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Finding skilled wood flooring installers working in Kirkwall can be a game-changer. Here are our top tips for finding the best flooring fitters covering your area:

• Use Checkatrade search – Our search tool lets you quickly search our members, who have all been checked and verified by our team to help you hire with confidence

• 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 – We recommend getting at least three quotes from different flooring installers, which is made a little easier with our request a quote feature

• Ask for customer references – Before hiring, ask them 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

Here are some useful questions you might want to ask them:

• 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?

By following these tips and asking the right questions, you can find a reliable wood flooring installer who will deliver work and meet your specific needs and quality expectations.

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

The cost of installing wood flooring can vary widely depending on the type of wood, the complexity of the installation, and your location.

However, you can expect to pay anywhere from £30 to £80 per square metre for materials and £20 to £80 per square metre for installation.

The labour cost will also depend on the rate of individual wood flooring installers in Kirkwall, which is often around £250 per day.

For accurate quotes for wood flooring installation, speak to multiple flooring experts working near you.

You can also learn more about costs in our guide to wood flooring costs.

The average lifespan of solid wood flooring can vary massively, based on the type of wood and how well it’s looked after.

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.

Here are some of the common factors that will impact how long your wood flooring will last:

• 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

With proper care, wood flooring can last decades. It’s worth the time and effort to look after your wood flooring so that you can enjoy it for years to come.

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 can be 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

By considering these factors and choosing the right type of wood flooring, you can enjoy beautiful, durable wood flooring throughout your home.

Ready to find a wood flooring fitter? Check out our guide on how to find the best wood flooring installers working in Kirkwall.

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

Floating installation:

• 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:

• 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:

• 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:

• 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

If you need help with installing your wood floor, contact wood flooring installers working locally in Kirkwall for their advice.

Sometimes they can, yes. 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.

If you’re considering hardwood floors in your home, check out our guide to the pros and cons of hardwood flooring.

Ideally, yes. By acclimatising the wood flooring before installation you allow the wood to adjust to the humidity and temperature of your home.

This minimises the risk of expansion, contraction, warping, or cracking after you’ve installed the flooring.

How to acclimate your wood flooring

1. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions before you start

2. Unpack your flooring and lay the planks of wood on the floor in the room where they will be installed

3. Make sure the temperature in the room is between 18-24°C (64-75°F) with a humidity level between 45-65%

4. Leave them in the room for roughly 48-72 hours

And remember to avoid storing your wood flooring in damp or excessively dry areas and don’t stack them 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:

1. Clear the room(s) to make sure they’re empty of all furniture, appliances, and other belongings

2. Cover any remaining items with dust sheets to protect them from dust and debris

3. Remove the existing flooring including any carpet, tiles or laminate and make sure the subfloor is clean and free of any adhesive or debris

4. 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)

5. Check the condition of the subfloor and repair any damaged floorboards or concrete (depending on the subfloor material)

6. Install underlayment if you want to help reduce noise and add insulation

7. 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

As with all home improvement projects, preparation is everything. Ensuring you have a well-prepared subfloor will give you a longer-lasting wood floor.

For more tips and advice, read our comprehensive guide to preparing for wood flooring.

Yes, wood flooring can be installed over underfloor heating but you need to make sure you choose the right type of wood flooring.

Not all wood flooring is suitable for underfloor heating and could cause issues in the future.

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 best wood flooring installers in Kirkwall.