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

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

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 that 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.

All our flooring products amounting to orders over £180 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.

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 a clearance or remnant, then the sale will be final. Feel free to clarify this at the time of your order.

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

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

We showcase flooring from major brands such as Amtico, Karndean, QuickStep, Cormar, Furlong Carpet, Nourison Carpet, Jacaranda Carpet, Kahars, Tedd Todd, Ulster, Brintons, Moduleo, and many more.

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

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

We use only quality materials for sub-floor preparation and ensure that all grippers, door bars, and underlays come from the best manufacturers, providing you with the best floor installation.

Yes, we have our own car park on-premises with bays exclusively for our customers, free of charge.

So, there is no need to circle around looking for a parking spot!

Yes, we are very close to the underground tube network at 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, including 318, 279, 259, 476, 76, 243. Bus numbers 41 and W4 pass through Broad Lane, which is just a 3-minute walk from our premises.

Yes, we have a massive warehouse where we stock thousands of meters of flooring, including Laminate, Click LVT, Carpet, and Vinyl, along with vast supplies of screed, door bars, floor cleaning products, scotia trimmings, and 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’ll be able to return home with new flooring. The choice is endless, and the stock levels are always high so that we can cover any size order.

Yes, we have a specialist department for direct containers, allowing you 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

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 cosier both physically and in appearance. You will also need to consider the merits of wool over manmade fibres. 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.

A floating floor is a floor that is not stuck down to the subfloor 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.

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, and 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.

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 being installed.

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

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.

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.

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 14°C and moving the thermostat up by 1°C each day until you have reached a room temperature of 18-21°C.

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.

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.

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 drier.

We would recommend leaving the floor to be installed in the room of installation. In the majority of cases, we would recommend leaving the product in the packaging during this installation period.

The acclimatization period can vary from hours to days depending on the product.

We would always suggest consulting the manufacturer’s recommendations, as this can vary.

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

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 consists of five layers, including:

  • Two PVC backing layers
  • One high-definition photographic layer
  • One clear PVC embossed wear layer
  • A top polyurethane (PU) protective coating for long-lasting durability

Karndean Design Flooring is a brand of luxury vinyl flooring.

It consists of five layers, including:

  • Two PVC backing layers
  • One high-definition photographic layer
  • One clear PVC embossed wear layer
  • A top polyurethane (PU) protective coating

Underfloor heating can be used with most 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 always recommend consulting underfloor heating installers and flooring manufacturers before installation.

The kitchen floor must be exceptionally durable due to heavy foot traffic, spills, stains, dents, and scratches.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT) is one of the best options, as it provides the appearance of wood or stone while being waterproof, easy to clean, and low-maintenance.

ome flooring types should never be installed in high-moisture areas like bathrooms, including engineered wood and solid wood.

Better options include:
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)
Click Vinyl Flooring
Water-resistant Laminate Flooring

For all sub-floor preparation, you will need Flooring Grade Plywood (SP101).

Most flooring manufacturers require SP101 Flooring Grade Plywood for proper installation.

We stock various thicknesses of plywood to suit your needs!

“LVT Click” refers to Luxury Vinyl Tiles with a click system, similar to Laminate Flooring.

Benefits of LVT Click:
✔ Easier to install than glued flooring
✔ Works well on uneven floors
✔ Completely waterproof (made from PVC)
✔ Most builders know how to install it

The most commonly used flooring today is Laminate Flooring and Click LVT.

Why?
✔ Easy to install (no specialist fitters required)
✔ Affordable and durable
✔ Water-resistant and low-maintenance
We stock a huge range of both Click LVT and Laminate Flooring, available for immediate collection or shipping anywhere in the UK. Free samples are available!

Yes! We sell everything you need to install your flooring, including:
Flooring Grade Plywood (SP101)
Adhesives and screeds
Underlays for wood & laminate
Carpet grippers and metal door trims
Beading and pipe covers (70+ colors available!)

Once your flooring is installed, be sure to purchase specialized cleaning products from our trade counter to maintain your new floor.

There are many different leveling compounds and manufacturers.

We recommend Ardex – the global leader in sub-floor leveling products.

Their technical team can advise you on the best product for your specific sub-floor.

Yes! We sell a wide selection of flooring accessories, including:
Wood & Laminate Underlays
Flooring Adhesives
Carpet Grippers and Metal Door Trims

You can purchase through our Buy Flooring Online store, with most items available for next-day delivery.

If you’re in a hurry, you can collect your online orders directly from our warehouse in North London—just call ahead, and we’ll have it ready for you!

Yes! For large orders, we offer highly competitive wholesale prices.

