The Ultimate Flooring Installation Guide: Answers to Every Pre-Fit Question

A new floor transforms the character, warmth, and functionality of a home. Whether selecting luxury vinyl tile (LVT), plush wool carpet, engineered hardwood, or heavy-duty laminate, the end result depends on what happens before and during the installation process.

When planning a project, homeowners face critical questions regarding preparation, timelines, underfloor heating, and subfloor stability.

To help navigate the process, the team at AV Flooring has compiled clear, expert answers to the most common questions regarding professional floor fitting.

1. Subfloor Preparation: The Hidden Foundation

Why is subfloor preparation necessary?

A finished floor is only as stable and level as the surface beneath it. Laying new flooring over uneven, damp, or damaged subfloors causes hollow tapping noises, premature joint failure, telegraphing ridges, and lifted adhesive bonds.

What is the difference between screeding and plyboarding?

The subfloor material dictates the preparation method:

• Concrete & Screed Subfloors: Require a moisture test using a hygrometer. If relative humidity (RH) exceeds 75%, an epoxy Liquid Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) must be applied to prevent rising moisture. A latex-based self-levelling smoothing compound is then poured to create a glass-flat finish.

• Timber & Floorboard Subfloors: Require mechanical securing of existing floorboards to eliminate movement and creaks. Flooring-grade plywood (SP101 certified, typically 6mm or 9mm) is then fixed across the area with ring-shank nails or heavy-duty staples, smoothing out joints and gaps.

2. Comparing Common Flooring Types

Choosing the right material involves matching lifestyle demands with room conditions:

3. Crucial Installation FAQs

How long does flooring need to acclimatise before fitting?

Flooring materials expand and contract with fluctuations in room temperature and humidity:

• LVT & Vinyl: Requires 24 to 48 hours laid flat in the room where it will be fitted, at normal ambient room temperature (18°C–22°C).

• Engineered Wood: Requires 48 to 72 hours minimum to adjust internal moisture content.

• Laminate: Requires 48 hours in sealed packaging placed flat on the floor.

Failing to acclimatise materials risks post-installation buckling, board tenting, or unsightly expansion gaps.

What is an expansion gap and why is it needed?

All hard floors expand and contract throughout seasonal temperature shifts. Professional installers leave an expansion gap of 5mm to 10mm around the entire perimeter of the room, including around radiator pipes and door frames. This gap is neatly concealed using replacement skirting boards or colour-matched scotia beading.

Can flooring be installed over existing tiles or vinyl?

In most cases, direct overlay is not recommended:

• Laying over old sheet vinyl traps moisture and creates a soft, unstable bed that causes joints to crack.

• Laying over ceramic tiles can be achieved only if the tiles are firmly bonded, primed, and coated with a suitable smoothing compound to bridge the grout lines; otherwise, the grid pattern will eventually mirror through flexible floor coverings.

Can new flooring be fitted over underfloor heating (UFH)?

Yes. Most modern LVT, engineered timber, and low-tog carpets perform exceptionally well over water-fed or electric underfloor heating systems.

Essential UFH fitting protocol:

1. Switch the heating system off at least 48 hours prior to installation.

2. Complete all subfloor preparation and floor laying at an ambient temperature of 18°C–22°C.

3. Keep the heating off for 48 hours post-fitting to allow adhesives to cure.

4. Gradually bring the temperature up by 1°C to 2°C per day until reaching the desired level, never exceeding the recommended surface limit of 27°C.

Glue-Down vs Click-Lock LVT: Which is better?

• Glue-Down (Dryback): The preferred commercial and residential standard for high-traffic zones and complex layouts like herringbone or parquet borders. If a plank is ever damaged, it can be lifted individually and replaced without dismantling the entire floor.

• Click-Lock (Rigid Core / SPC): A floating floor system ideal for fast renovations over certain stable surfaces. While quick to install, individual board replacement in the centre of a room requires unlocking rows back to the nearest wall.

4. How to Prepare Your Home for the Installers

To ensure installation day proceeds smoothly:

• Clear the Room: Empty all furniture, breakables, and electronics from the workspace.

• Remove Old Floor Coverings: Uplift old carpets, underlay, grippers, and staples unless removal and disposal have been arranged as part of the fitting service.

• Plan for Door Clearances: New flooring assemblies (screed + underlay + board) can alter finished floor heights. Internal doors may need trimming on the bottom edge to clear the new surface.

• Maintain Stable Temperatures: Keep the heating set to a steady 18°C–20°C for several days leading up to the appointment.

Get Expert Guidance with AV Flooring

Investing in quality flooring enhances your property’s comfort and long-term value. Working with a dedicated professional ensures every subfloor is checked, every threshold is finished cleanly, and materials are installed strictly to manufacturer specifications.

Whether planning an open-plan kitchen transformation, upgrading a hallway to classic herringbone parquet, or seeking advice on subfloor remediation, our team provides complete end-to-end expertise.