{"id":1327,"date":"2017-08-04T16:01:49","date_gmt":"2017-08-04T15:01:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quotatis.co.uk\/advice\/?post_type=project_page&p=1327"},"modified":"2019-10-29T16:48:57","modified_gmt":"2019-10-29T16:48:57","slug":"flooring","status":"publish","type":"project_page","link":"https:\/\/www.local-quotes.co.uk\/advice\/guide\/flooring\/flooring\/","title":{"rendered":"Flooring"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the most important features of any room in your home is the flooring. There are plenty of types and styles to choose from and the best one for you depends on what you’ll use the room for.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

One of the most important features of any room in your home is the flooring. There are plenty of types and styles to choose from and the best one for you depends on what you’ll use the room for.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1334,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":[],"tags":[],"tax_works":[52],"class_list":["post-1327","project_page","type-project_page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tax_works-flooring"],"acf":{"testimonials":false,"inspirations":[1381,1385],"faq":[1544,1548,1545,1543],"quote_link":"https:\/\/www.quotatis.co.uk\/quotes.html?keyword=floor-covering&sqn=115897&spn=810","project_page_element_title":"Types of Flooring","project_page_elements":[{"element_label":"Carpet","link_to_element_post":{"ID":1316,"post_author":"5","post_date":"2017-08-04 15:55:28","post_date_gmt":"2017-08-04 14:55:28","post_content":"

Choosing the right flooring is a huge part of making a house feel like a home. With the right balance of hard flooring and carpet, you can make your home cosy and welcoming.<\/p>\r\n

When you're redecorating or renovating a room, there are endless possibilities for carpets. You'll need to think about how much traffic the room gets, carpet piles and the level of comfort you want.<\/p>\r\n

Take a look at our advice on choosing the perfect carpet for any room of your home.<\/p>\r\n

Decide on your family's needs<\/h2>\r\n

Work out which carpet is best for your family. If you're at home a lot, you'll want carpets that are comfortable but also easy to keep clean.<\/p>\r\n

Another consideration is how much sunlight exposure it will get, as this could fade the colour.<\/p>\r\n

Whatever you decide is your top priority, there will be a type of carpet pile to suit you.<\/p>\r\n

Choose which pile you want<\/h2>\r\n

Carpet piles are the yarn that carpet manufacturers use to make it. It's usually looped or cut to a certain length then twisted so it stays in place.<\/p>\r\n

The more twisted the yarn is, the more durable the carpet is. There are lots of different styles of pile and they all make different textures. Overall, the pile you want depends on what you use your room for and how much traffic it gets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_178\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\"]\"pattern Patterned loop pile. Image via Pinterest<\/a>[\/caption]\r\n\r\n

Patterned loop pile<\/strong>
\r\nPatterned loop pile has loops of different sizes to create designs. It can give a room a casual look, so can be good for living rooms or kids bedrooms.<\/p>\r\n

Cut pile<\/strong>
\r\nCut pile has cut and twisted straight strands, and the amount of twist in it can have an effect on how soft the carpet is. Usually it is very soft, which means that you can sometimes see footprints and marks from the vacuum cleaner.<\/p>\r\n

There are different types of cut pile. Frieze pile is very durable so can be good in commercial buildings, but textured pile is better in areas that see lots of traffic in your home because it's durable and doesn't get tracks.<\/p>\r\n

Saxony and velvet piles are luxurious and feel soft, but you can wear the carpet down easily and show tracks.<\/p>\r\n

Cut-loop pile<\/strong>
\r\nCut-loop pile is great for lots of different designs. It uses a combination of cut yarn and looped yarn, and can be comfortable and durable in any room.<\/p>\r\n

How much can you expect to pay?<\/h3>\r\n

The type of carpet you choose will affect the price - of course, the higher the quality the more you will pay. A budget carpet may cost \u00a37 per m2<\/sup><\/strong>, but for a premium carpet you could pay over \u00a330 per m2<\/sup><\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n

For a mid range carpet installation in a room that is 30m2<\/sup>, expect to pay around \u00a3700.<\/strong> This includes the carpet fitter removing the old flooring, disposing of it, and fitting new underlay and carpet. It also includes grippers and door easing.<\/p>\r\n

