We’ve been London’s premier flooring specialist for fifteen years, delivering exceptional craftsmanship across the capital. Our experience extends to both residential and commercial properties, from period townhouses to modern developments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about flooring installation, costs, maintenance & underfloor heating compatibility. Expert advice on hardwood, engineered wood, laminate & LVT from London’s premier flooring specialists.
About Flooring Masters
What areas do you cover?
We serve London-wide, understanding the unique demands of the capital’s diverse properties. Whether you need heritage parquet restoration in Kensington or contemporary flooring solutions in Canary Wharf, we’re here to help.
What types of flooring do you specialise in?
We specialise in:
- Hardwood Flooring
- Laminate Flooring
- Vinyl Flooring
- Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
- Engineered Wood Flooring
- Parquet Flooring
- Chevron Installation
Installation Process
How long does a typical flooring installation take?
Installation timelines vary based on the flooring type and room size. Generally:
- Laminate: 1-2 days for an average room
- Engineered wood: 1-3 days
- Solid hardwood: 2-3 days
- Complex patterns (chevron/parquet): 3-5 days
Do I need to prepare my room before installation?
Yes, we ask that you:
- Remove all breakable and loose items
- Clear the room of furniture (we can discuss moving assistance if needed)
- Ensure the room is accessible Our team will handle professional preparation of the subfloor and any necessary technical preparations.
What happens if you discover issues with my subfloor?
During installation, we may encounter unforeseen subfloor issues such as damage, moisture problems, or unevenness. We’ll immediately inform you of any issues discovered and provide a transparent quote for necessary repairs. We only proceed with your approval.
How do you handle dust and mess during installation?
We take pride in maintaining clean work areas. Our team uses dust control measures during installation and completes a thorough clean-up before leaving your property.
Costs and Pricing
How much does flooring installation cost?
Installation timelines vary based on the flooring type and room size. Generally:
- Laminate: 1-2 days for an average room
- Engineered wood: 1-3 days
- Solid hardwood: 2-3 days
- Complex patterns (chevron/parquet): 3-5 days
Do you provide free estimates?
Yes, we ask that you:
- Remove all breakable and loose items
- Clear the room of furniture (we can discuss moving assistance if needed)
- Ensure the room is accessible Our team will handle professional preparation of the subfloor and any necessary technical preparations.
What payment terms do you offer?
During installation, we may encounter unforeseen subfloor issues such as damage, moisture problems, or unevenness. We’ll immediately inform you of any issues discovered and provide a transparent quote for necessary repairs. We only proceed with your approval.
Are there any hidden costs?
We take pride in maintaining clean work areas. Our team uses dust control measures during installation and completes a thorough clean-up before leaving your property.
Underfloor Heating Compatibility
Which floors work with underfloor heating?
Most of our flooring options are compatible with underfloor heating:
- Engineered wood: Excellent choice – handles temperature changes well
- Laminate: Suitable with proper underlay (check manufacturer specifications)
- LVT/Vinyl: Very compatible due to excellent heat conductivity
- Solid hardwood: Not recommended due to expansion/contraction issues
What's the maximum temperature for floors with underfloor heating?
Surface temperature should not exceed 27°C for wood-based flooring. We can install floor sensors to monitor and limit temperatures for sensitive floor coverings.
Do I need special underlay for underfloor heating?
Yes, you’ll need underlay with low thermal resistance (tog value under 2.5) specifically designed for underfloor heating systems. We’ll ensure you have the correct underlay for optimal heat transfer.
Maintenance and Aftercare
How do I maintain my new wooden floor?
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris
- Use a slightly damp mop with wood-specific cleaner
- Clean spills immediately
- Avoid harsh chemicals or excessive water
- Consider periodic professional refinishing for solid wood
Can engineered wood floors be refinished?
Yes, depending on the wear layer thickness. Quality engineered floors can typically be refinished 1-3 times. We can advise on your specific flooring’s refinishing potential.
How long will my new floor last?
With proper maintenance:
- Solid hardwood: 50+ years (can be refinished multiple times)
- Engineered wood: 25-30 years
- Quality laminate: 15-25 years
- LVT: 20-30 years
How do I deal with scratches or damage?
For minor scratches:
- Wood floors: Touch-up kits or professional spot repair
- Laminate: Repair kits available (cannot be sanded)
- LVT: Individual tiles/planks can often be replaced For significant damage, contact us for professional assessment.
Property-Specific Concerns
Can you install flooring over existing tiles?
- Yes, in many cases we can install floating floors (laminate, engineered wood, or LVT) over existing tiles if they’re level and in good condition. We’ll assess during our site visit.
Is your flooring suitable for basements?
Basements require moisture-resistant options:
- LVT/vinyl: Excellent choice
- Engineered wood: Possible with proper moisture barriers
- Solid wood: Not recommended
- Laminate: Only with appropriate moisture protection
What about flooring for bathrooms and kitchens?
For high-moisture areas, we recommend:
- Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): Waterproof and durable
- Quality vinyl flooring: Excellent water resistance
- Engineered wood: Possible with proper sealing
- Avoid solid wood and standard laminate in these areas
Do you work with period properties?
Absolutely. We have extensive experience with London’s period properties, from Victorian townhouses to Georgian terraces. We can restore original features or create sympathetic new installations that complement period architecture.
Installation Details
Do you move furniture?
We can discuss furniture moving during your consultation. Light furniture moving may be included, but heavy items typically incur an additional charge. We always recommend removing valuables and breakables yourself.
How soon can I walk on my new floor?
- Floating floors (laminate, engineered): Immediately after installation
- Glued floors: 24-48 hours for light traffic
- Solid wood with finish: Follow finish manufacturer’s guidelines (typically 24-72 hours)
Do you install skirting boards?
Yes, we can install new skirting boards or carefully remove and refit existing ones. This service is priced separately from flooring installation.
What about floor transitions between rooms?
We provide appropriate transition strips for doorways and between different flooring types, ensuring smooth, safe transitions throughout your property.