Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? We’re here to help! Our extensive FAQ collection will certainly put your mind at ease. Find below some of the most frequently asked questions and answers and gain clarity on any aspect of your flooring needs!

If you can’t find the answer to your specific question, please contact us either using our online chat, send an email at sales@carpetcity.co.uk, or call 020 8801 4422. Our friendly team will gladly answer all your questions!

Carpet City General FAQs

Are you open to the public?

We are open to anyone who is looking to buy any type of flooring for any environment, may it be an end-user homeowner looking to upgrade to new flooring, a first-time buyer or a builder, DIYer, landlord, or contractor.

Our Showroom, Trade Counter, and Online Store provide all flooring solutions with a great emphasis on customer service.

Can we buy your products online?

Yes, we do have an online store where you can buy flooring and a vast range of underlays, door bars, screed, adhesive, scotia, pipe covers, and floor cleaning products, all available for Express Delivery.

If you are looking for something in particular which you cannot find in our online store, just contact our sales team and we will arrange for the product to be delivered to your house, office, or building site, completely hassle-free.

Do you do free delivery?

All our flooring products amounting to orders over £100 – come with free delivery. If the delivery is to a very remote area however a delivery fee may be charged.

We have our own fleet of vans and we cover most of South East Anglia every day. For orders up North or anywhere further off in the country we will use reputable delivery companies to deliver your new flooring. Our delivery partners include DHL, DPD, UPS, and Palletline.

What is your return policy?

All our stock products come with a free 30-day return policy, however, if it is a custom order or a product that has been cut to size especially for you, a no-return clause will apply.

If the product was sold to you as clearance or remnant then the sale will be final. Feel free to clarify this at the time of your order.

I am an independant fitter, can I set up a Trade Account with you?

Yes we do have Trade Account facilities available, subject to satisfactory credit checks and T&C.

Do you have a showroom where I can view, touch and actually feel the different flooring options?

Yes, we have a beautiful showroom, with a huge amount of flooring options on display, among them carpet, vinyl, wood, laminate, and LVT.

We show flooring from all the major, including Amtico, Karndean, QuickStep, Cormar, Furlong Carpet, Nourison Carpet, Jacaranda Carpet, Kahars, Tedd Todd, Ulster, Brintons, Moduleo, and many more…

Do you offer take-home samples?

Yes, you can view samples of all the flooring we offer. Some sample ranges are even available to take home with you, others can be ordered in according to the requirements, free of charge.

Do you provide a fitting service?

Absolutely! We offer a very high-quality fitting service for all flooring products. Our company fitters are all in-house.

We will only use quality products in our sub-floor preparation, and we ensure that all grippers, door bars, and underlay are from the trade’s best manufacturers, to provide you with the best floor installation.

Do you have available space for parking?

We have our own car park on-premises with bays especially dedicated for our customers only free of charge. So there is no need to have to circle around looking for a parking spot.

Can we get to you through public transport?

Yes, we are very close to the underground tube network Seven Sisters Station serving the Victoria Line. We are also within a 5-minute walking distance from Tottenham Hale Overground Station.

There are also numerous bus routes passing the main road, among them numbers 318, 279, 259, 476, 76, 243. Bus numbers 41 and W4 pass through Broad Lane, which is a 3-minute walk away from our premises.

Do you have any flooring in stock for immediate collection?

We have a massive warehouse where we stock thousands of metres of flooring, may it be Laminate, Click LVT, Carpet or Vinyl, along with vast supplies of screed, door bars, floor cleaning products, scotia trimmings or pipe covers.

Our warehouse is fully manned all day and we will help you load your order into your vehicle. Just pop over and you will be able to return home with a new flooring. The choice is endless and the stock levels are always high so that we can cover any size order.

We require a very large quantity of flooring, can you supply it at wholesale prices?

Yes, we have a specialist department for direct containers where you will be able to place your order at excellent prices.

Give us a call on 020 8801 4422 with your inquiry and we will be happy to help.

