Floor Cleaning and Restoration Experts in Cornwall

CORNWALL FLOORCARE - Wood Floor Installation - Supply & Fit

Wood Floor Installation - Supply & Fit

Wood Floor Installation

We are excited to announce that Cornwall Floorcare is now offering a comprehensive wooden flooring service! From expert subfloor preparation to the installation and impeccable finishing of high-quality wooden floors, we’re here to transform your spaces with timeless elegance and durability. Whether you're renovating a single room or an entire property, our skilled team is dedicated to delivering exceptional craftsmanship tailored to your needs.
Let us bring the natural beauty and warmth of wooden flooring into your home or business today!

Our Installation Guide

  • Subfloor Preparation
  • Ordering
  • Floor Acclimatisation
  • Fitting
  • Finishing
  • Customer Sign Off
Wood Floor Installation - Supply & Fit

Subfloor Preparation 

Subfloor preparation is a critical step in achieving a flawless and durable wooden floor. A smooth and stable starting point ensures the perfect finish and long-term performance of your flooring. Our experienced fitters carefully assess the subfloor to confirm its readiness for installation, adhering to the strict standards set out in BS 8204 Part 1:1987 SR1. This standard dictates that the subfloor must not deviate by more than +/- 3mm over a 2m straight edge. Wooden substructures, such as plywood or chipboard, must be sound, securely fixed, and a minimum of 18mm thick. While plywood is preferred for its durability and ability to hold nails securely, chipboard may require alternative methods like glueing or floating to avoid issues with moisture and resilience. In cases of moisture presence, a professional-grade Epoxy Damp Proof Membrane or vapour barrier is applied to protect the wood. Additionally, friable or powdery screeds are treated with stabilising solutions to ensure strong adhesion. At Cornwall Floorcare, we take every precaution to ensure all materials, including screeds, membranes, and adhesives, are compatible and maintain the warranties of your wooden flooring, ensuring a beautiful and reliable finish. We train regularly throughout the year with Uzin Uk to keep us informed of the most effective products and techniques available.

Wood Floor Installation - Supply & Fit

Under Floor Heating

Not all hardwood flooring is compatible with underfloor heating systems, and not all underfloor heating systems are suitable for use with hardwood flooring. Engineered wood flooring is generally recommended, paired with a waterborne heating system. Some manufacturers of electric matting extend their warranties to cover flooring materials, and certain hardwood flooring brands offer products compatible with electric systems. While Cornwall Floorcare can provide guidance, it remains the owner’s responsibility to verify the compatibility of the flooring and heating system.

Before installation, the heating system must be commissioned at least two weeks in advance to create a stable environment. A qualified plumber must inspect the system before commissioning and recheck it two weeks later to ensure no pressure changes have occurred. The heating system should gradually increase in temperature over two weeks, reaching a maximum of 27°C for 48 hours before the flooring materials arrive. Once the flooring is delivered, the system should operate at normal temperatures until moisture checks are completed. Before installation begins, the heating should be reduced to its minimum setting.

To protect the hardwood flooring, we strongly recommend installing temperature sensors beneath the timber floor as part of the heating system to monitor and prevent temperatures exceeding recommended limits. The concrete subfloor must be dry, with moisture levels not exceeding 4% throughout the screed depth, and the floor should be allowed to cool with the heating off. After the engineered hardwood flooring is installed, the heating should be brought up to operating temperature slowly, increasing by 2–3°C every 24 hours, without exceeding 27°C at the subfloor. Once fully operational, the system should maintain a minimum temperature of 18°C to preserve the flooring’s integrity and ensure a comfortable environment.

Acclimatisation 

To ensure your flooring’s warranty and long-term performance, Cornwall Floorcare recommends acclimatising your wooden floor before installation. This process allows the wood to adjust its moisture content to the typical conditions of your home.

Before fitting, the site must be stable, with a room temperature of 18–22°C and relative humidity between 45–65%. In drier conditions, especially during winter, a humidifier may be necessary. Concrete or screed subfloors should have moisture levels below 4%, as measured by professional equipment. All wet trades must be completed, and the building should be enclosed with operational heating reduced to minimum settings 48 hours prior.