Whichever type of carpet you choose, a carpet fitter will be able to help you get the most out of your new flooring option and give you advice on how to care for it. Simply click on 'Start my Project'<\/a> to get quotes for carpet fitting now.<\/p>","post_title":"How to Choose the Perfect Carpet for your Home","post_excerpt":"Carpet is a great flooring material for rooms where you want to feel comfortable and luxurious. It works well in bedrooms as it is soft and warm underfoot.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"choose-perfect-carpet-home","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 17:13:22","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 17:13:22","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.quotatis.co.uk\/advice\/?post_type=project_page_element&p=1316","menu_order":0,"post_type":"project_page_element","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}},{"element_label":"Wooden","link_to_element_post":{"ID":1519,"post_author":"10","post_date":"2017-08-25 13:04:19","post_date_gmt":"2017-08-25 12:04:19","post_content":"If you want new flooring, you\u2019ve got lots of materials to choose from. And one of the top ones to consider is wood. Wooden flooring is a stylish choice and can look great in a range of rooms and properties.\r\n\r\nIf you think wood might be the flooring material for you, this isn\u2019t the end of the decision making. One of the biggest choices you\u2019ll need to make about your wooden flooring is whether you\u2019re going to go for engineered or solid boards. They\u2019re quite different, so it\u2019s worth putting the time in.\r\n\r\n

Engineered wooden flooring<\/h3>\r\nEngineered wooden flooring consists of boards made up of around 3 or 4 layers of wood. The bottom layer is often plywood and the top, visible layer is the wood of your choice. These layers are glued together to make boards that are very strong, stable and solid.\r\n\r\nYou can lay engineered wooden flooring in most places, as long as it\u2019s not exposed to water or humidity. People often go for engineered flooring because it\u2019s usually cheaper than the solid version of the surface wood. However, as sanding is a good technique for levelling and refreshing a wooden floor, you need to make sure that the surface layer is thick enough. Otherwise, after a couple of sands your chosen wood might have disappeared.\r\n\r\n

Solid wooden flooring<\/h3>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1522\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\"]\"\" Image via Pinterest<\/a>[\/caption]If you don\u2019t fancy engineered flooring, your other option is solid wood flooring. This is made of solid boards of your chosen wood, which are usually about 1.8-2cm thick. \r\n\r\nYou can choose your wood according to appearance but also to how hard it is. The higher a wood\u2019s hardness score, the less likely it is to get damaged by shoes or furniture. But even if it does get marked, like engineered flooring, you can sand it down to level it off and improve its look. \r\n\r\nSimilarly to engineered flooring, you should also avoid putting solid wood flooring anywhere where it might get exposed to moisture, as it can swell up easily. It can look fantastic, so most people like to show it off in hallways and living areas.\r\n\r\nSo if you want wooden flooring, you\u2019ve got two main options. And although they have their differences, it can still be difficult to choose between them. If you\u2019re still not sure which type of wooden flooring to pick, ask a flooring professional to show you some examples.\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re not sure where to look to find a wooden flooring expert, we can help. Click \u2018Start my project\u2019<\/a>, complete our online form and we\u2019ll connect you with up to 4 professionals in your area.","post_title":"Wooden Flooring: Should You Pick Engineered or Solid?","post_excerpt":"Wooden flooring can look fantastic in a range of properties.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"wooden-flooring-pick-engineered-solid","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 17:21:14","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 17:21:14","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.quotatis.co.uk\/advice\/?post_type=project_page_element&p=1519","menu_order":0,"post_type":"project_page_element","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}},{"element_label":"Laminate","link_to_element_post":{"ID":1523,"post_author":"10","post_date":"2017-08-25 16:25:08","post_date_gmt":"2017-08-25 15:25:08","post_content":"Laminate is a popular flooring choice. It\u2019s a material you should definitely consider if you want a new floor.\r\n\r\nBut before you make any decisions, it\u2019s important to know the facts. To help you out, we\u2019ve come up with everything you need to know about laminate flooring.\r\n\r\n

What\u2019s laminate flooring?<\/h3>\r\nLaminate flooring is usually made of composite wood. It includes a layer of high-density fibreboard, which gives it structure and strength. This is covered by a decorative layer, which has design printed on. A clear layer goes over the top to protect the decorative layer from damage.\r\n\r\nLaminate comes in boards and is usually fairly easy to slot together.\r\n\r\n

The advantages of laminate flooring<\/h3>\r\n\r\n

Affordable<\/h5>\r\nA big advantage to laminate flooring is that it\u2019s affordable. It costs on average about half the price of solid wood flooring.\r\n\r\n
Durable<\/h5>\r\nAnother benefit to laminate flooring is that it\u2019s easy to clean. It doesn\u2019t stain easily and usually just needs regular vacuuming to keep it in good condition. Good quality laminate is also long-lasting and resists wear and tear. \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1526\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"300\"]\"\" Image via Pinterest<\/a>[\/caption]
Versatile<\/h5>\r\nPeople also choose laminate flooring because it\u2019s versatile. It\u2019s available in a wide range of effects and colours. So whether you want flooring that looks like natural stone, wood or ceramic, you should be able to find a type of laminate that\u2019s right for the job.\r\n\r\n

