Buying a new floor for your home can be stressful, time consuming and an expensive process. Make sure you have a good while to test your samples, so you can confidently choose the perfect one for your space. Think carefully about how they feel and look, placing it in the rooms you are considering laying it in or even ones you’re not- you never know it could be perfect for that unexpected room!

With so many flooring options on the market such as: solid and engineered wood, laminate, vinyl, carpet and tiles, it can come as a bit of a challenge choosing the right one! The best thing to do is whittle down the practical benefits of each flooring that is most suitable for the room you’re looking to lay it in. For example, wood flooring is very durable, and carpet is warm and luxurious under foot- choosing the right flooring is a whole other decision!

Once you’ve chosen the type of flooring you’re looking for, it’s time to order your sample, and here at Luxury Flooring we provide them free!

 Test durability

It’s well known that products vary in resilience hugely. Start off by seeing how easily it scratches and dents. Try dropping a heavy object onto your sample or drag something sharp across it, within reason of course! Try spilling water or something that’s likely to stain such as red wine or food products. After this, clean it up straight away then repeat the process, leaving it longer before you clean it up. Another good test is to try walking on it with heels, run your kid’s toys over it, get your pet’s paws in contact with it. All these tests will show how resilient your flooring is to the trails of everyday life.

Texture

As you can imagine, you will come into contact with your flooring a lot, so it’s important to get the feel of it right. Place the samples down and walk on it barefoot, it’s imperative for it to feel cushioned and comfortable underfoot. Flooring with a high textured surface can sometimes feel slightly rougher under foot, tiles are cold and firm, so make sure you test it, so you make the right decision. While walking on the floor, take notice whether or not the shoes leave marks with the pressure of your weight.

 Lighting

This can hugely change the way your flooring appears. Place the sample in different areas of the room at different times of the day. As well as this, test it in artificial and natural light- make sure the floor looks flattering with all types of light at all times of the day. Don’t be afraid to order samples that you might not have originally associated with the colour scheme in your room- you’ll never know how it will look until you test it in the room. Look at both warm and cool tones to see what works best.

Consider temperature changes

Extremes in temperatures can alter flooring. Consider the temperatures of the room and make sure you expose the sample to this. For example, the boiler room will see significantly higher temperatures than the living room, so it’s certainly worth putting the sample through this test. Not all flooring can cooperate with underfloor heating too, so make sure you’ve done your research about which floorings are appropriate if under floor heating is something you have already or are looking to install.

One you’ve put your sample through these tests, then it should become clearer to see which flooring makes the best choice for your home.

The post How to test your flooring before you buy it appeared first on Blog & Advice Centre – Luxury Flooring & Furnishings.

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

Laminate flooring is a fantastic option for those who want a real wood look and feel for a lower price, or for those who require added durability. If you aren’t sure whether laminate flooring is the right move for you, our laminate buying guide blog will cover everything you need to know.

This blog will include both the advantages and disadvantages of laminate flooring, where you can lay laminate, different AC ratings, the best laminate flooring suited to your needs and many more factors that are important to consider.

 

The Benefits of Laminate Flooring

There are many benefits to laminate flooring. Below is a list of key advantages that you should consider when making the all-important decision on whether to buy:

Advantages

• Laminate is highly durable, and can withstand a large amount of foot traffic
• It is a great option if you’re looking for flooring to put in your bathroom or kitchen, as it does not absorb moisture as much as real wooden floors
• Laminate is affordable, and can look almost identical to real wood flooring
• With our click-lock fitting mechanism, laminate flooring is quick and easy to install
• Laminate is scratch and water-resistant, which makes it perfect for busy family homes, as well as bathrooms and kitchens
• Compared to real wood, Laminate is more hygienic and easier to clean, and only requires a regular sweep and the occasional damp mop
• The manufacturing process of laminate results in a highly durable and reliable flooring, with highly consistent results throughout each plank

Disadvantages

• Laminate flooring isn’t the real thing; if you’re looking for a 100% genuine wood flooring look and feel, you can only find that with real wood flooring
• Wood flooring tends to have a longer lifespan than laminate, as it can be sanded and refinished

 

Where Can You Lay Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a great choice for any room in your home. The strong durable surface, coupled with the wide range of styles of colours, provides a huge range to choose from. The easy click installation that we include on all of our laminate flooring makes the laying process much easier.

