Brighton Flooring Solutions

Preparing your space for professional flooring installation is crucial to ensure the process is smooth and efficient, ultimately leading to optimal results. Whether you are opting for Amtico LVT, engineered wood, solid wood, or parquet flooring, certain preparatory steps are universal, while others may be specific to the type of flooring being installed.

General Preparation Steps

• Clear the Area: Begin by removing all furniture and appliances from the area where the flooring will be installed. This not only makes it easier for installers to work but also protects your belongings from dust and damage.
• Address Subflooring: Ensure that the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Any issues with the subfloor can affect the installation and longevity of your new floor.
• Climate Control: Maintain a consistent indoor temperature and humidity level in the days leading up to and during the installation. This is particularly important for materials like wood that are sensitive to environmental changes.
• Access: Make sure there is clear access to the work area for the installers. This includes ensuring that there are available parking spaces near the entrance and that any gates or doors are unlocked.

Specific Considerations for Different Types of Flooring

Amtico LVT

• Acclimation: While Amtico LVT does not typically require acclimation to the installation environment, it’s always good to check with your specific product’s guidelines.
• Flooring Layout: Plan the layout of the flooring panels in advance, especially if you desire a specific pattern or design alignment.

Engineered and Solid Wood

• Acclimation: Wood flooring needs to acclimate to the indoor environment to minimize expansion and contraction post-installation. Store the flooring in the room where it will be installed at least 48 hours before the installation.
• Moisture Testing: Conduct moisture tests on the subfloor to prevent potential wood warping or mould issues.

Parquet

• Design Planning: Due to the intricate patterns of parquet flooring, discuss the design pattern with the installers beforehand to ensure your vision aligns with the practical installation process.
• Subfloor Preparation: Parquet requires a perfectly flat subfloor to prevent unevenness, which can be visually perceptible due to the patterned nature of the flooring.

Brands and Materials

At Flooring Solutions, we work with top-quality brands such as Amtico, Brooks Wood Floors, Herga Wood Floors, Staki, and Lamett, each offering a variety of options to suit your style and functional needs. Choosing the right brand and type of flooring can significantly affect the overall look and feel of your space.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your space for flooring installation might can significantly enhance the outcome. By following these guidelines, you help ensure that the installation process is as efficient and effective as possible, leading to a beautifully finished floor that will last for years.

The time it takes to install new flooring can vary widely, depending on the type of flooring chosen and the specifics of the room. However, for an average-sized room, such as a bedroom or living room, the installation process typically spans from a few hours to a couple of days.

Factors Affecting Installation Time

Several factors can influence the duration of a flooring installation:

• Type of Flooring: Hardwood and engineered wood floors may take longer to install compared to laminate or vinyl, due to the complexities involved in cutting and fitting the natural material.
• Condition of the Subfloor: A subfloor that needs extensive preparation or repair can significantly extend the installation time.
• Room Layout: Complex room shapes with multiple corners or obstacles like pillars require more meticulous measurement and cutting of the flooring, thus adding time.
• Removal of Old Flooring: If the old flooring needs to be removed first, this can add an additional day or more to the project, depending on the material and room size.

Typical Installation Timeline

Here is a general timeline for installing new flooring in an average-sized room, which is typically about 20 square metres:

1. Preparation Day (Day 1):
   • Removal of old flooring (if necessary)
   • Preparation and levelling of the subfloor
   • Delivery and acclimatisation of the new flooring material to the room’s environment
2. Installation Day (Day 2 and possibly Day 3):
   • Layout and cutting of the flooring material
   • Actual installation of the floor, which may involve:
     • Gluing or nailing down wood planks
     • Clicking together engineered wood or laminate pieces
     • Sealing and finishing touches
3. Post-Installation:
   • Cleaning up the installation area
   • Final inspection to ensure the quality and integrity of the installation

Considerations for Homeowners

When planning for new flooring installation, homeowners should consider the following tips:

• Schedule Flexibility: It’s wise to provide some buffer in your schedule for unforeseen delays, especially in older homes where subfloor issues might be discovered.
• Stay Informed: Understanding each step of the installation process can help manage your expectations and make informed decisions throughout.

While the typical installation for new flooring in an average-sized room can be completed within a few days, it is important to account for various factors that could extend this timeline. Proper planning and professional execution are key to achieving a seamless and satisfying flooring upgrade.

When selecting the perfect flooring for your space, understanding the distinctions between the various types available is crucial. Each type offers unique benefits and suits different needs, whether you’re upgrading a residential home or enhancing a commercial property.

Amtico LVT

• Material and Construction: Amtico LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) floors are crafted from multiple layers of PVC that are then fused together to produce a highly durable and waterproof surface. These floors are known for their ability to mimic natural materials such as wood and stone remarkably well.
• Advantages: The primary benefits of Amtico LVT include its exceptional durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance. It is particularly suited for areas that face high moisture or heavy foot traffic.
• Ideal Usage: Perfect for both residential and commercial settings, Amtico floors are versatile enough for kitchens, bathrooms, and retail spaces where moisture resistance and durability are paramount.
• Brands We Offer: At Flooring Solutions, we stock a wide range of Amtico LVT options, renowned for their quality and innovative designs.

