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Here are our top tips for choosing the right wood flooring installer covering your area for your needs.

• Check their reviews and ratings – Always look at reviews and testimonials from previous customers to see their feedback on the tradesperson’s work

• Request quotes – It’s a good idea to get at least three quotes from different flooring installers to compare

• Ask for customer references – Before hiring, ask for references from previous customers and then contact them to get feedback on the installer’s work

• Ask relevant questions – Learn more about how the wood flooring installer works by asking them various questions, either in person or over the phone

Our free search tool lets you quickly search our members, who have all been checked by our team to help you hire with confidence.

Or, simply use our request a quote feature and we’ll send details of your job out to tradespeople who cover your local area, so they can get in touch to arrange quotes.

Here are some questions you can ask wood floor installers to help you decide who to hire for the job.

• How long have you been a wood flooring installer?
• What qualifications and/or accreditations do you have?
• Are you insured, and can you provide valid insurance certificates?
• Have you done many wood flooring jobs like this one?
• Can you provide me with references from previous customers?
• How long will it take to do the work?
• How much will it cost, and what are the payment terms?

For more tips and advice, check out our guide to hiring a good wood flooring installer.

As a rough guide, you can expect to pay between £30 and £80 m² for wood flooring materials and £35 to £60 per m² for installation.

Average hourly rates for wood floor installers who work in Kirkwall are £250 per day.

Just bear in mind that the cost of installing wood flooring can vary widely depending on the type of wood, the complexity of the installation, and your location.

Learn more in our guide to wood flooring costs.

Or, for accurate quotes, speak to multiple wood floor installers working near you. Just use our free search tool to get started.

If well-maintained, your solid wood flooring could last for 30-100+ years.

On the other hand, engineered wood flooring typically has a lifespan in the region of 20-30 years.

However, the average lifespan of wood flooring can vary massively, based on factors like:

• The type and quality of the wood
• Level of maintenance and upkeep
• Quality of installation
• Environmental factors, such as exposure to excessive moisture or dryness
• Amount of foot traffic and wear and tear

Yes, wood flooring is considered a versatile material for flooring and can usually be installed in most rooms of the house.

That said, there are a few points to consider before you start installing your wood flooring:

• Wood flooring is a great choice for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and home offices
• It can be more troublesome in kitchens and bathrooms
• Wood flooring can be affected by changes in humidity so you’ll need adequate moisture control in your home to prevent warping or cracking
• Avoid prolonged exposure to water for your wood flooring
• Before installing wood flooring, the subfloor must be level and dry to maximise the lifespan of your new floor

Check out our guide to the pros and cons of hardwood flooring, and use our flooring buying guide to help you select the best type of flooring for every room of your home.

There are four key installation methods for wood flooring:

1. Floating installation
2. Glue-down installation
3. Nail-down installation
4. Staple-down installation

The best for your wood flooring will depend on various factors, including the type of wood flooring and the condition of the subfloor.

A wood flooring installer working locally in Kirkwall will be able to recommend the most suitable methods for your needs.

Floating installation is most suitable for engineered wood flooring.

• Planks are connected using a click-lock system or adhesive and laid onto the subfloor without being attached
• It’s quick and easy to install, making it ideal for DIY projects
• The floating method isn’t as stable as other methods and the floor could feel slightly hollow after installation

Glue-down installation is a great option for both solid and engineered wood flooring.

• Wood planks are glued directly to the subfloor using a strong adhesive
• It’s a very stable and durable option that’s particularly suitable for high-traffic areas
• Glueing down requires a very level subfloor and repairs or replacements can be more tricky

Nail-down installation is most suitable for solid wood flooring.

• Planks are nailed directly to the subfloor
• Similar to glue-down installation, nailing down your wood floor creates a very stable and durable wood floor
• You’ll need to have a wooden subfloor to use this method

Staple-down installation is a good option for engineered wood flooring.

• Wood planks are stapled directly to the subfloor
• Similar to nail-down installation, only it’s less invasive to the subfloor beneath
• As with nailing down, you’ll need to have a wooden subfloor to use staples

Yes, wood flooring can sometimes be installed over existing flooring, but not always.

It depends on the new wood flooring and your existing subfloor.

You can install wood flooring over existing solid wood or plywood subfloors, as long as the existing floor is in good condition, level, and free of tell-tale squeaks.

Before you start laying down your new wood floor on top of your existing floor, here are some important points to bear in mind:

• The existing floor must be level
• The combined thickness of the new and old floors must fit under your doors so they can open and close without issues
• Both new and existing floors should have a similar moisture content
• The installation method you use must be suitable for your new flooring type and your subfloor’s condition

Generally speaking, it’s not a good idea to install wood flooring over carpet, tile, or vinyl. If you have any of those flooring types, remove them before you install your new wood flooring.

Yes, you should ideally acclimatise your wood flooring before installation.

This allows the wood to adjust to the humidity and temperature of your home, which minimises the risk of expansion, contraction, warping, or cracking after you’ve installed the flooring.

Here’s how to acclimatise your wood flooring:

• Unpack your flooring and lay the planks of wood on the floor in the room where they will be installed
• Make sure the temperature in the room is between 18-24°C (64-75°F) with a humidity level between 45-65%
• Leave them in the room for roughly 48-72 hours
• Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Avoid storing your wood flooring in damp or excessively dry areas
• Don’t stack your wood flooring planks on top of each other

When it comes to installing wood flooring, preparation of the subfloor is crucial. Here’s a quick summary of the steps to take:

• Clear the room(s) to make sure they’re empty of all furniture, appliances, and other belongings
• Cover any remaining items with dust sheets to protect them from dust and debris
• Remove the existing flooring including any carpet, tiles or laminate and make sure the subfloor is clean and free of any adhesive or debris
• Check for moisture using a moisture meter – it should ideally be less than 7-8% (otherwise you’ll need to wait for it to dry or use a moisture barrier)
• Check the condition of the subfloor and repair any damaged floorboards or concrete (depending on the subfloor material)
• Install underlayment if you want to help reduce noise and add insulation
• Carry out a final inspection so that you’re happy that your subfloor is clean, dry, level, and ready to install your new wood flooring

Don’t worry, a wood floor installer who covers Kirkwall will be able to prepare the subfloor for you.

For more tips and advice, read our comprehensive guide to planning your wood flooring project.

Yes, wood flooring can be installed over underfloor heating.

However, not all wood flooring is suitable for underfloor heating, so you’ll need to make sure you choose the right type.

Here are some guidelines to help you install wood flooring that will be happy on top of your underfloor heating:

• Type of wood – Engineered wood is the best option for underfloor heating thanks to its stability

• Your underfloor heating system – You will need to have precise temperature control and gradual warm-up features to prevent damage to the flooring

• Professional installation – If you’re dealing with underfloor heating, we recommend hiring an experienced wood flooring installer

• Maintenance – The key to long-lasting wood flooring is to clean it regularly and avoid extreme temperatures

If you need professional help with your wood flooring, you’re in luck. Check out our tips for finding the right wood flooring installer covering your local area of Kirkwall.