Need to Know
At Flooring Direct, we understand the importance of research and collecting all the relevant data and information regarding the floor you’re interested in. We want our customers to feel confident that they can make well-informed decisions when it comes to choosing flooring.
We have collected all relevant information about each type of flooring that you can use to rule out anything you don’t want and narrow it down to your favourite type of flooring that’s practical for your household. Whether the deal breaker is child/pet friendly flooring, easy fitting or low maintenance, you can find out everything you need to know here.
This page contains all information that we deem essential to know before deciding on your flooring, so have a browse and let us put your mind at ease. Feel free to check out our Buying Guides for even more detailed, relevant information on which flooring is best suited to you.
Planning for Carpet
When it comes to carpets, at Flooring Direct, we have hundreds of varieties for you to peruse online. From the more affordable felt-back carpets, to luxurious thick carpets, we always make sure to give you the best value for money with a guaranteed price match.
Pros of Carpet
Our carpets possess insulating properties which help to trap the heat inside your home, ensuring that your carpeted room will feel warm and cosy while you save on your energy bills!
Underfoot comfort is a huge selling point for carpet as the added softness and the plush feel is very popular for use in family homes. Carpet acts as a layer of cosiness that your bedroom needs.
Laying carpet in your home will dramatically reduce the noise that everyday foot traffic creates. These sound absorption properties are a great benefit of having carpet.
Cons of Carpet
Due to the thick fibres, dirt and dust can settle into carpet and create issues for those of us who suffer from allergies. Wearing outdoor shoes inside can also drop pollen into the carpet so hay fever sufferers beware!
Carpet tends to have a shorter lifespan compared to other floor types such as wooden flooring or laminate. Be sure to follow our carpet care guide to assure the longevity of your carpet.
Regular maintenance of your carpet is incredibly important when it comes to retaining its immaculate condition. Take our tips from our carpet care guide to ensure you carpet looks and feels brand new.
Customer Reviews - Carpet
"Great quality carpet for the price paid” - Ms Johnston (April 2020).“Great carpet” - Anon (March 2020)“Nice inexpensive carpet. Suitable for a bedroom or spare room” - Ms Warwick (March 2020)Carpet FAQ's
Are your carpets stain resistant?
Flooring Direct offers a range of stain resistant carpets that are manufactured to withstand any day to day wear and tear that could risk damage to your floors. Browse our extensive collection of Berber carpets to find our most durable, long-lasting carpets.
Should I choose carpet or hard floor?
At Flooring Direct, we would recommend different flooring materials for alternative environments to ensure you have practical flooring that will endure whatever depletion occurs. Some carpets may not withstand excessive exposure to water or heavy traffic, which is why they could be better suited in the bedroom where underfoot comfort and heat insulation is valued highly.
How can you save money when purchasing carpet?
Follow our care guide tips to ensure you save on costs while maintaining and up-keeping you carpet. There will be no need for you to rent a steam cleaner to deep clean your carpet constantly if you invest in one of our carpets. Don’t worry if you've got a pet who walks muddy paws through your home, or a clumsy family member who is likely to spill red wine on cream carpet. We will advise you on how to get stains out of carpet. A clean carpet contributes to a happy home, right?/p>
Planning for Vinyl Flooring
Pros of Vinyl Flooring
Our vinyl flooring is very popular among Flooring Direct customers due to the easy installation process. When it comes to saving money on fitters and rolling up your sleeves for some DIY, fitting our vinyl flooring is the ideal task.
Vinyl flooring is one of the more affordable flooring products we stock compared to hard wood or engineered wood. Choosing a wood-effect vinyl could save you a lot of money if you’re on a budget!
The easy-cleaning properties of vinyl allows for a very low maintenance floor. The odd sweep and wipe will keep your vinyl looking and feeling fresh and clean.
Cons of Vinyl Flooring
Placing overly heavy furniture on top of vinyl sheets can leave indents in the material, so avoid using rolling castors underneath the legs of your furniture and instead try felt or foam pads to protect your vinyl flooring.
