Find the answers to commonly asked questions about flooring types


Carpets

To measure your room, take the longest and widest points, round up to the nearest 5cm, and add 10cm to both measurements for tolerance. Be sure to account for any doorways, alcoves, or drop backs in your measurements.

Cut or twist pile carpets are ideal for homes with pets, as they are made from individual fibres. This means that if your pet tugs at the carpet, you won’t notice any missing threads. In contrast, loop pile carpets have threads running the entire length or width, so if one of these threads gets pulled or caught, it can unravel and affect the overall carpet.

We recommend a durable, thinner (tight pile) carpet for your stairs, as they experience the most foot traffic. This ensures the carpet remains resilient and maintains its appearance. Choosing a thick, soft carpet could lead to it flattening in high-traffic areas, while areas with less use retain their original look, creating an uneven appearance that resembles two different carpets.

Opting for a stain-resistant, bleach-cleanable polypropylene carpet is often the best choice if you have young children. It makes cleaning up spills or dirt much easier compared to a wool carpet.

Choosing a tighter pile instead of a thicker one is also recommended, as it’s more durable and keeps its appearance for longer. With children and family members, your carpet will endure high foot traffic, and a tighter pile is better at withstanding this wear and tear.

Polypropylene carpets are ideal for dealing with spills and stains. They are available in stain and bleach-resistant options, making them much easier to clean compared to wool carpets in the event of accidents.

Most carpets (99%) are suitable for bedrooms.

Since bedrooms are typically spaces for warmth and comfort, many people opt for a thick, saxony carpet for its luxurious feel underfoot and its ability to create a cozy atmosphere.

While wool and loop pile carpets can also be used in bedrooms, they are less popular because they don’t provide the same soft, inviting feel when walked on.

Choosing the best underlay depends on your specific needs. For high-traffic areas, a rubber underlay is ideal. Made from recycled tires and designed with a dense structure, it offers durability, impact resistance, and excellent noise insulation.

If you prefer a softer and warmer option, a PU (Polyurethane) foam underlay is the better choice. Made from recycled materials, it comes in thicknesses of 8, 10, and 12mm. Its foam structure makes it perfect for bedrooms and living rooms, providing a comfortable, luxurious feel underfoot.

Vinyl Flooring

Yes, vinyl flooring is waterproof. The surface is designed to prevent water from penetrating, and during installation, our fitters apply sealant around the perimeter to ensure no water or moisture can get underneath the vinyl.

 

Essentially, vinyl flooring is similar to lino. Linoleum was the material commonly used for bathroom and kitchen floors until vinyl, primarily made from PVC, began replacing it in the 1960s. So, when most people refer to lino today, they are actually thinking of vinyl.

Vinyl flooring is less slippery than laminate but more slippery than carpet. Its slipperiness can be minimized by promptly mopping up any liquids on the surface. Some vinyls have a higher slip resistance than others, so be sure to mention if you're looking for slip-resistant options, and your advisor can provide suitable samples.

Vinyl flooring is warmer than ceramic and laminate tiles. Made from layered materials, each layer acts as a barrier to heat. The thicker the vinyl, the warmer it will feel underfoot.

Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for kitchens. It is water-resistant, making it ideal for the moisture common in kitchens. Available in 2m, 3m, and 4m widths, it helps minimize waste, especially in narrower kitchens. Plus, it's easy to clean and mop, making it perfect for handling spills.

Yes, vinyl is a great option for bathrooms. It is water-resistant, so spills or moisture won’t damage the floor. With widths available in 2m, 3m, and 4m, you can easily order the perfect amount for smaller bathrooms. Plus, vinyl is low-maintenance—just brush, vacuum, or mop to keep it looking clean.

Vinyl flooring is water-resistant, so yes, you can safely wet or damp mop it.

Vinyl and laminate have distinct qualities, making them suitable for different areas. Vinyl is water-resistant and warmer, making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. On the other hand, laminate is highly durable and often considered more stylish, making it a great choice for living rooms and dining rooms.

Vinyl is an ideal choice for hallways. It is water-resistant and easy to clean, making it perfect for areas where dirt and moisture are often brought in from outside. Mid-range and top-tier vinyl options are highly durable, able to withstand the high foot traffic hallways typically experience.