General Flooring FAQs

Which type of flooring is the best choice for which room?

In general, flooring choices are down to personal preferences, although it also depends on what environment it will be used in.

Factually, carpets are warmer and cozier both physically and in appearance. You will also need to consider the merits of wool over manmade fibers. Hard flooring is overall easier to clean and offers a fresher look.

Whether in our showroom or over the phone, our sales team will be able to help you make the correct choice on the type of flooring best suited to you and your requirements.

What is a Floating Floor?

A floating floor is a floor that is not stuck down to the sub-floor but holds itself down by weight. This is very common with all laminate, engineered wood, and LVT click flooring which require expansion gaps.

Fitting a floating floor is easier than a fully stuck floor and in most environments, this will not affect the life of the floor. Most floors in residential homes in the UK are floating floors.

Which installation method is best?

There are many factors to take into consideration when deciding on a method of installation. This depends on whether the area is a commercial or residential environment, whether the sub-floor is concrete or wood, whether there is underfloor heating, direct sunlight, or wheel castors in use.

Whether you are a builder, DIYer, or residential customer, our sales team will guide you through the fitting process best suited for your environment.

Should I use underlay for my flooring?

In general, the answer is Yes. Underlay will reduce airborne and impact noise. It will also prolong the life of your new flooring and there is an underlay from our range for every budget.

Whether you should use underlay with your flooring depends on the type of floor and how the floor is been installed.

The majority of floating floors require an underlay where fixed floors do not.

Should I install my floor before or after my kitchen?

Fitting your flooring after the kitchen has been installed will save on material quantity. If you are fitting borders around the kitchen then you should definitely be fitting flooring after your kitchen installation is complete.

However, doing your flooring before installing your kitchen is advisable in most cases, as it will make the whole fitting process easier and quicker. It will also help to seal the flooring against the infestation of mice and rats.

When installing your flooring before the kitchen, ask us about our protection sheets, which you will need to lay over your new flooring so that it does not get damaged during the kitchen installation.

Which floors can you use with underfloor heating?

The vast majority of flooring can be laid over underfloor heating, but careful selection must be made of the correct underlay to ensure that it allows the heat through.

You will also need to choose the correct flooring adhesive and fitting method. Feel free to ask our sales team for advice on fitting your new flooring over underfloor heating.

Should my underfloor heating be switched on or off?

Whenever you are fitting a flooring over an underfloor heating system, your heating must be switched off before, during, and after installation.

You will need to turn it off 48 hours before, keep it off during the installation period and only switch it back on 48 hours after fitting is complete.

When switching it back on, do so gradually starting at 14c and moving the thermostat up with 1c each day until you have reached a room temperature of 18-21c.

Can my builder fit flooring?

Any competent builder can fit most types of flooring. They will always have access to manufacturers’ technical specifications where they can ask any questions, or alternatively, they can call us for advice.

Why should I choose my builder to do my flooring?

The answer to this is simply that it is more economical.

When you order flooring from our showroom on a supply-only basis, we will generally offer you a substantial discount depending on the brand and quantity, thus saving you money on the flooring and the accessories.

Which is better solid wood or engineered?

Engineered hardwood is often (but not always) more stable. Because of its layers, it’s often stronger than solid hardwood. And, because the layers are perpendicular to each other, there is usually less expansion and contraction, so it allows for a tighter fit, especially during the winter when it’s more dry.

How do you acclimatise a floor?

We would recommend leaving the floor due to be installed in the room of installation. In the majority of cases we would recommend leaving the product in the packaging in this installation period. The acclimatisation period can vary from hours to days depending on the product.

We would always suggest consulting the manufactures recommendations, as this can vary.

Do you give a warranty on everything you sell?

All flooring comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.

Should your flooring fail you through a manufacturing defect, manufacturers will be obliged to replace your flooring free of charge.

Product FAQ

What is Amtico flooring?

