep some spare, for any accidental scuffs during your installation.
With the greatest will in the world, accidents happen. Some paints mark with a simple finger touch. If you are planning on having a new carpet installed, sometimes, it can be almost impossible to avoid touching your newly painted walls with your carpet. This can be down to the size and shape of the room. Although there are a few different types of carpet with a soft backing, typically most carpets have a rough textured back. If your paint marks easily, scuff marks are inevitable. This is not necessarily a carless fitter but more an unavoidable consequence when installing.
The same can apply to freshly painted skirting boards and architraves. To install your carpet, the fitter will need to use tool to push your carpet onto the gripper and took in the edges. This can inevitably cause minor scuff marks. To help avoid this, choose a good quality paint. It is important to prime accordingly, and allow to dry for at least a week before installation.
New Paint, New Flooring
If you have decided to go for a floating floor (a floor that is clicked together), you will need to have an expansion gap around the perimeter of your room. This gap can be covered using beading or you can chose to have your skirting boards removed and refit. If you are opting to have your skirting boards off during installation, priming and painting them before hand will prevent any paint getting on your new flooring and make them easier to paint.
Glue Down LVT
A glue down LVT doesn’t require an expansion gap and so can be installed straight up to your skirting boards. Once again, it is advised that these are primed and painted before installation to ensure a clean tidy finish.
When to install your flooring, in a new kitchen
More often than not, which ever type of flooring your choose, your flooring will be the last thing to be installed. The alternative would be to have flooring under your kitchen units. Given the fact that you will never see it, this can be an expensive waste.
An exception to this, would be dependent on the condition of your subfloor. Your floor fitter along with your kitchen team, may deem your subfloor inadequately uneven. It may therefore be necessary to arrange for your floor team to pre screed (levelling compound) or plywood overlay, before your kitchen is installed. They can then return once your kitchen is finished to complete installation. A further conversation with teams regarding your kick board maybe necessary. It is often essential for your kitchen team to know the depth of your new flooring so they can allow enough space. Communication is key!
Why choose Beyond Flooring for professional flooring installation?
There are hundreds of flooring manufacturers, suppliers and installers, so it can be hard to know where to turn.
At Beyond Flooring, our mission is to enhance your home or business with expertly fitted flooring. We only use quality products, and we offer a two year installation warranty on all domestic projects.
We can help you select the right products and ensure they’re fitted to the highest standard.
Need a little inspiration?
Check out https://www.beyondflooring.co.uk/direct/flooring-interior-design-trends-2023/our customer gallery, or visit our showroom. Our friendly team are always happy to help you select the perfect flooring for your home.