Laminate flooring disadvantages<\/h3>\r\n\r\n

Can look and feel fake<\/h5>\r\nAlthough you can get laminate in lots of different looks, these aren\u2019t always convincing. It often doesn\u2019t look like the real deal, which can make it seem cheap and substandard. Plus, laminate doesn\u2019t feel like the material that it looks like either.\r\n\r\n
Difficult to repair<\/h5>\r\nAnother downside to laminate flooring is that it\u2019s difficult to repair. In most cases, you won\u2019t be able to repair your laminate and will have to replace it instead. And even if your laminate comes in individual pieces that join together it can be difficult to find replacements that match your current flooring. If your flooring has aged then the new piece(s) can look very obvious.\r\n\r\nSo there are several reasons to use laminate flooring but it also has its downsides. To find a professional for advice or help fitting a laminate floor, click \u2018Start my project\u2019<\/a> and complete our online form. We\u2019ll connect you with up to 4 flooring professionals in your area.","post_title":"Laminate Flooring: the Advantages and Disadvantages","post_excerpt":"Laminate is a durable and affordable type of flooring material.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"laminate-flooring-advantages-disadvantages","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 17:15:04","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 17:15:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.quotatis.co.uk\/advice\/?post_type=project_page_element&p=1523","menu_order":0,"post_type":"project_page_element","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}},{"element_label":"Vinyl","link_to_element_post":{"ID":1528,"post_author":"10","post_date":"2017-08-29 12:12:44","post_date_gmt":"2017-08-29 11:12:44","post_content":"Vinyl flooring is really popular and a great material to use to cover your floor. Lots of people choose to use it because it\u2019s water resistant and comes in a wide range of attractive colours and patterns.\r\n\r\nVinyl flooring comes in both tiles and sheets. Tiles are relatively DIY-friendly, which is great if you want flooring that you can fit yourself. Installing sheets are more difficult so are usually best left to a professional.\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re thinking about getting vinyl flooring, it\u2019s a good idea to do your research to check that it\u2019s right for you. To help you out, we\u2019ve come up with a list of its pros and cons.\r\n\r\n

Pros<\/h3>\r\n\r\n

Durable<\/h5>\r\nA significant advantage to vinyl flooring is that it\u2019s durable. It can withstand heavy foot traffic easily and is suitable for areas with high levels of moisture, like bathrooms. This contrasts with carpet and wooden flooring, which are easily damaged by water.\r\n\r\n
Quiet<\/h5>\r\nAnother benefit to vinyl flooring is that it\u2019s quiet. This is great if you\u2019ve pets or children running around. Unlike wooden or laminate flooring, vinyl will keep your home relatively quiet. Plus, it has more give than harder types of flooring, which means it\u2019s more comfortable to walk on.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1531\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"257\"]\"\" Image via Pinterest<\/a>[\/caption]
Versatile<\/h5>\r\nPeople also choose vinyl flooring because it\u2019s versatile. It\u2019s available in lots of different colours, patterns and effects so is a great way to coordinate your home.\r\n\r\n

Cons<\/h3>\r\n\r\n

Susceptible to damage<\/h5>\r\nA downside to vinyl flooring is that it\u2019s susceptible to damage. Although it\u2019s generally durable, it can get damaged by very heavy objects or high heels. It can also fade when exposed to direct sunlight over long periods and get damaged in extreme temperatures.\r\n\r\n
Difficult to repair<\/h5>\r\nAnother disadvantage to vinyl flooring is that it\u2019s difficult to repair. If it gets ripped or torn then it can\u2019t be refinished \u2013 instead you\u2019ll have to replace the whole flooring section.\r\n\r\n
Not environmentally friendly<\/h5>\r\nVinyl is also not a great option because it\u2019s not very environmentally friendly. It\u2019s not biodegradable and is almost never recycled so contributes to waste levels. Plus, its manufacturing process means that it releases toxic chemicals after installation, which can lead to respiratory problems.\r\n\r\nSo vinyl flooring could be a great material to use in your home. If you want to install vinyl and need some help, click \u2018Start my project\u2019<\/a> and complete our online form. We\u2019ll connect you with up to 4 flooring installers in your area.","post_title":"Vinyl Flooring: Is it the Right Choice for You?","post_excerpt":"Vinyl can create a practical and attractive floor space in your home.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"vinyl-flooring-right-choice","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 17:19:58","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 17:19:58","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.quotatis.co.uk\/advice\/?post_type=project_page_element&p=1528","menu_order":0,"post_type":"project_page_element","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}},{"element_label":"Ceramic","link_to_element_post":{"ID":1532,"post_author":"10","post_date":"2017-08-29 14:12:11","post_date_gmt":"2017-08-29 13:12:11","post_content":"Ceramic flooring consists of tiles made from a blend of natural materials, including sand and clay. They\u2019re either glazed or non-glazed and are fired in a kiln to make them solid and strong.\r\n\r\nCeramic flooring is really popular and often found in bathrooms and kitchens. If you\u2019re looking for a new flooring material, read on to find out about its benefits and drawbacks.\r\n\r\n