Amtico Flooring is a brand of Luxury Vinyl Flooring Designed and Manufactured in the UK for over 50 years. They were the first manufacturer to produce LVT flooring.

The product Is made up of five layers that consist of two PVC backing layers, one high definition photographic layer, one clear PVC embossed wear layer, and a top polyurethane (PU) protective coating to give it long-lasting durability.

What is Karndean flooring?

Karndean Design Flooring is a brand of luxury vinyl flooring. It is made up of five layers that consist of two PVC backing layers, one high definition photographic layer, one clear PVC embossed wear layer, and a top polyurethane (PU) protective coating.

Best flooring for underfloor heating...

Underfloor heating can be used with the majority of floor coverings including wood, carpet, laminate, vinyl, and rugs. However, the heat-up time will depend on the thermal conductivity of the flooring material you choose.

We would always recommend consulting the underfloor heating installers and flooring manufactures before installing your new flooring.

Best flooring for your kitchen...

The floor you choose for the kitchen, above all else, has to be exceptionally durable. As it is one of the most-used rooms in the home, it’s not just general foot traffic wear and tear you need to be aware of. The kitchen has the highest risk of spills, stains, dents, and scratches. So durability and practicality need to be your main concerns.

Luxury vinyl flooring (LVT) is one of the most practical choices for the kitchen as it portrays products with the appearance of wood or stone but without any of the upkeep.

What is the best flooring for bathroom?

It’s helpful to start off by understanding which floors should be avoided. The floor types you should never install in the bathroom or other high moisture areas include engineered and solid wood. Much better and more suitable options for your bathroom would include some laminates, luxury vinyl tiles, and click vinyl.

What type of Plywood will I need for sub-floor preparation?

For all sub-floor preparation, you will need flooring grade Plywood (SP101). Flooring manufacturers will have a clause stating that plywood must be of Flooring Grade SP101.

We stock all different thicknesses of plywood to suit your needs!

What is LVT Click?

“LVT Click” usually refers to the Luxury Vinyl Tiles with a click system, similar to Laminate flooring. The benefit of the Click LVT is that you don’t need to invest too much time and money on obtaining a perfect level floor, as it allows for more tolerance in uneven floors.

LVT Click is waterproof as it is made out of PVC. It is also very easy to install and most builders will know how to fit this.

What is the most popular flooring type?

Nowadays the most commonly used flooring will be either Laminate or Click LVT, as it is the easiest to install and does not require specialist fitters.

We stock a huge range of both Click LVT and Laminates available for immediate collection or shipping anywhere in the UK. Samples can be delivered to you, free of charge.

Do you sell all the flooring accessories needed?

We sell everything you will need to get your new flooring laid, from tape measures to floor cleaning products. We stock all thicknesses of flooring grade Plywood (SP101), Ardex screeds, all the adhesives you will need for your flooring installation, and we also stock over 70 colours of beading and pipe covers.

Once your flooring is complete remember to purchase the specific cleaning products from our trade counter to help you get the best out of your new floor.

How do I know which levelling compound to use?

There are many types of different leveling compounds and manufacturers. We would recommend Ardex as they are the global leading manufacturers when it comes to leveling sub-floors.

Ardex’s technical team will be able to advise you on the best type of product to use on your sub-floor.

Can I buy your products online?

Yes, we sell a wide selection of flooring accessories from Wood & Laminate Underlays and Flooring Adhesives to Carper Grippers and Metal Door Trims through our online company Buy Flooring Online, most of which are available for next-day delivery.

If you are in a hurry you can also collect your online orders directly from our warehouse in North London. Just gives us a call ahead of time and we’ll get it ready for your arrival!

We have a huge order of flooring for a project, can you give us wholesale prices?

Yes, on larger orders we can be very competitive in offering you the best wholesale prices. Simply call us on 020 8801 4422 with your inquiry and we will be happy to help.

Carpet City Floor Fitting Services FAQs

Do you offer a Free Measure Service?