While laminate is great for any room, you need to make sure you use AC5-rated laminate for bathrooms; this is because this rating of flooring is able to withstand high amounts of moisture, due to its higher durability and rough, textured surface. AC ratings depend on which laminate flooring your looking at.

 

Laminate AC Ratings

To put it simply, AC ratings define how strong and durable the said laminate is; the higher the number, the stronger and more durable the flooring is. An AC4 rating is our most common rating with laminate flooring. Its also important to remember that a high AC rating doesn’t mean its the best laminate flooring you can choose from, the AC ratings of laminate all serve their own purpose that will be preferred by different people.

Laminate Flooring gets its AC rating by being put through rigorous testing. This is to determine how resistant it is to abrasion, moisture and a number of other different factors. 

AC ratings range from AC1 to AC5 – AC1 being the lowest score, with the laminate’s strength increasing with each higher rating. 

AC5-rated laminate is used more commonly in commercial areas like shops, this is because it can withstand a very high amount of pressure and foot traffic.

In order to receive an AC rating, the laminate has to pass each test. If it doesn’t, it will not receive a rating. For this reason, the AC rating is a sign of quality in laminate floors. The AC ratings can vary depending on which laminate flooring you choose.

 

AC1

Suitable for moderate traffic. Best suited to use in bedrooms or guest rooms.

AC2

Suitable for general traffic like Dining or living rooms.

AC3

Suitable for heavy traffic. Generally suitable for all areas, especially areas such as hallways.

AC4

Suitable for moderate traffic in commercial spaces. Think small offices, cafés or smaller retail outlets.

AC5

Suitable for heavy traffic in commercial spaces. Large department stores, public buildings and large offices.

 

Thickness Variety in Laminate Flooring

Thickness is an important factor to consider when deciding on which laminate flooring is best suited to you. A thicker laminate will provide a more real wood feel, the thicker depth also results in a more detailed etching. A thicker width can also reduce echo in your room.

A thinner Laminate Flooring may not include as many benefits, however, it is considerably cheaper.

Laminate flooring is manufactured between the thicknesses of 6mm and 12mm. Usually, a durable laminate floor is between 10mm and 12mm, however, if your subfloor is level and adequate, 7mm or 8mm is definitely an option.

 

What is The Best laminate Flooring For Me?

Laminate flooring opens up a range of different options that you wouldn’t be able to find with many other kinds of flooring. If you’re looking for a walnut appearance, a natural-toned wood look, or even a stone texture, we have the range to suit your taste.

Of course, this wouldn’t be a laminate buying guide without mentioning Grey Laminate. It has become a massive trend with interior designers and homeowners alike. Its natural-looking tone and colour help the flooring blend into any interior effortlessly.

 

Pricing

Compared to real wood flooring, laminate flooring is very cost-effective, which is a great option for those on a budget. Shown below is an example of our different ranges of laminate flooring based on price point. Ranging from low cost and budget-friendly to higher price ranges, there are various specifications to suit your needs and preferences.

Studio Grey	Cottage Dark Chocolate Oak	Supreme 12mm Highland Oak Titan
£8.74/m²	£14.99/m²	£23.99/m²
Read More	Read More	Read More
Add Free Sample to Cart	Add Free Sample to Cart	Add Free Sample to Cart

Conclusion

The best laminate flooring for your needs comes down to both personal preference, as well as overall practicality when evaluating how often the flooring will be walked on. Laminate flooring is one of the best replacements for wood flooring that you can get, both have their positives and negatives. However, laminate is getting closer and closer to the real thing, and can offer many advantages that real wood flooring may not be able to provide. Take the advice in this laminate buying guide to help you in your decision.

If you have any further queries or questions, be sure to call us on 03308 088 777 or leave a comment below.

The post Laminate Buying Guide: Which Laminate Flooring is Right for You? appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Looking for amazing savings on your interiors this Black November? Look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the best savings for your home, based on tips from Money Saving Expert and other leading price comparison sites.

 

Of course, we couldn’t look at Black November Deals without including the fantastic savings we’re offing across our entire flooring range. From Solid Wood Parquet to Laminate, we have up to 50% off – plus an extra 10% using code BLACK10. This incredible offer is valid until midnight on Black Friday.

 

Villa Harbour Oak Grey Laminate               Oxford Herringbone Vanilla Oak 

 

We’re also offering the same amazing deal on our sister site, Flooring Superstore; home to a huge range of quality Carpets and trendy Vinyl. No matter which room you’re renovating, we’ve got you covered.