Give us a call at 020 8801 4422 with your inquiry, and we’ll be happy to help.

Carpet City Floor Fitting Services FAQs

Yes, we offer a free measuring service along with on-site advice. We will travel anywhere within the Greater London area and further for larger projects.

Give us a call, and we will book a free measurement slot for you.

Absolutely! Our fitting service is top-rated in the industry.

In-house professional fitters
Strict quality control to ensure high-standard installations

We guarantee that all flooring installations meet the highest quality standards.

If your flooring is in stock, we can usually begin your installation within 2-3 days.

Once your flooring has arrived, our Fitters Manager will contact you to schedule the fitting at a convenient time.

We vet all our fitters to ensure they are:
Professional and skilled
Punctual and reliable
Pleasant and trustworthy

Our Fitters Manager will be available throughout the entire process, from job booking to completion, to ensure the highest quality service.

Yes! Our estimator and sales team will advise you on the sub-floor preparation required for the best flooring installation.

✔ We include all accessories and labour costs in your estimate
✔ If you are a DIYer or Builder, we can provide materials like plywood and levelling compounds

Yes! All our fitting work comes with a one-year guarantee from the date of installation, provided that all warranty terms are followed.

Our fitters can move bulky and heavy furniture, but customers must move:
Personal items (clothing, electronics, fragile items)
Linen, computers, and TVs

⚠️ Note: Moving furniture is done at the customer’s own risk, and we cannot be held responsible for items left in the room.

Yes! Our fitters will uplift old flooring as part of the installation process, but this is subject to an additional fee.

Customers can remove old flooring beforehand to reduce costs.

Yes! Our fitters will:
Remove all rubbish
Vacuum the floor
Ensure your flooring looks perfect before leaving

Yes! We are strong advocates of recycling.

After removal, we sort and recycle:
Rubble
Plastic
Cardboard
Metal

Whenever possible, these materials are crushed and recycled to reduce waste.

Carpet FAQs

The most common signs that indicate it’s time to replace your carpet include:
Stains that won’t come out
General wear and tear
Uneven shading
Increase in allergy symptoms

Generally, older carpets are more likely to need replacement.

Carpets are made from various types of fibers, the most commonly used are:
Wool
Polypropylene
Nylon
Polyamide

Each fiber has its own unique characteristics and benefits. Visit our showroom and talk to our sales team for advice on choosing the best carpet for your needs.

Whether or not to install carpet in a bathroom is a personal preference.

Pros & Cons:
✔ Adds warmth and comfort
✔ Soft underfoot
✖ Requires frequent maintenance
✖ Can trap moisture

If you choose carpet for your bathroom, ensure it’s specially designed for high-moisture environments.

Durability is key when selecting a carpet for stairs. The harder the wear and underlay, the better the performance.

✔ Check manufacturer’s labels—they indicate if a carpet is suitable for stairs.

How do I measure my stairs for carpet?
Answer: To measure stairs for carpet:

  1. Count the number of stairs
  2. Measure each stair’s width, step, and riser

 Tip: You can send us a video of your staircase, and our team will guide you through the process. Alternatively, we can send a surveyor to measure for you.

📞 Call us at 020 8801 4422 to get started!

To measure stairs for carpet:

  1. Count the number of stairs
  2. Measure each stair’s width, step, and riser

📹 Tip: You can send us a video of your staircase, and our team will guide you through the process. Alternatively, we can send a surveyor to measure for you.

📞 Call us at 020 8801 4422 to get started!

Each carpet manufacturer specializes in different areas:
Luxury & Comfort (Premium brands)
Pattern & Design (For aesthetic appeal)
Wide range of colors

All carpets displayed in our showroom are high-quality selections from trusted brands.

Look for carpets with:
High durability
Resilient fibres
Thicker materials

Best materials for heavy traffic areas:
Polypropylene
Polyamide
Wool

💡 Tip: Opt for darker-coloured carpets in high-traffic areas to reduce visible wear.

here are two main methods:
Gripper & Stretch (Best for domestic use)
Fully bonded (Recommended for commercial spaces)

If you’re unsure, speak with our sales team for expert advice.

Shading occurs when the carpet pile is brushed in different directions, creating variations in color.

✔ This is not a defect
✔ Over time, the shading will balance out naturally

No, carpets are cut from a large roll to fit your room dimensions, so once cut, they cannot be returned.

No, we only sell new carpets and do not provide carpet cleaning services.

Absolutely! You can buy all flooring accessories from us, no matter where you purchased your carpet.

✔ Call us for help selecting the right accessories.