Yes, we do offer a free measuring up service as well as on-site advice. We will travel anywhere within the greater London area or further afield for larger projects.

Give us a call and we will be able to book in a measure slot free of charge.

Do you offer professional fitting service?

Absolutely! Our fitting quality is top-rated within the industry. Our fitters are all employed in-house and we have full quality control in place to ensure that every fitting installation is to the highest level of quality.

How long can I expect to wait from order to fitting?

Once you have selected your flooring, provided that it’s in stock, we can usually begin your flooring installation within 2-3 days.

Our Fitters Manager will call you once your flooring has arrived and will be able to book your job at a convenient time and date for you.

Are your fitters reliable? I've been let down before by another firm

We vigorously vet all our fitters to ensure they are professional, pleasant, honest, and solidly reliable. We put great emphasis on the appearance of our fitters to make sure our customers feel at ease with them being in their homes or premises.

Our Fitters Manager will always be available throughout the process, from job booking to completion, to help our installers always produce their very best at all times.

Will your fitters repair my sub-floor and make it smooth for new floors?

Our estimator and sales team staff will advise you on the sub-floor preparation needed to get your beautiful floor installed to the highest standard.

We will include all the accessories and labor costs within your estimate. If you are a DIY or Builder we will be able to include all material needed to fix the subfloor, may it be Plywood or Leveling compound.

Does your fitting come with a warranty?

All our fitting work comes with a no quibble one-year guaranty from the date of installation, provided that all terms of the warranty have been kept.

Will your fitters move our furniture?

Our fitters can move all bulky and heavy furniture, however, all personal items (such as clothing, linen, computers, TV, fragile items) will need to be moved by the customer prior to the fitters’ arrival.

Our fitters will be as careful as possible when moving your furniture but please be aware that this is carried out on behalf of the customer and at the customer’s own risk. We cannot be held responsible for anything remaining in the room requiring removal by our fitters.

Will your fitters uplift my old flooring?

The uplifting of old flooring is part of the fitting process and our fitters will uplift all flooring as needed, subject to an additional fee. Customers may choose to have the uplifting done prior to the fitters’ arrival, in order to save on costs.

Will your fitters clean up after the installation?

Yes, our fitters will not leave the site before all rubbish is removed and the floor has been fully vacuumed, ensuring that your flooring looks perfect, as you would expect.

Will you disopose of my old flooring and take away all rubbish aftr the fitting?

Yes, we are big advocates of recycling and doing our bit to save the planet.

We will dispose of all the old flooring and rubbish back to the warehouse, where it will get sorted between rubble, plastic, cardboard, and metal and get crushed for recycling where possible.

Carpet FAQs

When is it time to replace my carpet?

The most common signs to look out for are stains, general wear and tear, uneven shading, or an increase in allergy symptoms.

Generally speaking, the older the carpet, the greater the likelihood that a replacement is due.

What are the different type of carpets available?

Carpets are made of many different types of fibres. The most commonly used are wool, polypropylene, nylon, or polyamide. Each fiber comes with its own unique character traits and benefits.

When browsing our showroom, talk to our sales team for advice and guidance on selecting your new carpet.

Can I fit carpet in a bathroom?

Whether or not to install carpet in your bathroom is really down to personal preference as there are many reasons both for and against.

If you do opt for carpet in the bathroom, then it is advised that you choose a bathroom carpet that is fit for purpose and designed specifically to suit the requirements of this room.

Which carpet is best for stairs?

Generally speaking, the harder the wear and the underlay the better for stairs.

Manufacturers’ samples suitable for stairs will be labelled as such.

How do I measure my stairs for carpet?

You will need to count the stairs and measure each one for the width and the Step & Riser.

You can also send us a little video of your areas which will help our salespeople to go through your options. Alternatively, we can send out our surveyor to measure up. Simply give us a call on 020 8801 4422 and we can get the ball rolling.

What is the difference between all the different brands of carpet?