Our vinyl flooring is not particularly resilient against outdoor elements, so its not recommended to lay vinyl outside of your home. Direct sunlight could fade the colouring of your vinyl and alter the overall appearance of it.
High temperature areas are risky to lay vinyl in as the heat can cause it to lift from the adhesive that holds it in place. So, avoid laying vinyl in any hot rooms!
Customer Reviews - Vinyl Flooring
“Samples arrived really quickly. Website easy to navigate. Flooring good quality and especially given the current covid-19 situation, order arrived promptly” - Ms Waite (May 2020)“Excellent service and excellent communication” - Ms Johnson (April 2020)“Good price, good quality and delivered on time! The floor was easy to lay and looks fantastic. Looks just like concrete floor, perfect for our industrial themed room.” - Anon (April 2020)
Vinyl Flooring FAQ's
Is vinyl easy to install?
Yes. Whether or not you are handy with DIY tasks, vinyl flooring can be easy to install yourself. Be sure to check out our fitting guides and blog posts beforehand and come prepared with the correct equipment. If you don’t feel confident in your abilities to fit vinyl flooring, you can always hire a fitter from your local area.
Does vinyl look like real wood effect flooring?
Flooring Direct offers an expansive range of vinyl, of which you can choose a replicated style of desirable looks such as solid wood flooring or tiled patterns. You can use vinyl flooring to recreate an authentic style at a fraction of the cost. The embossed texture of our vinyl gives it a traditional feel to make it look like the real deal.
Is vinyl comfortable underfoot?
Vinyl flooring is comfortable underfoot. Flooring Direct also stock underlay if you were wanting an extra layer of comfort which you can lay and fit beforehand.
Planning for Artificial Grass
Pros of Artificial Grass
Swapping out your real lawn for artificial grass makes for a huge shift in the amount of care and maintenance required. The regular upkeep and routine cleaning will be minimised instantly.
Laying artificial grass will allow you to save on water bills massively as it will not be necessary for you to reach for the hose. Gone are the days of watering your grass in attempt to prevent it from becoming dry.
Flooring Directs range of artificial grass is family and pet friendly, so there’s no need to worry about any pet mess stains or spillage ruining the fresh new features of your synthetic lawn.
Cons of Artificial Grass
Although our artificial grass fitting guide simplifies the process of laying artificial grass, the process can be quite timely to carry out. Hiring a professional would undoubtedly speed up the process but bear in mind you might need to be patient when it comes to installing artificial grass.
Flooring Direct stocks and supplies alternative styles of artificial grass, from AstroTurf material to traditional and authentic looking synthetic material. However, we cannot replicate all the features of natural grass, so the smell of fresh, real grass is not mimicked.
Artificial grass is incredibly low maintenance compared to natural grass, but this doesn’t mean you can neglect your artificial grass. Routinely cleaning it and removing any debris will prevent a build up of bacteria and dirt.
Customer Reviews - Artificial Grass
“Perfect grass to transform a space. Much needed area during lockdown. Grass does the job nicely.” - Anon (May 2020)“Fast and efficient delivery of a good quality product.” - Anon (May, 2020)“Excellent service under difficult conditions due to covid-19. Very satisfied with the product and have ordered more.” - Mr Jones (April 2020)Artificial Grass FAQ's
Is artificial grass bad for the environment?How often does artificial grass need replacing?Does artificial grass look natural?
Planning for Laminate Flooring
Pros of Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is incredibly durable and resilient as the hard-wearing surface is lacquered with a protective layer. No dents or damage will occur on this floor.
Flooring Directs laminate floors require very little maintenance or upkeep. Choosing this flooring means opting for a relaxed floor cleaning routine.
Choosing wood-effect laminate provides an affordable alternative of solid wood flooring without compromising on quality. If you’re on a budget but still want the traditional wooden floor appearance, take a look at our laminate flooring range.