 

Our Grass Direct brand caters for the garden too, with up to 50% off all of our artificial grass ranges, plus an additional 20% off using code BLACK20. Again, this offer is valid until midnight on Black Friday.

 

Now, where else can you save?

 

moneysavingexpert.com have published their top picks for Black Friday and Cyber Monday predictions based on last year’s amazing offers. To make life easier for you, we’ve picked out last year’s interior savings:

 

Amazon

Eight days of Black Friday deals – includes 1000’s of items including tech.

 

Littlewoods & Very

Discounts on electricals.

 

Matalan

Up to 50% off? On homeware and other ranges.

 

Next

Up to 70% off on selected home lines.

 

Morrisons

5 days of deals including homeware.

 

Apple

Free gift cards with purchases – last year up to £160 with MacBook, iMac, iPad etc.

 

Argos

Discounts across the range.

 

Debenhams

Up to 50% off selected departments.

 

Lakeland

Up to 50% off.

 

Selfridges

20% off across the website.

 

John Lewis

Price Matching, with offers on electrical and home.

Look out for dedicated Black Friday pages across the retailors websites, like this one from John Lewis. If the discount is not site-wide, the best savings are likely to be listed here. There could be extra savings coming up for Cyber Monday or additional offers worth noting too.

 

 

 

This year’s Black Friday lands on the 29^th November, however, the majority of these retailers are expected to start their promotions earlier – just like we have.

 

In order to beat the Black Friday rush, we have extended our savings throughout the month. Not only does this guarantee you the lowest prices throughout all of November, but also allows you to secure your stock ready for those Christmas renovations. We all love a good spruce up for family gatherings.

 

Other ways to save

 

Which.co.uk recommend that preparation is key to getting the best deals from Black Friday. Signing up to newsletters, checking your emails and researching social media will keep you ahead of the game in the Black Friday rush. They also advise keeping an eye out for Price Match Promises and to start your shopping early to avoid disappointment.

 

EmmaDrew.info has created a fantastic blog on ways to save money this Black Friday. Her top tips include setting a budget to control your spending, writing a list to keep on track of what you need, researching discount codes and monitoring price changes.

 

Let us know how you intend to save this Black Friday! Or get in touch with our flooring experts to take advantage of our amazing savings on 03308088777.

The post Beat the Black Friday Rush with Black November Super Savings! appeared first on Direct Wood Flooring Blog.

Decorating a rental property is very different to decorating your own home. While glamming up your own abode is a way to express your taste and personality, with a buy-to-let property you’re trying to create something that suits everyone, will withstand potentially unruly tenants, and on a tighter budget. Whether you’re a new landlord and need some advice on where to start with decorating or even if you’re an experienced landlord and just need some fresh ideas, then we’ve put together some tips and ideas for you. Keep reading to get your ideas flowing…

Walls

Paint the walls neutral colours, as although it belongs to you, your tenants will want to make it their own. That means stay away from boldly patterned wallpapers, bright colours, and try keep all the walls the same colour throughout the house if you can. Unfurnished properties are the most common these days, so a theme that will go with your tenant’s furniture is important. They’ll no doubt be imagining their own belongings in the home when they come to view, so you’ll want to make this vision to come as easily as possible.

Another tip, if you have more than one rental property, paint them all the same colour so you can use the same tin whenever touch ups are needed.

Maintenance and furniture

You’re going to want to reduce the amount of complaints from your tenants and repairs you’ll have to make. Install tough, anti-slam doors, doorknobs that aren’t going to dig holes in the walls, and try avoiding too much glass. Objects that look too breakable will put tenants off as they will worry about their deposit and you don’t want to be replacing things either. If you’re letting the property as furnished, then cheap robust furniture is preferable, but don’t have anything unnecessary. In terms of seating, leather sofas are more resistant to stains as opposed to fabric ones but can also be scratched easier- something to bear in mind if you’re allowing tenants with pets. When it comes to colour, just like walls, don’t go for anything that’s too much of a statement- plain sofas are better.

In regard to the bathroom, you should consider installing the shower over the bath as opposed to a shower tray, as the latter is more prone to leaks. Electric showers are preferable too as if you have boiler problems your tenants can still have a shower, you’ll be very grateful for this when it does happen!