In general, each manufacturer specialises in their own best field.

Whether Axminster, tufted or woven carpet, some brands are simply more luxurious than others, some may be more focused on pattern or design while other brands will have a wider range of colours.

However all of the carpets on display in our showroom share one thing in common – each is of the highest quality.

Which carpet is best for heavy traffic?

It is important to take into account the properties of each carpet whilst shopping for new floors.

You should look at the thickness, resilience, and material of the carpet fibres. Carpets made from polypropylene, polyamide, and wool are all super hardwearing and durable.

It is better to opt for a darker colored carpet for areas that are likely to endure high levels of footfall.

What is the best method to fit carpet?

There are several methods to fit the carpet. The traditional way is with grippers around the perimeter and stretch or fully bonded.

For general domestic use, we would recommend the gripper and stretch method, for commercial use the fully bonded method is advisable.

If you are unsure of the correct method, speak to our sales people who will be able to help and advise.

Why is there shading in my new carpet?

Shading is the term used for describing the appearance of different shades when the carpet pile is brushed over. This does not mean that the carpet is defective but is simply to do with the way the pile runs.

Shading is very common in new carpets and will eventually settle to a balanced medium.

If I don’t like my carpet, can I return it?

Carpets are cut from a large roll to your specific room measurements, therefore once the carpet has been cut you will not be able to return it.

Do you offer carpet cleaning service?

No, we do not offer a carpet cleaning service, we sell new carpets only.

I bought my carpet elsewhere can I still buy the accessories from you?

Absolutely! No matter where you bought your carpet from, we will be more than happy to supply you with all the flooring accessories you require. Give us a call and we will be able to help you work out what you need.

Door Thresholds Bars & Edging Strips FAQs

What type of door bar do I need?

We have over 70 different door bar profiles, with the majority held in stock for immediate collection.

The door bar you require will depend on the types of flooring laid on either side of the door frame. It will also depend on the thickness of the flooring.

Talk to us for advice and we’ll be happy to advise you.

What colour door bars are available?

The standard door bar is either silver or gold, shiny or matt, however, some door bars also come in a wood effect.

Various manufacturers also offer a specific matching door bar for each of their ranges.

What length do door bars come in?

All door bars come in lengths of either 900mm or 2700mm.

Do you have door bars in stock?

We currently hold vast quantities of all door bars in stock and we can fulfill any size order for immediate collection or next-day delivery.

Do you supply a luxury range of door bars?

Yes, we do have a luxury range of solid door bars. The basic profiles are always in stock, luxury ranges can be ordered in, and are available in all finishes: Polished Brass, Antique Brass, Satin Brass, Polished Chrome, Satin Chrome, Pewter, Black, Nickel, and Satin Nickel.

Do you have stick down door bars?

Many door bar profiles come with a self-adhesive option. You can view all available options on our online store Buy Flooring Online

Can I buy your door bars online?

Yes, you can. All our door bars are available from our online store Buy Flooring Online with a next-day delivery option.

Alternatively, visit our Trade Counter where you can place your order and collect it in person the same day.

I am a floor fitter, can I buy door bars at Trade Prices?

Yes, at our Trade Counter we can set you up on a trade account, subject to our T&C and you will be able to purchase all our door bars, underlay, and tools at wholesale prices. Feel free to speak to our front desk representative.

Laminate Flooring FAQs

What is the best underlay for laminate flooring?

Underlay is a requirement when fitting laminate, but which one to use? Underlays can have various technical characteristics, which may or may not be needed for the different rooms around your house.

The following characteristics have to be considered:

Whether the subfloor is affected by damp/moisture
If the subfloor has minor imperfections
Sound insulation both for the room of installation and any rooms below
Thermal insulation. This may be required, for example, above-unheated areas like conservatories or garages

Whilst there isn’t really an answer for the best underlay in general, there is an answer for the best underlay depending on your requirements.

What is laminate flooring?