Door Thresholds Bars & Edging Strips FAQs

We have over 70 different door bar profiles, with most available for immediate collection.

✔ The type of door bar you need depends on:

  • The types of flooring on either side of the door frame
  • The thickness of the flooring

📞 Contact us for advice, and we’ll be happy to help!

The standard door bar colours are:
Silver (Shiny or Matte)
Gold (Shiny or Matte)

Additionally, some door bars come in a wood effect, and certain brands offer specific matching door bars for their flooring ranges.

All door bars are available in two standard lengths:
900mm
2700mm

Yes! We stock a large quantity of all door bars and can fulfill any size order for:
Immediate collection
Next-day delivery

Yes! We have a luxury range of solid door bars.

Basic profiles are always in stock
Luxury ranges can be ordered in various premium finishes:

  • Polished Brass
  • Antique Brass
  • Satin Brass
  • Polished Chrome
  • Satin Chrome
  • Pewter
  • Black
  • Nickel
  • Satin Nickel

Yes! Many door bar profiles come with a self-adhesive option.

📌 You can view all available stick-down door bars on our online store:
🔗 Buy Flooring Online

Yes! All our door bars are available for purchase through our online store:
🔗 Buy Flooring Online

Next-day delivery available
Trade Counter pickup option for same-day collection

Yes! At our Trade Counter, we offer:
Trade accounts (subject to T&Cs)
Wholesale prices on door bars, underlays, and tools

📞 Speak to our front desk representative for more details.

Laminate Flooring FAQs

Laminate flooring is a pressed wood floor covering that features a high-resolution image of wood or stone protected by a clear wear layer.

✔ It has a click system, meaning the boards lock together without glue or screws, making installation easy.

Underlay is required when fitting laminate flooring, but the best option depends on various factors:

Damp/Moisture Resistance – If the subfloor is affected by moisture
Subfloor Imperfections – Whether minor uneven areas need covering
Sound Insulation – Reducing noise in the room and rooms below
Thermal Insulation – Needed for unheated areas like conservatories or garages

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but we can help you choose the best underlay based on your specific needs.

Regularly sweep or hoover to remove dirt and dust
Use a damp mop for cleaning (avoid excessive water)
Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner attachment to prevent surface damage

While laminate flooring is durable, it cannot be refinished if damaged. However, individual boards can be replaced where necessary.

✔ It’s recommended to buy extra pieces at the time of purchase, as finding the exact colour years later may be difficult.

We always recommend removing old flooring before installing new laminate.

Laminate over vinyl – Acceptable if the vinyl is fully adhered, clean, and undamaged.
Laminate over a carpetNot advised as the carpet is too soft and can cause odour issues.

Yes, 90% of laminate flooring can be installed over underfloor heating, but a special underlay is required to allow heat transfer.

✔ Always check the manufacturer’s installation instructions for compatibility.

Some laminate flooring is more suitable for bathrooms than others.

✔ We provide a product suitability checker on every product to help you choose the right one.

 Installing laminate flooring is quick and simple.

Click system design – The boards click together without glue or screws
No adhesive needed – Ensures a fuss-free installation

The lifespan varies based on usage and product quality.

✔ Check the product warranty/guarantee for expected durability
✔ Contact our sales team for special requirements

Laminate flooring is designed for easy DIY installation.

✔ Any DIYer or competent builder can lay it without difficulty.

Yes! We specialize in direct container shipments at wholesale prices.

✔ Contact our sales team for bulk order discounts.

Absolutely! Regardless of where you purchased your flooring, we can advise and supply all the necessary flooring accessories.

✔ Reach out to our sales team for expert assistance.

LVT Flooring FAQs

VT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) is a durable and practical flooring option made of six compressed layers, including a Back Layer, Glass Fibre, Middle Layer, Wear Layer, and Protective Coat.

The most popular brands for LVT flooring are Amtico, Karndean, and Moduleo.
If you need a specific brand, our sales team can source it for you.

Dry Back LVT – No expansion gaps needed
Click LVT – Expansion gaps required

It’s best to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended gap size.

Yes! LVT is water-resistant and suitable for wet areas when installed with the correct adhesive and fitting method.
The recommended adhesive is a 2-part epoxy resin.

Dry Back LVT – Requires professional fitting due to its technical nature
Click LVTEasier to install, suitable for DIY enthusiasts or builders

Yes! If your interior designer or architect has recommended a specific product, we can source it for you, even if it’s not on display.

Yes! LVT can be installed over underfloor heating when using the right adhesive and fitting method.
It’s best to consult the manufacturer for recommended adhesives.