The flooring should remain in its packaging, stacked horizontally (2–4 packs high) with battens for airflow, away from radiators. Once delivered, the wood must acclimatise on-site for 3–7 days or longer, depending on additional moisture checks.

In Cornwall’s high-humidity environment, achieving equilibrium is vital. Wood typically arrives with a moisture content of 8–10%, but it must reach 10–12% for installation. If levels exceed 12%, corrective action is required. Cornwall Floorcare ensures accurate testing and conditions are met, safeguarding your investment and warranty.

Wood Floor Installation - Supply & Fit

Fitting

At Cornwall Floorcare, the choice of whether to mechanically fix, glue down, or float your new wood floor depends largely on the type and condition of your existing subfloor. Regardless of the method chosen, it is essential to use the correct damp-proof membranes to protect your flooring and ensure a successful installation. Below is a brief overview of the three main fitting methods.

Glued Down

Gluing down hardwood and engineered floors using Pallmann and Bona adhesives is a popular and durable installation method. This approach creates a strong bond between the flooring and the subfloor, ensuring excellent stability and reducing the risk of movement or creaking over time. Pallmann glues are high-performance, environmentally friendly, and compatible with a wide range of flooring materials, making them a trusted choice for professional installations. However, this method requires a well-prepared subfloor, as imperfections can impact the final result. Additionally, it can be more labour-intensive and costlier than floating floors despite this, the glued-down method offers long-term reliability and a seamless finish that enhances the beauty and lifespan of your wood floor as well as being quieter under foot.

Wood Floor Installation - Supply & Fit

Nailed/Screwed Down

Nailed down hardwood and engineered floors are installed by securing the planks directly to the subfloor using nails or screws, providing exceptional stability and a long-lasting finish. These nails can be hidden. This method is particularly well-suited to wooden subfloors, such as plywood or battens, and ensures minimal movement, reducing the risk of creaks and gaps over time. Nailed down floors also enhance acoustic performance, as they create a solid connection to the subfloor. However, this installation method can be labour-intensive and more expensive due to the additional materials and time required. It also limits flexibility for future changes, as removal or repairs can be complex. Despite these challenges, Nailed down floors offer unparalleled durability and a high-quality finish, making them a popular choice for traditional and high-traffic spaces.

Floating

Floating hardwood and engineered floors are a versatile and cost-effective installation method. Instead of being fixed to the subfloor, the planks are interlocked and rest on an underlay, which provides cushioning and sound insulation. This method is quicker and less labor-intensive than glue-down or nailed down installations, making it a popular choice for DIY projects and renovations. Floating floors are also easier to remove and replace if needed. However, they may not offer the same level of stability as glued-down floors, potentially leading to slight movement or noise over time, particularly in high-traffic areas. Additionally, floating floors are not always suitable for every type of subfloor or environment, especially spaces with significant moisture variations. Despite these considerations, floating floors are an efficient option that delivers flexibility and ease of installation without compromising style. 

Customer Sign Off

At Cornwall Floorcare, we pride ourselves on our strong partnerships with leading suppliers, offering a wide selection of pre-finished products, bespoke finishes, and unfinished boards. As Palmann Parkettprofi trained and Bona Certified contractors, we bring unmatched expertise and skill to every project, ensuring a flawless, custom finish tailored to your exact specifications. Whether you desire an oil, lacquer, stain, or a unique combination of all, we are equipped to deliver a result that perfectly complements your space. Our qualifications set us apart from the competition, giving you the confidence that your flooring will be installed to the highest standard.

Floor Cleaning and Restoration Experts in Cornwall

Cornwall Floorcare
43 Polpennic Drive
Padstow
Cornwall
PL28 8FL

T. 01841 521995
M. 07922 989 131
E. info@cornwallfloorcare.co.uk

Office hours:
Mon - Sat: 8am to 6pm