A laminate floor is a floor covering made of pressed wood. The top only looks like wood or stone because it is a photograph covered in a clear “wear layer.” It has a click system, meaning that the boards click into each other and no glue or screws are needed for the installation.

How do I clean laminate flooring?

A laminate floor can be easily maintained by regularly sweeping or hoovering, and cleaning with a damp mop. It is best to use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to ensure that you do not damage the surface of your floor.

If I damage my laminate floor can it be repaired?

Although laminate flooring is durable, it cannot be refinished if it does get damaged. However, the best option is to replace the boards where the damage has occurred. For this reason, it is advisable to buy extra pieces as trying to find the exact colour years down the line will be challenging and there is no guarantee that you will get the same product.

Can you lay new laminate flooring over old laminate flooring?

We would always recommend taking the floor back to the sub-level when installing a new floor.

Laying laminate over vinyl flooring is common practice as long as the vinyl floor is fully stuck, cleaned, and undamaged.

Laying laminate over carpet is never advised as carpet is too soft and there might be an issue of a bad odour by covering over an old carpet and not allowing air to circulate over it.

Can laminate flooring be installed over underfloor heating?

90% of laminates can be laid over the majority of underfloor heating systems, but this does normally require a special underlay that allows the transfer of heat.

We would always recommend consulting with the manufacturers’ installation instructions first.

Is laminate flooring suitable for bathrooms?

Some Laminate flooring is more suitable for bathrooms than others, we have a product suitability checker on every product to help you make the right decision.

How do I lay laminate flooring?

Installing laminate flooring is simple and fuss-free! The floorboards or tiles have a tongue and groove system that allows them to simply click together. There is no need for any adhesive or screws.

How long can I expect my laminate flooring to last?

This can vary hugely on the usage and on the laminate itself. Each product should display the warranty/guarantee of the product. If you have any special requirements please feel free to contact our sales team for guidance.

Can my builder or myself lay laminate flooring?

Laying laminate flooring is very easy, any DIYer or competent builder should be able to lay it themselves, trouble-free.

I have a huge order of laminate flooring, can I buy at wholesale prices?

Yes, we specialise in direct container shipments at wholesale prices.

Speak to our sales team who will be happy to help you with orders of any size.

I already bought my laminate flooring, can I still buy the underlay, door bars and beading from you?

Yes, no matter where you bought your flooring we will be happy to advise you and supply you with all the flooring accessories needed. Feel free to reach out to our sales team for help.

LVT Flooring FAQs

What is LVT flooring?

LVT is an abbreviation for Luxury Vinyl Tiles, which is one of the most practical and durable flooring options.

LVT flooring is made out of 6 different compressed layers: Back Layer, Glass Fibre, Middle Layer, Wear Layer and Protective Coat.

Which Brands are best known for LVT?

Amtico, Karndean, and Moduleo are the most popular brands for LVT flooring.

However, there are many other brands available on the market and our sales team will be able to source you any LVT brand that has been specified.

Do I need expansion gaps for LVT Flooring?

For the Dry Back LVT, there is no need to leave expansion gaps. For the Click LVT, you will require expansion gaps.

It is best to speak with the manufacturer over how much gap to allow for flooring expansion.

Can I fit LVT in a wet area like a bathroom or shower room?

Yes, you can! LVT flooring can be used in wet areas as long as the correct adhesive has been applied and the most appropriate fitting method has been used. The recommended adhesive would be 2 part epoxy resin.

Do I need a flooring specialist to install LVT Flooring?

We would highly recommend that you have your Dryback LVT flooring professionally fitted as this installation is very technical.

Click LVT is a much easier option and any competent builder or DIY enthusiast can fit this flooring.

I have been recommended a certain type of LVT, can you get it for us?

Yes, if your interior designer or Architect has specified a certain product, we will be able to source it for you, regardless of whether we have it on display or not.

Just ask our sales team for help!

Can I fit LVT over underfloor heating?