Lower cost – Click LVT is cheaper and faster to install than Glue-Down LVT
Less sub-floor preparation required

Yes! We offer wholesale pricing for large orders.
Contact our sales team for special bulk pricing.

Dry Back (Glue-down) – Requires adhesive and professional installation
Click LVTClicks together like laminate flooring and is 100% waterproof

Dry Back LVT – Requires a smooth, clean, and dry sub-floor
Click LVT – More tolerant of minor unevenness

Always consult the manufacturer and installer for guidance.

Yes! We stock a wide range of LVT colours and designs, available for next-day shipping anywhere in the UK.

Collection available – Pick up your order from our North London warehouse
✔ Call 020 8801 4422 to arrange your order before arrival

Underlay FAQs

Whether underlay is needed depends on the type of carpet or hard floor and the installation method.
Floating floors (LVT click, laminate, wood) require underlay
✔ Underlay helps with noise reduction, thermal insulation, and flooring longevity

If unsure, consult the manufacturer’s recommendations or contact our sales team.

Yes! Underlay acts as a sound barrier by providing an additional layer.
✔ The sub-floor and top flooring should be considered when selecting underlay.
✔ Check our acoustic insulation underlays.

Yes, if the old underlay is still in good condition, moisture-free, and retains its bounce-back quality.
Not recommended, as old underlay may contain dirt and odours, reducing the lifespan of your new flooring.

The three key factors to consider:
Sound reduction (dB)
Thermal insulation (TOG rating)
Density & durability

You should also check the fitting method, moisture levels, and room heating type.

Yes! Underlay in commercial spaces helps with noise absorption and adds softness underfoot.
✔ Ensure you use the correct commercial-grade underlay.
Fully stuck installation is required for commercial settings.

We have over 50 types of underlay and can recommend the best one for your flooring and sub-floor.
✔ Contact us to discuss your flooring needs for expert advice.

Yes! All underlay types are available with next-day delivery.
✔ Check our online store.

Yes!
✔ Visit our Trade Counter to set up a trade account.
✔ Get wholesale prices on underlay, door bars, and tools.

Yes!
✔ Orders of 10+ rolls qualify for discounted trade pricing.
Next-day delivery is available across Mainland UK.
✔ Call us first for the best deal.

We can supply all flooring accessories needed for your installation.
✔ Contact our sales team for assistance.

Wood Flooring FAQs

Engineered wood flooring consists of multiple layers of hardwood or plywood, topped with a hardwood veneer.
✔ Provides the same elegant look as solid wood but with greater stability.

More stable than solid wood due to layered construction
✔ Less susceptible to moisture and temperature changes
✔ Easier installation compared to solid wood flooring

Yes! Engineered wood flooring:
✔ Collects less dust, pollen, and mites, reducing allergy risks
✔ Is easy to clean and does not harbour allergens

A lacquered floor has a protective finish applied either during production or after installation.
✔ Harder and more durable than an oiled finish
Low maintenance, making it ideal for high-traffic areas

Yes, but heat transfer and underlay type affect performance.
✔ Speak to an expert before installation to ensure compatibility.

✔ Acclimatisation prevents warping or shrinking after installation
✔ Lay out the flooring flat and away from direct heat/sunlight for 48-72 hours before installation

Click system flooring does not require glue
Tongue & groove flooring may require glue or secret nailing

Engineered wood floors are not fully scratch-proof.
✔ The finish type and wood species impact scratch resistance
✔ Multi-layered polyurethane finishes provide better durability

Wood flooring can be sanded and refinished to restore its look.
✔ Use a professional sanding machine
✔ Choose the correct stain for refinishing

Yes! But durability depends on:
Surface veneer thickness
Treatment type (lacquered or oiled finish)
Room environment and foot traffic

✔ Keep it dry, as moisture can damage the wood
✔ Use a soft brush attachment or a dry microfiber mop for cleaning

Engineered wood is more stable and moisture-resistant
Solid wood is better for heavy foot traffic and custom designs
✔ Speak to our sales team for the best option

Yes!
✔ We offer bulk pricing and direct container shipments
✔ Contact our wholesale department for the best deals

Yes!
✔ Most wood flooring manufacturers provide matching accessories
✔ If not available, we can help you find cost-effective alternatives

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. 

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ANNOUNCEMENT: Our Office and Warehouse will be closed From Tuesday 7th of October for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. We will reopen on Thursday 16th of October at 8am.
 
During the closure period, our phone lines and emails will not be monitored.
If your query is urgent, please leave us a voicemail on 020 8801 4422 or email sales@carpetcity.co.uk. We will respond to all messages when we reopen.