Flooring advice

Straight answers about floors

Practical guides from the Flooring Surgeons team – choosing the right floor, fitting it well and keeping it looking its best.

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how to install engineered wood flooring

How to Install Engineered Wood Flooring

Discover how to install engineered hardwood flooring with our simple guide. Learn the best techniques for installing engineered wood flooring.

Installation guides16 min read

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New to choosing a floor?

Read these first – together they answer most of the questions we hear every day.

  1. 7 Different Patterns of Parquet Flooring (Complete UK Guide)

    Parquet flooring patterns are defined by geometric arrangements of wooden blocks, creating decorative floor designs that add character and durability. Unlike straight plank flooring, parquet introduces...

    10 min read

  2. 5G vs 2G Click Flooring: Which Locking System Is Easier to Install?

    Anyone who has fitted a click floor knows that the locking mechanism can make a surprisingly big difference. Two floors may look almost identical once installed,...

    5 min read

  3. How Showroom Lighting Misleads Flooring Choices

    Discover why showroom lighting can distort flooring colours, how it affects your choice, and how to pick the right flooring with confidence at home.

    7 min read

Fresh from the team

Latest guides

  • 5G vs 2G Click Flooring: Which Locking System Is Easier to Install?

    5G vs 2G Click Flooring: Which Locking System Is Easier to Install?

    Anyone who has fitted a click floor knows that the locking mechanism can make a surprisingly big difference. Two floors may look almost identical once installed, yet one can take noticeably longer to put down simply because of the way...

    Tips & care5 min read

  • How to Remove Makeup Stains From Vinyl Flooring

    How to Remove Makeup Stains From Vinyl Flooring

    A dropped foundation bottle, broken eyeshadow palette or uncapped lipstick can leave a noticeable mark on a vinyl floor. The good news is that most…

    Tips & care5 min read

  • Can Laminate Flooring Be Used in a Downstairs Toilet?

    Can Laminate Flooring Be Used in a Downstairs Toilet?

    Yes, you can use laminate flooring in a downstairs toilet, but the product must be suitable for moisture-prone spaces and fitted correctly. A downstairs WC normally faces less humidity than a full bathroom because it has no shower or bath....

    Tips & care5 min read

  • How to Remove Candle Wax From Laminate, Vinyl and Wood Floors

    How to Remove Candle Wax From Laminate, Vinyl and Wood Floors

    Candle wax is usually easy to remove, but the wrong tool can leave scratches, dull patches or damaged joints. The safest method is to let the wax harden, lift it with a plastic tool and clean the remaining film with...

    Tips & care4 min read

  • How to Lay Flooring Around a Bay Window Without Awkward Cuts

    How to Lay Flooring Around a Bay Window Without Awkward Cuts

    Bay windows add character, but their angled sides can be difficult to finish neatly. The solution is to plan the board direction first, copy the shape accurately and test every cut before fixing anything in place. This guide covers how...

    Tips & care5 min read

  • How to Remove Rust Stains From Vinyl Flooring Without Bleach

    How to Remove Rust Stains From Vinyl Flooring Without Bleach

    Rust marks often appear when damp metal furniture, appliance feet, plant pots or tools remain on a vinyl surface. Most surface marks can be treated without chlorine bleach. To remove rust stains from vinyl flooring, begin with the mildest method,...

    Tips & care5 min read

  • What Rug Pads Are Safe for LVT, Vinyl and Laminate Flooring?

    What Rug Pads Are Safe for LVT, Vinyl and Laminate Flooring?

    A rug pad can stop an area rug shifting, add comfort and reduce grit rubbing against the floor. The wrong backing, however, may leave residue, trap moisture or cause discolouration. This matters particularly on vinyl-based surfaces, where some rubber, latex...

    Tips & care5 min read

  • Can LVT Be Installed in an Unheated Conservatory?

    Can LVT Be Installed in an Unheated Conservatory?

    A conservatory can be warm in direct summer sun and close to outdoor temperature during winter. That makes flooring selection more complicated than it would be in a temperature-controlled living room. Homeowners therefore often ask: can you put LVT in...

    Tips & care5 min read

  • 24-Hour Water-Resistant Laminate Flooring: What It Means

    What Does “Water-Resistant for 24 Hours” Mean on Laminate Flooring?

    If you have been browsing for new floors, you have probably come across 24-hour water-resistant laminate flooring. Basically, this means the flooring can resist liquids from penetrating and damaging the structure if they are wiped up within 24 hours of...

    Tips & care5 min read

  • How to Remove Ink Stains From Laminate Flooring Safely

    How to Remove Ink Stains From Laminate Flooring Safely

    Ink stains on laminate flooring can be scary, particularly when you go to wipe them up and just spread the stain further. The best method is to work quickly and protect the floor’s finish coat, since aggressive scrubbing or an...

    Tips & care4 min read

  • Do Rubber-Backed Rugs Damage Vinyl Flooring?

    Do Rubber-Backed Rugs Damage Vinyl Flooring?

    If you’ve noticed marks under a rug or you’re trying to protect your floor before buying one, the short answer is yes, rubber-backed rugs can damage vinyl flooring over time. The problem usually is not immediate scratching, but a chemical...

    Tips & care6 min read

  • How to Stop Vinyl Flooring Lifting at the Edges

    How to Stop Vinyl Flooring Lifting at the Edges

    There is nothing more frustrating than stepping on your floor and feeling an annoying, loose edge beneath your feet. If your vinyl flooring is lifting at…

    Tips & care6 min read

  • Can You Lay Laminate Flooring Over Existing Laminate Flooring?

    Can You Lay Laminate Flooring Over Existing Laminate Flooring?

    No, in most cases, you should not install laminate over laminate. Although installing a new floating floor over an existing floor may save time initially, it can create problems with movement, moisture trapping, height, and warranty. Therefore, most laminate flooring...

    Tips & care6 min read

  • Can You Put Heavy Kitchen Islands on Floating Floors?

    Can You Put Heavy Kitchen Islands on Floating Floors?

    Are you renovating right now and wondering, “Can You Put Heavy Kitchen Islands on Floating Floors”? The answer is usually no, not if your kitchen island is built in place on the subfloor. Floating floors are great because they’re simple...

    Tips & care5 min read

  • Matte vs Satin vs Gloss Wood Flooring: Which Finish Hides Wear Best?

    Matte vs Satin vs Gloss Wood Flooring: Which Finish Hides Wear Best?

    Different wood floor finishes can have a significant impact on how your floor ages with months or years of everyday traffic. Matte and gloss wood floor finishes do more than change the level of shine; they also affect how light...

    Tips & care6 min read

  • Floor Transition Strips: Which Door Bar Do You Need?

    Floor Transition Strips Explained: Which Door Bar or Trim Do You Need?

    Selecting flooring isn’t the only consideration when achieving a professional finish. The point at which two floors meet also plays an important role, particularly with doorways, hallways and open-plan living areas. This is where floor transition strips come into their...

    Tips & care8 min read

Showing 24 of 432 guides