Yes, LVT flooring can be fitted over underfloor heating as long as the correct adhesive and fitting method has been applied.

It is always best to speak with manufacturers’ technical teams for the recommended adhesive.

What is the benefit of Click LVT?

Cost! It will be far cheaper and quicker to install an LVT Click than a Glue-Down LVT, as this will involve less sub-floor preparation.

Do you offer wholesale prices on larger orders?

Yes, we can offer you wholesale prices on all larger orders.

Feel free to speak to our sales team who will be able to put you in touch with our wholesale department.

What is the difference between a Dry Back (Glue-down) and Click?

The Dry Back method refers to instances where the tiles must be stuck down with an adhesive, whereas Click is where the tiles click into each other, forming a floating floor, similar to laminate flooring but it is made out of PVC and it is 100% water.

Do I need to have a smooth sub-floor before installing LVT?

If you are fitting dry-back flooring then the sub-floor must be smooth, clean, and with no moisture before fitting. With the Click LVT system, however, there is more tolerance for uneven subfloors.

Check with the manufacturer and installer prior to fitting as they would be able to advise you best on the sub-floor condition.

Do you stock LVT Flooring for immediate dispatch or collection?

Yes, we stock huge amounts of LVT in different colours and designs, which are available for next-day shipping to any UK address.

Alternatively, you can collect your order directly from our North London warehouse! Just give us a call on 020 8801 4422 ahead of time and we’ll get it ready for your arrival.

Underlay FAQs

Should I use underlay for my flooring?

Whether you should use underlay with your flooring depends on the type of Carpet or Hard Floor options, and how the floor will be installed.

The majority of floating floors such as LVT click, laminate, or wood do require an underlay. In most cases, using underlay can reduce impact noise levels, increase the TOG rating, and give the flooring a prolonged life.

However we do advise working with the manufacturers’ recommendations – if you are not sure of this, feel free to turn to our sales team for guidance.

Can underlay help reduce noise?

Simply by providing an additional layer of material, most underlays will act as sound barriers to an extent. Both the sub-floor and top flooring need to be considered when choosing underlay for noise reduction.

Can I lay my new carpet / flooring over existing underlay?

Technically you can lay new flooring over an old underlay, provided that the old underlay is still in good condition, displays no moisture, and still has a good bounce-back element to it.

However, changing the underlay whilst fitting new flooring is strongly recommended in order to give your new flooring a longer life and also to avoid bad odour from the dirt sitting within the old underlay.

What should I look out for when selecting my underlay?

The three main factors used in determining your underlay choice will be a Sound reduction (DB), Warmth (TOG), and Density.

You will also need to know your fitting method, moisture level, and method of room heating.

Should we use underlay in a commercial environment?

Yes, you can. It will absorb the noise and provide more softness underfoot.

It’s worth noting however that not all underlays are suitable for commercial use, care must be taken to use the correct underlay, fitted via the “fully stuck” method.

Which underlay is best for underfloor heating?

We carry over 50 different types of underlay, so we can recommend a suitable underlay for any type of every sub-floor or environment.

Call us to discuss your new flooring and sub-floor and we will be happy to advise you on the best option for your particular flooring.

Can I buy underlay from your website?

Yes, you can indeed. Along with our door bars, all underlay types are available from our online store Buy Flooring Online with a next-day delivery option.

I am a floor fitter, can I buy underlay at Trade Prices?

Absolutely! At our Trade Counter, we can set you up on a trade account, subject to satisfactory credit checks and relevant T&C.

You will then be able to make wholesale purchases of all our underlay, door bars, and tools. Feel free to speak to our front desk representative.

If I place a larger order of underlay, will you provide better pricing?

Yes, if you have any orders over 10 rolls you will be able to buy it at the cheaper Trade Price and have it delivered the next day to any Mainland UK postcode.

Make sure to give us a call first to get the best price!

I have already bought my flooring, can I buy the underlay from you and still get Trade Price?

