Frequently Ask Questions

We have pulled together a set of the most frequently asked questions about our products and services to create this comprehensive flooring FAQ. If you have any other queries, please complete the form on our contact page, and we will come back to you, or call our friendly team on 020 3004 6630.

Click vinyl is a modern flooring innovation that doesn’t require the vinyl to be glued down. Instead, click vinyl stays in place with a click-and-lock system. Vinyl sheets will require an adhesive to attach the vinyl to the subfloor.

Generally, vinyl sheets cost less than click vinyl, but click vinyl is usually thicker and more durable. Click vinyl is a more solid and secure product, often coming with lifetime residential and 30-year commercial guarantees.

No, not all vinyl needs to be glued down. Click vinyl does not require glue or adhesive. Instead, it uses a click-and-lock system, making it quicker and easier to install. However, the subfloor needs to be solid, flat, firm, and stable prior to installation.

Vinyl sheets (or glue-down vinyl) do need to be glued, using an appropriate adhesive to attach the vinyl securely to the subfloor.

Engineered wood is usually considered more practical and durable for everyday flooring. It can be used in higher-moisture environments, such as kitchens, whereas solid wood flooring can be susceptible to warping and swelling under those conditions.

Engineered wood is more stable overall and offers more protection from spills and damage. All our engineered wood floors are protected by a UV oil finish or a lacquered finish for additional protection and minimal upkeep.

The most common method to install engineered wood flooring is to glue the flooring down to the subfloor.

However, some types of engineered wood flooring will have a click system or tongue-and-groove profiles. With these, you can use a flooring nailer to install the flooring, or it may be possible to ‘float’ the wood flooring directly on top of the underlay. The best installation option will always be the method that the manufacturer of your specific flooring recommends.

Laminate flooring is a highly durable synthetic option designed to look exactly like natural wood flooring. Laminate flooring is usually made from multiple layers. At its core, there will be a high-density fibreboard layer, which is topped with a scratch-resistant melamine resin layer featuring the photographic wood design. There is also a backing layer that helps ensure the board is perfectly balanced to make sure it doesn’t bow when installed.

Yes, laminate floors are incredibly easy to maintain, making them perfect for busy households. Regular sweeping or vacuuming with a hard floor attachment is usually enough to keep them free of daily dust and debris.

For a deeper clean, a slightly damp (not wet) mop with a manufacturer-approved laminate floor cleaner will keep them looking their best. You should avoid using harsh chemicals, steam cleaners, or excessive water, as moisture can seep into the seams and cause the fibreboard to swell.

For kitchens and bathrooms, it is important to choose a flooring option that will not suffer water damage while still being easy to clean and maintain.

Vinyl sheet and click vinyl can be ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, as they can flawlessly emulate the look of natural stone or wood while remaining 100% waterproof and exceptionally cost-effective. Certain high-quality laminate flooring ranges can also be a popular choice, provided they are specifically rated to suit high-humidity environments.

Both carpets and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) can be a great choice for bedrooms, and the final decision largely comes down to personal preference.

A deep pile carpet can feel luxurious, warm, and comforting, and it can help to keep bedrooms quiet thanks to its excellent sound-dampening qualities. However, LVT flooring is incredibly long-lasting and durable. It is also possible to install underfloor heating beneath LVT. While carpet is usually cheaper upfront, LVT can often outlast a carpet by several years.

Several factors can help you determine if a carpet is of good quality. First, check the fibre density—ideally, you shouldn’t be able to easily see the backing material or any “bald spots” in the pile.

Another good check is to press your thumb firmly into the carpet pile. Quality carpets should spring back and recover immediately. It can also help to compare the face weight of the carpet; a heavier weight per square metre is usually a reliable sign of good quality and longevity.

Situated at a convenient retail park on Purley Way in Croydon, Flooring Factory Outlet is an extensive and friendly flooring showroom with hundreds of different flooring styles to choose from.

We specialise in clearance and end-of-line flooring so that we can pass on the biggest discounts directly to our customers. Our customers can often save up to 70% compared to typical high street prices. With laminate, engineered wood, vinyl, and carpet rolls, we offer a huge range of choices at affordable prices so you can renovate your home or commercial property for less. Open six days a week, our friendly staff are always on hand to help you find the best products with unbeatable value.

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Frequently Ask Questions