Laminate Flooring

Generally, laminate flooring is not waterproof. It is made from wood-based materials, with planks that click and lock together. If water or moisture seeps into the joints, it can cause the wood to expand and potentially warp, which is why laminate is not recommended for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

While water-resistant laminate options are available, we do not typically recommend them due to concerns about long-term performance.

Laminate flooring is not recommended for bathrooms, and we advise against using it in kitchens as well. The moisture in these areas can seep into the laminate joints, leading to irreversible swelling.

Yes, laminate is a highly durable product. It is made from HDF (High-Density Fiberboard), which offers stability and strength, and is topped with a protective layer that provides resistance to dents and scratches.

Laminate is a versatile flooring option that is perfect for many areas of your home, including bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, hallways, and conservatories.

Laminate flooring is compatible with underfloor heating and can be installed over both wet and electric systems.

Laminate flooring is likely the coolest option compared to carpet, vinyl, and LVT, but it isn't inherently cold on its own. If the room is warm, the heat will transfer to the flooring. Additionally, the type of underlay can impact warmth—fibreboard underlay offers more insulation than foam underlay.

LVT Flooring

LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile. It is a highly durable, water-resistant, and scratch-resistant PVC vinyl plank or tile, available in a variety of designs and colours.

Yes, Karndean is a brand of LVT. When people refer to "Karndean," they are typically referring to LVT in general.

Yes, LVT is highly water-resistant. Made from PVC, a waterproof material, it is a popular choice for bathrooms due to its ability to withstand moisture.

LVT is incredibly durable. It is made up of multiple layers of underlayment and PVC, which are compressed together for added strength, and finished with a tough, clear wear layer that provides excellent scratch resistance.

Yes, LVT is an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Made from PVC, a waterproof material, it is highly resistant to liquids and moisture, making it ideal for these spaces. LVT is sold in individual packs, so you can order the precise amount of flooring you need (rounded up to the nearest pack), reducing excess waste.

LVT is an excellent choice for conservatories. It is resistant to temperature fluctuations, so you won’t have to worry about it getting cold in winter or too warm in summer. Additionally, it is water-resistant, making it ideal for handling any condensation or moisture during the colder months.

LVT is warmer than laminate and ceramic tiles, though not as warm as carpet. It can be installed over underfloor heating and acts as a good conductor, providing additional warmth when needed.

Yes, LVT can be installed over underfloor heating. It is compatible with both water and electric heating systems. Additionally, LVT is a good conductor of heat, ensuring you get the full benefit of your underfloor heating.

LVT is primarily made from PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). It is composed of multiple layers of PVC and underlayment that are compressed together. A decorative sheet is then applied, followed by a wear layer and a UV protective coating on top.

Blinds

Pleated blinds are ideal for heat retention in winter and heat prevention in summer. Their honeycomb structure creates a barrier that prevents heat from escaping or entering. This design is highly effective and has been shown to reduce energy costs.

Roman blinds are also a great option for heat retention. Made from thick fabrics, they cover windows completely when lowered, leaving no gaps for heat to escape. Additionally, they can come with an optional thermal lining to provide extra insulation for your room.

 

Pleated blinds are the most energy-efficient option. Their honeycomb structure effectively traps heat during the winter, while blocking heat in the summer, helping to reduce both heating and cooling costs.

Roller, roman, and pleated blinds are the best options for blocking out light and ensuring maximum privacy.

Roman and roller blinds are made from solid sheets of fabric that close without any gaps. They can be mounted outside the window recess, covering the entire window and even extending beyond it, preventing light from leaking through the sides. Both styles are also available with blackout linings.

Pleated blinds use a perfect-fit system, where a frame is installed on your existing window, and the blind fits neatly into the frame, covering the entire glass pane with no gaps around the edges when closed. Pleated blinds are also available in blackout fabrics.

Roller, vertical, faux wood, and aluminium venetian blinds are the best options for areas with high moisture.

Faux wood and aluminium venetian blinds are naturally water-resistant, as they are made from PVC and aluminium.

Roller and vertical blinds are available in moisture-resistant PVC fabrics, making them a great choice for damp environments.

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