The Flooring Journal
Expert flooring advice
Our guides answer the questions we are asked most often: which carpet suits stairs, whether engineered wood works over underfloor heating, how LVT compares with laminate, and what subfloor preparation actually involves. Each guide is written and reviewed by the people who specify and install these floors every week.
Design
The complete guide to choosing flooring for a high-end home
A room-by-room, practical framework for choosing carpets, wood and LVT in a high-end home, balancing durability, comfort, maintenance and long-term value.
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Herringbone LVT versus herringbone wood
A forthcoming comparison of herringbone-laid LVT and engineered wood, covering appearance, cost, wastage and where each performs best.
Coming soon
Choosing flooring for a period property
A forthcoming guide to selecting flooring that respects a period property's character while meeting modern practical needs.
Coming soon
Coordinating flooring across an open-plan home
A forthcoming guide to keeping flooring visually coherent across open-plan kitchens, living and dining spaces.
Coming soon
Choosing the best flooring for a kitchen
A forthcoming guide to the practical flooring options that perform well in busy, moisture-prone kitchens.
Coming soon
Carpet
Wool carpet: benefits, drawbacks and where it works best
An honest look at wool carpet's natural resilience, comfort and appearance, alongside its cost, staining behaviour and care needs, and the rooms it suits best.
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Notable luxury carpet brands in the UK
A forthcoming overview of the kind of luxury carpet brands and manufacturers worth considering for a high-end home.
Coming soon
Wool versus polypropylene carpet
A forthcoming comparison of wool and polypropylene carpet across cost, durability, stain resistance and feel.
Coming soon
Loop pile versus twist pile carpet
A forthcoming explanation of loop and twist pile carpet construction and which suits which rooms.
Coming soon
Carpet underlay explained
A forthcoming guide to choosing the right underlay for comfort, durability and, where relevant, sound insulation.
Coming soon
Fitting carpet over underfloor heating
A forthcoming guide to specifying carpet and underlay suitable for use over underfloor heating systems.
Coming soon
Stairs
How to choose carpet for stairs, landings and hallways
What makes stair, landing and hallway carpet different from carpet elsewhere in the home, and how to choose fibre, pile and colour that will genuinely last.
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Bespoke stair runners: materials, borders and installation
How to specify a bespoke stair runner, from choosing width and material to border detailing, edge finishing and what careful installation involves.
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Wood
Engineered wood versus solid wood flooring
The structural, practical and cost differences between engineered and solid wood flooring, and how to decide which suits a given room and subfloor.
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Engineered wood and underfloor heating: what to know before you specify
A forthcoming guide to specifying engineered wood over underfloor heating, covering board choice, commissioning and avoiding common pitfalls.
Coming soon
How long does engineered wood flooring last?
A forthcoming look at what determines the lifespan of engineered wood flooring, from wear layer depth to maintenance.
Coming soon
Preparation
Floor preparation for LVT: moisture, latex and DPMs explained
Why subfloor preparation determines the success of an LVT installation, covering moisture testing, latex screeding and when a damp-proof membrane is needed.
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Why subfloor moisture testing matters
A forthcoming explanation of why moisture testing is a critical step before fitting most hard flooring types.
Coming soon
Care
Choosing flooring for a home with dogs and children
A forthcoming practical guide to the most resilient carpet, wood and LVT options for busy family households with pets.
Coming soon
How to care for wool carpet
A forthcoming practical guide to everyday cleaning, spill response and periodic professional care for wool carpet.
Coming soon
Caring for engineered wood flooring
A forthcoming guide to cleaning, protecting and maintaining engineered wood flooring over the years.
Coming soon
Project planning
What to expect from a flooring consultation
A forthcoming walkthrough of what happens during a flooring design consultation, from initial discussion to samples and measuring.
Coming soon
Understanding wastage allowances for straight lay and herringbone flooring
A forthcoming guide to how much extra material is typically needed for straight lay versus herringbone or pattern-matched flooring.
Coming soon
Consultation
Planning a flooring project?
Tell us about your property, ideas and timescale. We will help you explore the most suitable materials and arrange the next step.