If you’re looking at different flooring options for your home or business, here are some tips to help you decide what will work best for you.

Do I need underlay?

Underlay can give extra comfort underfoot and prevent heat from escaping. However, whether you need underlay will depend on the type of flooring you’re considering.

With most carpets, apart from felt-backed ones, you’ll need underlay. This will prevent the wear that occurs when the carpet rubs against the floorboards. It will also absorb impact, giving you a more comfortable underfoot experience.

Carpet tiles generally don’t require underlay because they’re designed with a backing that acts as an underlay. If you do put underlay with carpet tiles, it can prevent them from staying in place.

Vinyl flooring also comes with its own cushioned backing; therefore, it doesn’t require underlay and can be laid directly onto the floor. If you need to level out an uneven floor, screed is used under vinyl to give a smooth, even finish.

What’s the best flooring if I want underfloor heating?

If you’re thinking of having underfloor heating installed, you’ll want to avoid underlay as this can prevent warmth from coming through.

With underfloor heating, you need a floor covering that allows heat to travel from the heating system to the surface of the floor. Hard surfaces like stone, ceramic tiles and engineered wood work well and transfer heat efficiently as they’re thermally conductive.

Other options conducive to underfloor heating include vinyl and linoleum, which provide a durable floor covering that’s suitable for most environments and rooms in the house.

Can I use flooring to reduce noise?

A carpet with underlay is a simple way to reduce noise. It absorbs the impact of footsteps and anything else that comes into contact with the floor. The thicker the underlay, the better the soundproofing. Carpet tiles are also ideal for lessening the impact of ground noise.

As well as carpet, there are other flooring options often used in leisure facilities and classrooms to cut down on noise. These include rubber flooring and vinyl tiles.

Rubber flooring has excellent sound insulation properties. We supply a range of rubber flooring solutions in tile and sheet form that will fit any room regardless of shape or size.

Vinyl flooring is another popular option as it’s hardwearing and easy to maintain. It comes in a vast range of colours and styles and can be customised with patterns or artwork to fit with any interior.

At FineLine Flooring, we have a range of vinyl and rubber flooring solutions and can advise on the best product for your environment.

When should the skirting boards be fitted?

If you’re having new carpets fitted, it’s best to install skirting boards before the carpet goes down. This way, the carpet can be fitted up against the boards.

If you’re planning on having tiles, wooden or laminate flooring, you can fit skirting boards afterwards. In these cases, you may require a small gap between the flooring and the skirting board. Fitting the skirting boards after the flooring will offer a better finish, and the expansion gap will be covered without the need for mouldings.

We can help you choose the right flooring for your home or business

FineLine Flooring specialises in supplying and installing flooring solutions for domestic, commercial and public sectors.

Our flooring installers are all CSCS registered and monitored to the highest standards. We meet all health and safety guidelines and are fully covered for commercial and employer’s liability insurance.

For any questions, or to receive a quote, please contact us on 01256 701569 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.