Flooring

Flooring is one of the key elements of any rental property, with many aspects to consider, including practicality, durability and style, often in that order. With this in mind, you’ll want to carefully consider which option to choose, which will often depend on areas in which you’re looking to refloor. Although solid and engineered wood flooring products look incredible, they are probably best avoided in rental properties, as they are typically more expensive to buy than other options. Taking this into account, you’ll probably want to consider Luxury Vinyl Tiles, laminate and carpet as our primary flooring options.

LVT and laminate come in a range of colours and styles, including that desirable natural wood look, and are more resistant to stains, liquid and general wear and tear. In addition to this, they’re also a lot easier to clean and maintain too!

Carpet is a common choice in many homes, not just rental properties, but it’s not always the most practical option, as, it doesn’t take well to spillages and stains. The last thing you want after having decorated is to have a tenant accidentally knock over a glass of red wine or drop spaghetti Bolognese all over your new cream carpet, so although it may provide additional warmth, it might not be the best option for a rental property in living areas. Having said that, carpet is much better suited to stairs and bedrooms, where there is a lower risk of it getting damaged and needing to be replaced once the tenants move out.

There is really one main rule to remember when doing up your rental property: keep it simple. A fresh, clean and well finished property will be much more successful than a property that’s not been updated and has too much clutter. You want a blank canvas essentially and if you take this advice hopefully your tenants will want to stay for many years…

 

The post Letting a property: how to decorate? appeared first on Blog & Advice Centre – Luxury Flooring & Furnishings.

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

Decorating a rental property is very different to decorating your own home. While glamming up your own abode is a way to express your taste and personality, with a buy-to-let property you’re trying to create something that suits everyone, will withstand potentially unruly tenants, and on a tighter budget. Whether you’re a new landlord and need some advice on where to start with decorating or even if you’re an experienced landlord and just need some fresh ideas, then we’ve put together some tips and ideas for you. Keep reading to get your ideas flowing…

Walls

Paint the walls neutral colours, as although it belongs to you, your tenants will want to make it their own. That means stay away from boldly patterned wallpapers, bright colours, and try keep all the walls the same colour throughout the house if you can. Unfurnished properties are the most common these days, so a theme that will go with your tenant’s furniture is important. They’ll no doubt be imagining their own belongings in the home when they come to view, so you’ll want to make this vision to come as easily as possible.

Another tip, if you have more than one rental property, paint them all the same colour so you can use the same tin whenever touch ups are needed.

Maintenance and furniture

You’re going to want to reduce the amount of complaints from your tenants and repairs you’ll have to make. Install tough, anti-slam doors, doorknobs that aren’t going to dig holes in the walls and try avoiding too much glass. Objects that look too breakable will put tenants off as they will worry about their deposit and you don’t want to be replacing things either. If you’re letting the property as furnished, then cheap robust furniture is preferable, but don’t have anything unnecessary. In terms of seating, leather sofas are more resistant to stains as opposed to fabric ones but can also be scratched easier- something to bear in mind if you’re allowing tenants with pets. When it comes to colour, just like walls, don’t go for anything that’s too much of a statement; plain sofas are better.

In regards to the bathroom, you should consider installing the shower over the bath as opposed to a shower tray, as the latter is more prone to leaks. Electric showers are preferable too as if you have boiler problems your tenants can still have a shower, you’ll be very grateful for this when it does happen!

Flooring

Flooring is one of the key elements of any rental property, with many aspects to consider, including practicality, durability and style, often in that order. With this in mind, you’ll want to carefully consider which option to choose, which will often depend on areas in which you’re looking to re floor. Although solid and engineered wood flooring products look incredible, they are probably best avoided in rental properties, as they are typically more expensive to buy than other options. Taking this into account, you’ll probably want to consider Luxury Vinyl Tiles, laminate and carpet as our primary flooring options.

LVT and laminate come in a range of colours and styles, including that desirable natural wood look, and are more resistant to stains, liquid and general wear and tear. In addition to this, they’re also a lot easier to clean and maintain too!

Carpet is a common choice in many homes, not just rental properties, but it’s not always the most practical option, as, it doesn’t take well to spillages and stains. The last thing you want after having decorated is to have a tenant accidentally knock over a glass of red wine or drop spaghetti bolognese all over your new cream carpet, so although it may provide additional warmth, it might not be the best option for a rental property in living areas. Having said that, carpet is much better suited to stairs and bedrooms, where there is a lower risk of it getting damaged and needing to be replaced once the tenants move out.