Cons of Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has been a popular choice of floor for many households of all different tastes and personal preferences. However, new styles of laminate are constantly released so keeping up with the current trends can be a hassle and your flooring might go out of style.
Laminate can be laid in any area of your home but Flooring Direct recommends avoiding fitting laminate in areas that are exposed to excess water. Repetitive water damage can alter the overall appearance of laminate and cause long term damage.
Due to the hard-wearing surface of laminate, it can be one of the noisier types of flooring. Avoid wearing hard-sole shoes inside and opt for some soft slippers instead.
Customer Reviews - Laminate Flooring
“I had a great experience on the site, very easy to use and the flooring came quicker than expected. I have fully laid my floor now and it looks lovely.” - Mr Miller (April 2020)
(Century Oak Grey Flooring)
“Looks lovely when laid and lovely colour.” - Anon (April 2020)“Lovely grey laminate flooring, looks super stylish.” - Anon (March 2020)
Laminate Flooring FAQ's
Is laminate easy to install?
Yes. Laminate flooring is very easy to install, so would be perfect if you’re looking to save money and fit it yourself! Check out of laminate flooring fitting guide on our Advice and Inspiration page, or head over to our blog for more in-depth information about laminate flooring.
How long does laminate last?
Laminate flooring is exceptionally hard-wearing and can last your home a lifetime. However due to trends constantly changing, different styles of laminate flooring tend to go in and out of fashion every 10-15 years.
Would laminate be the right choice for me?
If you’re looking for an affordable, sustainable and hardwearing floor, then laminate flooring would be perfect for you. If hardwood flooring is out of your budget range along with stone and tile, then laminate flooring can offer you similar qualities and features at a fraction of the cost.
Planning for Real Wood Flooring
Pros of Wooden Flooring
Our range of wood flooring is manufactured using naturally sourced wood materials like Oak, Acacia, Walnut and Beech, This assures that it is high quality wood and of premium value.
Wood flooring offers a classic and authentic look and feel to every room. If you want to opt for a traditional flooring style that adds an undeniable sense of homeliness and rich character, our wood flooring is perfect for you.
Wooden flooring is very easy to maintain as cleaning and upkeep are only required sporadically. A simple dustpan and brush are the only pieces of equipment you will need to keep your wood floor looking clean and tidy.
Cons of Wooden Flooring
Wood flooring is one of our most high value products so purchasing it to cover a wide surface area in your home could be costly. As a luxury flooring option, we can assure you that you are paying for a premium quality and long-lasting flooring.
Our wood flooring can be more susceptible to heat and water damage compared to other flooring options. So consider avoiding laying it in areas of your home that are exposed to either of these elements on a regular basis.
Laying wooden flooring in your home can contribute to an increase of noise caused by any heavy traffic. Wood flooring does not feature any sound absorbing properties, so this is to be expected if you decide on this floor type.
Customer Reviews - Flooring Direct
“Very good and quick service. Product was exactly what I ordered. Will order again in the future.” - Ms Warwick (March 2020)
(General Flooring Direct Testimonial)
“Glad I found this company. Fast delivery, great price and had just what I wanted.” - Anon (April 2020)
(General Flooring Direct Testimonial)
“Friendly staff, quick responses to email messages. I would recommend Flooring Direct to my friends.” - Ms Dittrich (April 2020)Real Wood Flooring FAQ's
How long do wood floors last?
Real wood floors are an investment for a lifetime, lasting from 40-100 years. Hard wood floor can be restored by sanding and refinishing it which refurbishes the original qualities and revives it to a unique condition.
Will I need help when installing wooden floor?Should I choose solid wood floor or engineered wood flooring?
Planning for LVT
LVT is becoming increasingly popular among Flooring Direct customers as it offers a luxury take on the ever-so popular vinyl flooring. As LVT becomes exclusively more popular, at Flooring Direct we have kept our selection up to date and well stocked.
