Flooring related FAQs
1. What is the best flooring for my home?
The right flooring depends on how the room is used, here is a list of what you should look for depending on the room:
- Busy homes, kids, pets → LVT or laminate
- Bedrooms → carpet for comfort
- Kitchens → LVT, laminate or sheet vinyl
- Premium look → engineered wood or high-end LVT (Amtico/Karndean)
We always guide customers based on lifestyle first, not just appearance. So, if you have any questions do not hesitate to get in touch
2. What is LVT flooring and why is it so popular?
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) is a durable, waterproof floor that replicates wood or stone. Ideal for that rustic or homely look for a room.
With brands like Amtico and Karndean offering LVT flooring, which are characteristically:
- Extremely realistic designs
- High durability
- Low maintenance
- Long lifespan
Making it one of the most popular choices because it seamlessly combines style with practicality.
3. Is LVT better than laminate?
They suit different uses, with each having there own strengths and not being strictly better than one another, with the main differences being:
- LVT: waterproof, with a more premium feel
- Laminate: more affordable and very scratch-resistant
With Laminate being absolutely fine in kitchens, but are not suitable for bathrooms, due to their lack of waterproof properties in comparison to LVT.
4. What flooring is best for kitchens?
We would typically recommend:
- LVT (best all-round option)
- Laminate (good budget-friendly choice)
- Sheet vinyl (waterproof and cost-effective)
All three work incredibly well when installed correctly. To find out which one would be best for you please do not hesitate to get in touch.
5. What flooring is best for bathrooms?
Bathrooms require fully waterproof flooring, so the main two options we would recommend are:
- LVT
- Sheet vinyl (best budget option)
We do not recommend laminate or wood in bathrooms, due to the water damage that can be done to them.
6. What flooring is best for pets?
Best options:
- LVT – durable and easy to clean
- Laminate – very scratch-resistant
We also recommend textured finishes for better grip, so your pets do not start sliding on the flooring.
7. What flooring is best for stairs?
For stairs, we strongly recommend a hard-wearing carpet.
As It provides:
- Safety (reduced slipping)
- Comfort underfoot
- Noise reduction
Durability being key here, especially in high-traffic areas like stairs.
8. What flooring works with underfloor heating?
Suitable options we supply are:
- LVT
- Laminate
- Carpet (with low tog underlay)
- Engineered wood
The key is using the correct underlay to allow heat transfer. if you are unsure do get in touch and we can help you find the correct flooring for you.
9. What is engineered wood flooring?
Engineered wood has a real wood top layer with a stable core underneath. Giving you the look of solid wood with better stability, making it suitable for modern homes and heating systems.
10. What is laminate flooring?
Laminate is a durable, cost-effective flooring with a realistic wood-look surface.
Making it ideal for:
- Living areas
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
Offering a great balance of price, durability, and appearance.
11. What flooring is best for allergies?
Hard flooring is best, for example:
- LVT
- Laminate
- Wood
These don’t trap dust and hairs like carpet and are easier to keep clean.
Flooring Cost and Value FAQs
12. How much does flooring cost at Clarkes?
We offer a wide range of flooring including:
- Sheet vinyl & laminate: budget to mid-range
- LVT: mid to premium
- Engineered wood: premium
- Carpet: entry-level to luxury
With all our quotes being fully itemised so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
13. How much flooring do I need?
We calculate this for you, but as a guide:
- Straight plank flooring → 5–10% extra
- Herringbone / large tile → 10–20% extra
- Carpet → can also have waste due to fixed roll widths
This ensures enough material for cuts and layout and if you have any additions/ alterations you would like to make.
14. How long will my flooring last?
Typical lifespan for our flooring is:
- Laminate → 10–15 years
- LVT → 15–25+ years
- Engineered wood → decades
- Carpet → 1–40 years depending on quality and use
Higher quality flooring does last significantly longer, so do keep this in mind.
15. Is it worth paying more for better flooring?
In most cases, yes. With better products:
- Lasting longer
- Looking better
- Performing better over time
Cheaper flooring often ends up costing more in the long run, through repairs and replacements.
16. Are there any hidden costs?
Potential additional costs include:
- Subfloor preparation
- Uplift and disposal
- Moving furniture
We make these clear upfront so there are no surprises.
Flooring Installation FAQs
17. How long does installation take?
Typical timeframes:
- Carpet (one room) → 1–2 hours
- Carpet (whole house) → 1–2 days
- Laminate (ground floor) → 1–2 days
- LVT (ground floor) → 4–7 days
- LVT downstairs + carpet upstairs → 5–8 days
Preparation time can affect this. So do get in touch to find out more.
18. Can I install flooring myself?
Some flooring can be DIY installed, especially laminate and click LVT.
However, the finishing details are what separate DIY from professional fitting, this is where quality really shows. So we would always recommend professional fitting for the longevity of your flooring as well.
19. Can you lay flooring over existing flooring?
Sometimes, if the existing floor is:
- Flat
- Dry
- Stable
This can be achieved. We do assess this during measuring, so you can have peace of mind.
20. Do I need underlay?
- Laminate → yes
- Carpet → yes (unless budget felt-backed)
- LVT → depends on type
- Engineered wood → usually (unless glued down)
The correct underlay improves comfort, durability, and performance.
21. Why is subfloor preparation important?
Poor preparation is the main cause of flooring problems.
Without it, you can get:
- Lifting
- Movement
- Uneven appearance
A good installation always starts with proper prep.
Flooring Problems and Aftercare FAQs
22. Why is my floor lifting or rippling?
Usually caused by:
- No expansion gap
- Temperature changes
- Moisture or unheated homes
This is typically environmental or installation-related. Do get in touch if this is occurring and we are on hand to help.
23. Why is my floor creaking or moving?
Common causes:
- Uneven subfloor / loose floorboards
- Incorrect fitting / no expansion gap
24. Can flooring fade in sunlight?
Yes, over time.
Higher-quality products are more resistant but not immune. So do keep an eye on your flooring.
25. What are the most common flooring mistakes?
- Skipping subfloor prep
- No expansion gaps
- Choosing the wrong product for the room
We help customers avoid these from the start, through our expert team here at Clarkes Flooring.
Flooring Cleaning and Maintenance FAQs
26. How do I clean laminate flooring?
- Vacuum or sweep regularly
- Use a slightly damp mop
- Avoid excess water
27. How do I clean LVT flooring?
- Sweep or vacuum
- Mop with a mild cleaner
- Very low maintenance
28. Can I steam clean my floor?
We don’t recommend steam cleaning for laminate, engineered wood, sheet vinyl or LVT due to heat and moisture damage.
29. How do I protect my flooring?
- Use felt pads under furniture
- Avoid dragging heavy items
- Use entrance mats
30. How often should flooring be cleaned?
Regular light cleaning weekly, with deeper cleaning as needed depending on use.
31. How often should I vacuum my new carpet?
As often as possible.
Most manufacturers recommend 3–5 times per week, especially in busy areas.
It’s also important to use the correct type of vacuum for your carpet, as different pile types require different settings.