Ceramic flooring benefits<\/h3>\r\n\r\n

Easy to maintain<\/h5>\r\nA great advantage to ceramic flooring is that it\u2019s easy to maintain. It\u2019s really easy to clean \u2013 all you need is hot water and a standard cleaning product. This means that it\u2019s a great flooring material choice if you have kids or pets.\r\n\r\n
Durable<\/h5>\r\nAnother benefit to ceramic tiles is that they're durable. It doesn\u2019t get damaged by extreme temperatures, can cope with heavy foot traffic and lasts for a really long time. Plus, it\u2019s waterproof so is great for kitchens and bathrooms.\r\n\r\n
Versatile<\/h5>\r\nCeramic flooring is also popular because it\u2019s versatile. There are so many different colours, shapes and styles of ceramic tile that you\u2019re bound to be able to find a design you like. \r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1533\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"225\"]\"\" Image via Pinterest<\/a>[\/caption]

Ceramic flooring drawbacks<\/h3>\r\n\r\n

Difficult to repair<\/h5>\r\nA drawback to ceramic flooring is that although it\u2019s tough, it can still get scratched or chipped. If this happens it\u2019s really difficult to repair it \u2013 in most cases you\u2019ll need to replace the tile. This can also be tricky as it might be hard to find a new matching tile that blends in with the rest of your floor.\r\n\r\n
Heavy<\/h5>\r\nAnother downside to ceramic flooring is that it\u2019s heavy. This can make it difficult to install if you want to do it yourself. Plus, your home might not be strong enough to cope with it if you\u2019re planning on fitting it on an upper floor of your property.\r\n\r\n
Hard and cold<\/h5>\r\nHomeowners are also put off ceramic tiles because they're hard and cold. Although its durability makes it great for children, its hardness doesn\u2019t. Plus, if you\u2019re put off by the idea of getting chilly feet in the morning, ceramic may not be the flooring material for you.\r\n\r\nSo ceramic flooring is easy to maintain and can look beautiful, but isn\u2019t for everyone. If you want to find out about other types of flooring, take a look at our articles on carpet<\/a>, wooden<\/a>, laminate<\/a> and vinyl<\/a> flooring.","post_title":"Everything You Need to Know About Ceramic Flooring","post_excerpt":" Using ceramic styles can be a great way to create a stunning floor.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"everything-need-know-ceramic-flooring","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2019-10-29 17:04:49","post_modified_gmt":"2019-10-29 17:04:49","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.quotatis.co.uk\/advice\/?post_type=project_page_element&p=1532","menu_order":0,"post_type":"project_page_element","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}}],"standard_and_laws":[{"standard_and_laws_link":{"ID":1542,"post_author":"10","post_date":"2017-08-30 13:04:56","post_date_gmt":"2017-08-30 12:04:56","post_content":"Planning rules apply to lots of home improvement projects. It\u2019s really important to make sure you know whether planning rules apply to your flooring project, otherwise you might have to get rid of your new flooring later on.\r\n\r\nKeep reading to find out how planning rules apply to flooring.\r\n\r\n

What\u2019s planning permission?<\/h3>\r\nIn the UK there are planning laws to regulate urban and rural development. These state which home improvement projects you can do without asking anyone \u2013 these are known as permitted developments. They also say which projects you need to get planning permission for.\r\n\r\nTo get planning permission for a project you need to complete an application and submit it to your local authority. You\u2019ll then need to wait to see whether you\u2019re granted permission before you go ahead and do the work.\r\n\r\n

Do I need planning permission for my flooring project?<\/h3>\r\nInstalling a new floor is usually classed as a permitted development. This means that you don\u2019t need to get planning permission before you do the work.\r\n\r\nHowever, there are some exceptions. If your property is\r\n