Laying a floor

Helpful tips for laying our hardwood floors.

Fitting any solid hardwood flooring is more than a quick DIY job. If in doubt, employ a professional (having first obtained references).

■ Make sure all concrete, plaster and paint is dry before introducing the flooring to a room.

■ Ensure that there is no damp.

■ Acclimatise the flooring by stacking it in the room where it is to be fitted; leave it for two to four weeks before laying (four weeks in the winter). If the room is to have heating, make sure it is on, especially in the winter.

■ If you intend to use under floor heating, contact us first for advice.

■ Ensure that the boards are laid straight down the room. Walls are rarely straight.

■ Always leave a 10-15mm expansion gap all the way around the edge, including around fire surrounds etc.

■ Make sure that the base to which you are fixing the flooring is dry, flat and sound.

■ Secure the boards to the base by nailing or by using a recommended adhesive.

■ Specialist flooring nailers are available to hire.

■ If laying the boards on joists, the ends of the floorboards must be joined on the joist.

■ Randomly mix the board widths as you lay them.

■ Make sure that the three widths are used up evenly.

■ You may need to trim some ends to make them absolutely square.

■ Once laid, the floor will require sanding. Best results will be achieved by using a combination of belt sander, orbital sander and edge / corner sander.

■ Vacuum the floor to remove dust and then wipe the floor with a cloth dampened in white spirit.

■ Apply recommended floor seal with appropriate applicator in even strokes along the length of the boards.

■ Sit back and admire the beauty and quality of a solid hardwood floor.