Pros of LVT
LVT flooring is extremely easy to install so there is no need to hire a fitter if you are concerned about extra costs. The clicklock or glue down fitting process is simple and straight forward, check out our LVT fitting guide to brush up on any tips and tricks you might need to know beforehand!
Our LVT flooring is easy to maintain and does not require any extensive cleaning procedures to be carried out regularly. A quick sweep or vacuum will easily lift any dirt from the surface but be sure to tackle and spillages in a timely manner to prevent them from settling.
All of our LVT flooring would be ideal to lay in your kitchen or bathroom as the material is waterproof and stain resistant, making it one of our most durable floors.
Cons of LVT
As the luxury alternative to vinyl flooring rolls, LVT tends to be more costly. However, we can confirm that you are paying for premium valued flooring with guaranteed longevity.
Unfortunately, LVT cannot be refinished so it is recommended that you maintain your flooring as required. Follow our LVT care guide to brush up on all relevant advice on how to retain the fresh finish of your floors.
The finish on LVT floors makes them slightly more slippery than alternative flooring materials. Avoid using any wax-based cleaning products on your LVT to prevent causing any health and safety issues.
Customer Reviews - Flooring Direct
“Easy to use the website. Good communication, product well packaged.” - Anon (April, 2020)
(General Flooring Direct Testimonial)
“Fast delivery and well-priced, website was easy to use.”- Mr William (May, 2020)
“Excellent service, super quick delivery, goods as described, well packaged and thoughtful delivery driver. That’s how you do it.” - Anon (March, 2020)
LVT FAQ's
What is the difference between LVT and vinyl flooring?
Luxury vinyl offers sturdier and firmer qualities than regular vinyl as the material is layered with protection, print film, vinyl core and tile backing. It is also fitted in tiles rather than sheets, so potential replacements can be carried out without the hassle of lifting and replacing the whole floor.
Is LVT expensive?
Flooring Direct offers a price match guarantee for every product to ensure we are always providing the best deal. With our LVT range, rest assured that you are paying the best price for quality, durable flooring that can withstand daily wear and tear with no issues.
Is LVT easy to install?
LVT is easy to install as the tiles retain a glue down or clicklock form. Follow our floor fitting guides to ensure you are undertaking the exact process and have all the correct equipment before laying your luxury vinyl tiles to avoid any damage or mishaps.
Planning for Carpet Tiles
As one of the UK’s largest suppliers of carpet tiles, Flooring Direct stocks an extensive selection of styles for you to choose from, so you can achieve more creative patterned designs using different coloured modular and interlocking carpet tiles.
Pros of Carpet Tiles
Carpet tiles can be replaced individually if any damage came to affect the overall appearance of them. This means you would be able to save money on replacing just one section rather than having to lift-up the whole flooring and lay a new floor.
Carpet tiles allow you to be creative and personalise your flooring by laying the tiles in alternative directions to create different patterns. This feature also makes carpet tiles ideal for commercial areas.
The easy installation process of fitting carpet tiles makes them ideal for any DIY jobs. You can save money when purchasing carpet tiles as they do not require any fitting knowledge or installation expertise.
Cons of Carpet Tiles
Our carpet tiles are not suitable for damp areas as the moisture can loosen the adhesive that hold the tiles in place. This could result in the lifting of individual tiles and could become a health and safety hazard in commercial areas.
Due to the square cut formation of carpet tiles, the seams and edges are more visible and can become quite prominent. If your carpet tiles are not cared for correctly, the seams can begin to look rough and unkept.
The non-uniform appearance of carpet tiles could make them unsuitable for certain interiors. However, this feature can add a specific style and fun feel to alternative interiors.
