Wood Flooring Installers in London (35)

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.

Examples of questions you can ask a potential floor fitter for your property are:

• How long have you been fitting wooden floors?
• Can I see examples of your work?
• Are you insured?
• Do you offer a written quote?
• What’s your availability?

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

Here are some of the key differences between solid and engineered wood flooring:

• Construction – Solid wood is a single piece of wood, whereas engineered wood consists of multiple layers of wood and a top layer of hardwood veneer

• Stability – Solid wood tends to be less stable and more prone to expansion and contraction compared to the typically more stable engineered wood

• Installation – You typically nail or glue solid wood to a subfloor, which you can do with engineered wood but you also have the option of it floating over some subfloors

• Refinishing – For sanding and refinishing, solid wood can be refinished multiple times but you can only really do it a few times with engineered wood

• Cost – Solid wood is usually more expensive, while engineered wood is a more affordable option

For a more detailed comparison and to help you decide which type of flooring to choose, check out our guide on what type of wood flooring is best.

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 London will be able to recommend the most suitable methods for your needs.

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.

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.

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 London.

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 London 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, 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.