There is really one main rule to remember when doing up your rental property: keep it simple. A fresh, clean and well finished property will be much more successful than a property that’s not been updated and has too much clutter. You want a blank canvas essentially and if you take this advice hopefully your tenants will want to stay for many years…

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

When it comes to buying the right flooring, there are so many things to consider that it can become a bit over whelming, especially when you don’t know where to start!

Wood flooring has become increasingly more popular than ever and it’s easy to see why. Its charm and charisma adds sophistication to any home, as well creating a timeless appeal.

So, let’s say you’ve decided to go for wooden flooring, then comes the question of which grade to go for; something you’ll need to be well aware of before picking your dream flooring.

Prime/ A Grade

This grade of wood contains minimal knots offering a clean contemporary look to your living space. This is perfect if you enjoy the look of wood but want something a little plainer and clean cut. Prime grade flooring often compliments any interior due to its neutral appearance, therefore you have a little more freedom when furnishing your home!

Common/ AB Grade

With this grade you can preserve the wood’s natural splendour with all the practical protection. It shows more character and authenticity than a classic grade but less so than rustic. You still get the desirable random variation of knots while achieving that slick look. Its relaxed neutral appearance would suit a bedroom or living room, where calmness is sought after.

Classic/ ABC Grade

A classic grade allows the natural variation of wood without too much of the authentic knots and grains to be too obvious. It is worth remembering that the planks will all differ in terms of slight colour difference, knots and grains.

Rustic/ ABCD Grade

This grade is very natural flowing and no limits to the number of knots and grains it contains.The colour may also vary, as this grade is purposely been preserved to keep it as naturalistic as possible.

Although these grades are all very similar, there are subtle differences, both in terms of colour variation and the number of knots in the wood, but if you’re keen on getting everything in place, then pay attention to these grades.

The post Wooden grades- what’s the difference? appeared first on Blog & Advice Centre – Luxury Flooring & Furnishings.

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

When it comes to buying the right flooring, there are so many things to consider that it can become a bit over whelming, especially when you don’t know where to start!

Wood flooring has become increasingly more popular than ever and it’s easy to see why. Its charm and charisma adds sophistication to any home, as well creating a timeless appeal.

So, let’s say you’ve decided to go for wooden flooring, then comes the question of which grade to go for; something you’ll need to be well aware of before picking your dream flooring.

Prime/ A Grade

This grade of wood contains minimal knots offering a clean contemporary look to your living space. This is perfect if you enjoy the look of wood but want something a little plainer and clean cut. Prime grade flooring often compliments any interior due to its neutral appearance, therefore you have a little more freedom when furnishing your home!

Common/ AB Grade

With this grade you can preserve the wood’s natural splendour with all the practical protection. It shows more character and authenticity than a classic grade but less so than rustic. You still get the desirable random variation of knots while achieving that slick look. Its relaxed neutral appearance would suit a bedroom or living room, where calmness is sought after.

Classic/ ABC Grade

A classic grade allows the natural variation of wood without too much of the authentic knots and grains to be too obvious. It is worth remembering that the planks will all differ in terms of slight colour difference, knots and grains.

Rustic/ ABCD Grade

This grade is very natural flowing and no limits to the number of knots and grains it contains.The colour may also vary, as this grade is purposely been preserved to keep it as naturalistic as possible.

Although these grades are all very similar, there are subtle differences, both in terms of colour variation and the number of knots in the wood, but if you’re keen on getting everything in place, then pay attention to these grades.

This post appeared first on https://www.luxuryflooringandfurnishings.co.uk

When looking for the perfect hardwood floors, each person has their own priorities set. For some, it’s design. For others, it might be price. Many people do have one common priority: practicality. No one wants to break their back trying to keep their hardwood floors looking new and clean. 

With the range of options out there, it might be hard to know where to begin when looking for hardwood floors that are easy to keep. But there are a few aspects that you can take into consideration when picking the right hardwood floors for your home.

Color

Even if you have a design in mind, the color wood you’ll pick can play a big role when it comes to practicality. Darker colors can scratch more easily, and any stains or dirt will be more visible without the right finish. They would be better picks for rooms where there is not a lot of walking around, or where furniture is not moved around too much.

Lighter colors, on the other hand, can hide dust or dirt very well because of the grains, and the color tone of the wood. They would not be so visible in Ash White hardwood floors, for instance. Another great option would be multi-tone hardwood floors, since it already has a naturally “stained” look to it. 