Customer Reviews - Flooring Direct
“Tiles were delivered in super- fast time (take note Amazon!) and they are exactly as described i.e. good quality and correct colour. Thanks Flooring Direct!” - Mr Webb (May 2020)“Very helpful team over the phone. Delivery was super quick and the flooring is lovely. Very happy. I will be back very soon to buy more.” - Anon (March 2020)“Very quick delivery despite lockdown. Good quality flooring.” - Anon (April 2020)Carpet Tiles FAQ's
Where should I lay carpet tiles?
Carpet tiles can be used in any room settings depending on personal preference and are becoming increasingly popular in commercial environments. They work well in commercial spaces and playrooms, adding a sense of fun using alternative patterns and colours.
Are carpet tiles easy to fit?
Fitting carpet tiles is a very straightforward process and can be done in a timely manner with only basic DIY skills necessary to complete the task. Carpet tiles are an ideal choice for those wanting to save money on their new flooring.
Do you offer volume trades or discounts?
Planning for Rugs and Mats
Purchasing a rug or mat for your floor can add a final, personal touch or feature to complete a room and make it a home. At Flooring Direct, we have carefully chosen our range of rugs by focusing on colours and styles that complement our variety of flooring.
Pros of Rugs and Mats
Our selection of door mats and coir matting make the ideal entrance for every home, protecting your floors from any unwanted dirt or grit that could be travelled in from outside. They act as a cleaning tool that will save you a job later!
Adding a Flooring Direct rug to your home will provide a feature point for any room. Attracting your visitor’s eyes towards your new rug will also redirect their gaze to your flooring meaning you can showcase your #flooringdirectfit.
A rug can also act as a layer of protection for your flooring as any heavy traffic areas will have an extra layer between the surface of the flooring and the rug. If you’re planning on laying laminate flooring, bear in mind that the surface is susceptible to scratching, so a rug should prevent this.
Cons of Rugs and Mats
Rugs and mats can require a lot of upkeep and maintenance as they tend to trap dirt and dust within the fibres. Depending on the material, thickness and height of each individual rug or mat, the maintenance procedures will differ.
As rugs tend to be a soft furnishing tailored to underfoot comfort and style, the materials used are not particularly resistant against stains or heavy wear and tear. Therefore, it is important to keep up to date with regular cleaning maintenance.
Due to the constant use of door mats, the material can wear down and will need replacing every so often. We recommend fitting coir door matting in your entrance way as the natural material can withstand the test of time.
Customer Reviews - Flooring Direct
"Good prompt service from ordering to delivery." - Anon (April, 2020)
(Brown Ribbed Matting) "Good and strong. Put on top of a sandstone flagged floor in a porch to keep the stone clean. Very pleased with it." - Mr Richardson (February, 2020)
(Clear Carpet Protector) "Product as described and great quality." - Ms Hauck (February 2020)
(Coir Door Mat Welcome Ducks)
Rugs and Mats FAQ's
What sizes of rugs/mats do you do?
Our selection of feature rugs come in a range of sizes depending on your desired style. Our ‘runner’ rugs can be cut to request, so whatever length you are looking for, you can select your choice on our website when purchasing the runner.
How do I care for my rug?
Flooring Direct has put together care guides for each of our product ranges to ensure the quality is retained throughout the lifeline of your purchase. Be sure to check our ‘Rug Care Guide’ for further information.
Can you customize rug sizes to order?
If you are looking for a larger size or cut of any of rugs or mats that isn’t specified on our website, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email at info@flooringdirect.co.uk or call us on 0333 1234 581 and we can review the options.
Planning for Flooring
We hope you have found all the information you were looking for to aid you in your decisions surrounding our flooring, At Flooring Direct, we aim to provide you with our expert advice and 'need to know' information that is necessary to be aware of when deciphering which of our flooring products are for you. If you still have unanswered questions or are unsure on which flooring to choose from, feel free to contact our friendly flooring experts on info@flooringdirect.co.uk or call us on 0333 1234 581. Alternatively, you can head to our Advice and Inspiration page to browse our Planning, Buying, Fitting and Care guides for any more information that you might be interested in when planning for you new floors.