Solid Wood Flooring

• Material and Construction: Solid wood flooring is exactly as it sounds—planks are milled from a single piece of timber. This traditional form of wood flooring offers a timeless look and has been used for centuries in various settings.
• Advantages: Its main appeal lies in its longevity and the ability to sand and refinish the surface multiple times over its lifetime, which can reveal a fresh layer and extend its beauty for decades.
• Ideal Usage: Best suited for living areas, dining rooms, and bedrooms where the natural warmth and elegance of real wood are desired.
• Brands We Offer: Our collection includes premium brands like Brooks Wood Floors and Lamett, which provide exceptional quality and aesthetics.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

• Material and Construction: Engineered hardwood is constructed from layers of both hardwood and plywood, with the top layer being actual hardwood veneer. This structure enhances the floor’s stability and reduces the risk of warping or shifting under variable temperatures.
• Advantages: Engineered hardwood offers the beauty of solid wood combined with increased moisture resistance and installation versatility over different types of subfloors, including concrete.
• Ideal Usage: It is an excellent choice for most areas of the home, including basements and over radiant heating systems where solid wood may not perform as well.
• Brands We Offer: We provide engineered solutions from Herga Wood Floors and Staki Wood Floors, each known for their durability and stylish finishes.

Parquet Flooring

• Material and Construction: Parquet flooring is a geometric mosaic of wood pieces used for decorative effect. The intricate patterns are formed using small blocks or strips of wood.
• Advantages: Parquet offers a unique aesthetic that can range from simple square arrangements to complex angular designs. It adds a distinct character and style to any room.
• Ideal Usage: Ideal for adding a touch of elegance and personal flair to living rooms, hallways, and any space where design impact is desired.
• Brands We Offer: Our parquet options extend across several top brands, ensuring quality and design excellence.

Understanding these differences can help in making an informed decision that aligns with both aesthetic desires and practical requirements. Each flooring type has its unique charm and functional benefits, making it essential to consider the specific conditions and expectations of your installation space.

Overview

Installing new flooring over existing floors is a common practice in the flooring industry, but it comes with specific considerations depending on the type of new and existing flooring. Understanding these nuances is crucial to ensuring the success of the installation and the longevity of the floor.

Types of Flooring and Installation Feasibility

Amtico LVT

• Layer Compatibility: Amtico LVT is versatile enough to be installed over many existing flooring types, provided the surface is smooth, clean, and well-adhered to the subfloor.
• Implications: The key is ensuring that the existing floor does not contain any moisture issues or uneven areas, which could compromise the adhesive and the flatness of the Amtico tiles.

Engineered Wood

• Suitable Bases: Engineered wood can be installed over existing floors like vinyl, tile, or even another wood floor, as long as the base is stable and level.
• Challenges: The main concern when installing engineered wood over existing floors is the potential for increased floor height, which might affect door frames and thresholds.

Solid Wood

• Installation Constraints: Solid wood typically requires a more stable and secure base, making it less ideal for installation over existing flooring without thorough preparation.
• Preparation Needs: The existing floor must be completely free of any movement and perfectly level to avoid future issues with warping or buckling of the solid wood.

Parquet

• Complexity in Installation: Parquet flooring demands an extremely flat and stable base due to its intricate patterns and the necessity for precise alignment.
• Considerations: If the existing floor can be made smooth and stable, parquet can be installed; however, this often requires professional assessment to ensure suitability.

Brands and Their Recommendations

• Amtico: Known for its robustness and ease of installation, Amtico LVT is often recommended for its ability to adapt to different subfloor conditions with proper preparation.
• Brooks Wood Floors, Herga Wood Floors, Staki Wood Floors, and Lamett: These brands offer engineered and solid wood options that are generally recommended for installation over a pristine subfloor but can be adapted with the right underlay and conditions.

Implications and Considerations

• Height and Transitions: One of the most common implications of installing new flooring over old is the change in floor height. This can affect everything from door frames to transitions between rooms.
• Subfloor Preparation: Inadequate subfloor preparation can lead to issues like creaking, unevenness, and faster wear and tear. Ensuring the subfloor is suitable is paramount.
• Warranty Concerns: It’s important to check if installing over an existing floor voids any warranty provided by the flooring manufacturer.
• Long-Term Performance: Properly installed, new flooring over an old one can perform just as well as if it were installed on a new subfloor, but this heavily depends on the conditions of the existing floor and the type of new flooring.

While it is technically possible to install new flooring such as Amtico LVT, engineered wood, solid wood, or parquet over existing floors, each scenario requires careful consideration of the implications on floor height, subfloor condition, and overall stability. Always consult with a professional to assess the feasibility and ensure that the installation adheres to the standards necessary for a lasting and beautiful floor.