Humidity resistance

One big issue with anything made of wood is dealing with humidity. It can make wood wear out really quickly by contracting and expanding, losing its shape, form, and/or color. While there are many types out there that are resistant, some of the best options are engineered woods. The interior of these woods are produced to prevent warping. But it is important to pick an option with thicker wear layers, as they are more resistant to scratches.

Janka Hardness scale

This scale was made to identify and classify the density of the wood. The reason why this is important is because, the denser it is, the more durable it can be. This means it won’t dent or scratch so easily, making it perfect for most businesses or social spaces. The softest wood ever measured, Balsa, ranked 22 lbf (pounds-force), while the hardest one registered was Australian Buloke, at 5,060 lbf.

Finish

The finish on your hardwood floors can help keep them for longer depending on your choice. Look-wise, there are matte, satin, and gloss finishes. Glossy finishes, while not as popular anymore, are great for maintenance. 

There is another way to classify hardwood floor finishes, which is by its base. Oil-based polyurethane adds a glow to the wood while also being able to withstand the natural movement of the wood. On the other hand, acrylic urethane (also called water-based) makes the resin more resistant to wear such as scratches, but it is not as resistant to heat or solvents. Therefore, an oil-based finish can make keeping the wood easier in the long term.

It is possible to find a common ground between the design and color you have in mind and a hardwood floor option that won’t be too hard to keep! Just try to check as many items off this list, and you’ll be able to pick the option that best suits your priorities.

While self-installing laminate flooring is relatively simple, navigating areas such as staircases can be tricky. Thankfully, when it comes to how to lay laminate flooring on stairs, there are a few tips and tricks that make the job easier. Here at Discount Flooring Depot, we’ve created a handy step-by-step guide for you to follow and ensure you’re left with a great end result. 

The Steps to Install Laminate on Stairs

Step 1: Remove Existing Flooring and Underlay

Before you start laying your laminate flooring, the first step is to ensure your staircase is prepped and ready. If you haven’t already, start by removing any existing flooring from your stairs, along with the existing underlay. Once you have a bare staircase, ensure you remove any paint and adhesive and hammer down any protruding nails. Next, give your stairs a thorough brush down to create a clean and even surface to start from.

Step 2: Remove any Overhang

You may find your stairs have an overhang from existing nosing (the protruding edge of the stair). You’ll need to remove this before you can install your laminate and your own nosing (we’ll get to that bit later). To remove the overhang, you can cut it away using a jigsaw, or nail a piece of plywood to the riser to fill in the space underneath.

Step 3: Lay Your Underlay

Underlay shouldn’t be considered an optional extra; as it can help muffle sound, improve acoustics and create a more comfortable feel underfoot, it’s particularly important for areas of high traffic such as stairs. Ensure you choose the right underlay for your laminate, before securing it to your stairway, ready to install your flooring.

Step 4: Cut Your Laminate to Size

For each step, you’ll need three pieces of  laminate: 

• The tread piece, which sits on top of the step
• The riser piece, which sits vertically on the front of the step
• And the stair nosing (or trim), which hangs over the front of the step.

To measure the length you’ll need for your tread pieces, lay your laminate plank across the top of the step, ensuring it fits as snuggly as possible on either side. You may need to trim your board down to size to do this. If a single laminate plank is not thick enough to cover the entirety of your step, cut a second plank to size and glue this tongue-to-groove next to your first plank, leaving some room to accommodate the nosing.

Similarly, when it comes to the riser pieces, ensure these are level with the riser on your stairs and that they sit snugly on top of the tread piece. You may also need to cut these down to size to fit your stair length.

When it comes to your nosing, this simply needs to be the same length as your tread and riser. 

Step 5: Lay the Tread

As laminate needs time to dry before you can walk on it, start your installation at the top of the stairs and work downwards to avoid getting stuck upstairs! Using wood adhesive, glue your tread to your first step, ensuring it lies tightly against the back of the step with the tongue facing outwards.

Step 6: Fit the Riser

Next, glue your riser piece of laminate to the vertical front of the step and hold this in place while it sets. If necessary, you can also nail the very top of the riser in place, as this will be covered by your nosing. 

Step 7: Add the Nosing

Once you’ve secured your riser and tread, the next step is to add your nosing, which acts as an edge trim on each step. Unless you’re using a self-adhesive nosing edge, glue it in place with the tapered end over the thread. 