Yes, we can supply you with all the flooring accessories you require for your floor installation. Speak to one of our sales team who will be happy to help.

Wood Flooring FAQs

What is engineered wood flooring made of?

Engineered Wood Flooring is made up of layers of hardwood or plywood, with a final layer of hardwood veneer on the top of the surface.

It’s still made of genuine wood, so it gives any space the same contemporary look and feel which solid wood offers.

What are the benefits of engineered wood flooring?

There are many benefits to an engineered floor, but one of the main reasons you would choose an engineered floor over a solid floor is for its stability. This is because the product is manufactured by building up multiple layers, as opposed to a single solid piece of wood.

Can engineered flooring reduce allergens?

Engineered wood flooring is recognised to be better for allergies as this floor holds a lower amount of dust, mites, and pollen, known to cause allergic and respiratory reactions.

Wood Flooring is very easy to clean and it doesn’t harbor dust or other allergy-causing material.

What does lacquered mean?

A lacquered floor refers to the finish applied to the wood either in production or once the product is laid.

A lacquer is generally one of the harder finishes available and requires less ongoing maintenance than finishes like a natural oil.

Are engineered floors suitable for underfloor heating?

Whether an engineered wood flooring is suitable for underfloor heating depends on multiple factors, however in general, the answer is yes, as the underlay used along with the floor can affect the heat transfer through the boards. However, it is important to speak with an expert before installation.

Why does wood flooring need acclimatisation and how do you acclimatise a floor?

All flooring will require acclimatisation in order to soften up the flooring before installation.

The best way to acclimatise flooring is to open the packs and lay the flooring out flat on the floor, away from any heaters and direct sunlight.

Do I need to glue the joints on my engineered wood flooring?

Engineered Wood Flooring is generally available in two fitting types, a “click system” or a “tongue and groove”.

The click system does not require glue, however, you may require glue for the tongue and groove system, depending on whether you choose to glue the flooring to the subfloor or prefer to use the secret nail method.

Are wood floors scratch-resistant?

Engineered wood flooring is not all scratch-resistant, factors such as the surface finish and type of wood can hugely affect the wear resistance of the floor.

Wood floors with a multi-layered polyurethane finish do tend to be harder wearing, but always speak to our experts first to see what is most appropriate for your needs.

What if my wood flooring gets scratched?

All wood flooring can be sanded off and re-stained to bring it back to life. You will require a professional sanding machine and ensure that you use the correct stain. Speak to an expert for advice on how to restore your wood floors.

Are engineered wood floors durable?

Engineered wood flooring is durable, however, different factors can affect the durability of the board, for example, the types of surface veneer, the surface treatment, and the room environment.

We would always recommend speaking to our experts to see which floors best suit your requirements.

How do I care for engineered wood flooring?

Although engineered wood flooring can cope with moisture better than solid wood, it is important to keep the flooring dry.

For everyday cleaning, we recommend using a vacuum cleaner with a soft flooring attachment or a dry microfibre dust mop to pick up the day-to-day dust and dirt.

Which is the better option, solid wood or engineered wood?

In general, an engineered wood flooring is superior, as it holds up better to moisture and it is stronger. However, if you are doing art design work on your floor or if it is being installed in an environment that will be subject to heavy floor traffic, the solid wood floor may be a better option.

Speak to our sales team who will be able to guide you in making the best choice.

We have a huge enquiry of wood flooring, can you supply it a wholesale prices?

Yes, we have a specialist department for direct containers where you will be able to place your order at excellent prices.

Give us a call with your inquiry and we will be happy to help.

Do you have matching beading, door bars and pipe covers?

All wood flooring manufacturers will provide you with matching accessories.

Do feel free to ask us for advice, if a specific item is not available, we can always match up an alternative for you at a cost-effective price.

The advice and guidance provided above are for general information only and Carpet City Ltd. bears no responsibility or liability.
If in doubt always contact the manufacturer for product maintenance instructions.