Step 8: Leave for 12 Hours 

Finally, once you’ve completed your entire staircase, leave your laminate to set overnight and avoid walking on it for around 12 hours.

Now you know how to lay laminate flooring on stairs like a pro, you can ensure yours is fitted to perfection and enjoy the complete transformation of your new staircase. 

Remember, if you’re not confident in your ability to self-install, it’s always recommended to seek the help of a professional.

This post appeared first on https://www.discountflooringdepot.co.uk

There are so many options to choose from when it comes to finishes on wooden flooring: brushed, oiled, unfinished, lacquered… but what exactly are the differences between them and how do you decide which is best for you? We’ve whittled them together, so you’ve got all the information in front of you…

Brushed

This effect is created by wire being used to pull out the softer spring wood exposing the harder wood. This in turn creates a beautiful, textured surface, which is advantageous as it can disguise scratches. It also adds to the authentic appeal of the floor, great if you’re looking for that rustic look, something growing ever more popular. It is also strategic if you want a more naturalistic authentic surface, as opposed to something too glossy. It can be applied to lacquered and an oiled finish, and is an option on both solid and engineered wood products.

Oiled

An oiled finish provides your wooden floor with surface protection as well as a defence against anything that might penetrate it beyond the surface. It keeps the wood’s glorious natural premise without it being completely exposed. Generally speaking, it’ll give you a smooth matt finish.

Although it requires a little more cleaning and upkeep than other choices of finishes; because of the penetrating protection, it’ll provide you with a longer lasting flooring with more resistance to stains and scratches.

Lacquered/ High Gloss and Chalk

This is similar to a modern varnish, which sits on top of the wood as opposed to oil which seeps past the surface. This finish is perfect if you’re wanting a clean cut, smooth aspect to your flooring. For this reason, it’s ideal in heavy footfall rooms where you’re desiring that grand, glossy look.

The varnish makes lacquered somewhat water resistant, however we wouldn’t recommend allowing large abundances of water coming into contact with it.

If you are wanting to go one step further and dazzle your guests with a floor which gleams in the light, then you may also want to consider a High Gloss finish.  Not only does it provide a stunning polished look, but also has an added layer of protection as a result.

The disadvantage of lacquered flooring is that it is more likely to show scratches than its competition. Because of this, it may need sanding down and refinishing more often than other finishes.

It is also possible to get matt lacquered finish, however it is worth being aware that there will still be a slight shine, so if you’re wanting something with no gloss, then look at products with an oiled finish instead.

Hand Scraped

If you’re after a flooring with an added bit of character and rustic appeal, then hand scraped is perfect. The planks are made no differently, however the surface has been scraped by hand before a lacquered or oil finish is applied. This means that no two planks are the same, creating an interesting variation of pattern as well as giving it a rustic charm. It comes in difference widths, lengths, thicknesses, type of wood and colour, meaning you can select what exactly it is you’re after.

Unfinished

This one speaks for itself, it is simply the raw exposed wood. This is not something that you’d lay down as it is, as raw wood will stain and wear away a lot quicker than one with a finished applied. People often opt for this flooring if they are wanting to apply the finish themselves.

Invisible Oiled

A relatively new concept in the flooring world, this is ideal if you’re wanting all the protection of an oiled finish but without compromising that authentic rustic look. Behind the scenes the oil is working its magic, penetrating the wood and protecting your flooring from the wear and tear of everyday life.

It’s always a good feeling when you have your heart set on a particular finish, however understanding the story behind it will help protect your flooring so you can enjoy it for years to come, worry free.

Distressed

This is where the wood has been purposely aged in order to achieve a worn appearance. An interesting process, imperfections are added to the surface to increase charisma and character. This look is very popular in rustic homes, as its honest, realistic appeal charms any rustic interior perfectly.

Whitewashed

If you’re looking for a fresh, clean airy look to your wooden flooring then this finish is ideal. Adding a whitewashed coat, consisting of a mix of white paint and water will create a shabby chic interior. Or even if you’re ready for a change in colour scheme or want to mix things up a bit.

Smoked

This is where oak flooring has been treated to alter its colour, usually making it darker. However, the top layer can become slightly pale or faded as a result of this process, increasing the rustic appeal. It involves putting the oak in an environment which ammonia is introduced into the atmosphere, this in turn changes the colour.

This is great if you’re looking for more traditional décor or even striving for that industrial appearance, something very on trend this year!

 

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