January 10, 2024

How to Measure a Room for Flooring

by admin in News

Installing new flooring can completely transform the look and feel of a home, but before you start demolition, it is important to accurately measure the floor space you have. An improper calculation can leave you short on materials, forcing you to stall the project for more boards, or leave sections unfinished and prone to damage or degradation. Proper planning prevents this poor performance. This guide will walk you through the essential steps for measuring a room for flooring, from creating a layout and accounting for waste to ordering materials and pre-installation checks. With the right tools and techniques, you can gain the peace of mind that you have perfectly measured your floor for a smooth installation.

Tools You Will Need

Tape Measure
Pen and Paper
Calculator
Laser Measure (optional)

Planning Your Project

Before pulling out the tape measure, take time to plan your flooring project thoughtfully. Start by sketching a basic floor plan on graph paper, dividing the space into individual rooms or sections. Note the layout of each room, indicating the position of doorways, built-ins like fireplaces or cabinets, bay windows, and any other unique architectural details. Accounting for these elements now will make measuring much simpler. Next, decide on the type of flooring you want to be installed. Choices like engineered wood, laminate, and cork will determine the cutting pattern. For rectangular rooms, a basic straight installation is simple. But for irregular floor plans, you may opt for a more intricate design like a herringbone pattern. Make sure to sketch your desired flooring direction in each room. With a complete floor plan mapped out, you will know exactly what measurements you need to take.

Accounting for Wastage

When calculating how much flooring you need, you must account for the inevitability of waste. Cutting boards to fit irregular spaces or work around fixed objects will result in unused scraps. Mistakes in cutting and damaged planks also add waste. For standard engineered plank flooring installed in a straight layout, allot 5–10% extra for waste. But more intricate patterns like herringbone or chevron require more custom cuts, so allocate 10–20% additional material. Having these waste percentages in mind while measuring will ensure you never come up short on materials. For DIY installations, order an extra 5–10% as your cutting skills improve, and consider consulting a professional installer as they can efficiently lay flooring with less waste. Expert tip: Scraps may be reusable for repairs down the road, so be sure to save what you do not use this time. The locking systems used on all V4 flooring are designed for simple extraction and replacement. You can find out more by reading our dedicated installation guides.

Ordering Materials

Once you have your total square footage calculated with the waste factor added in, it is time to order your new flooring materials from your local V4-approved stockist. Take your time double-checking the order amount before submitting payment to avoid an incorrect dispatch. Accurate measuring and planning pay off in a smoother installation.

Cortejo Luxury Cork Flooring Installation

Pre-Installation Checks

Proper preparation is vital before attempting to install your V4 flooring of choice. To help you in this process, here is a checklist to complete before your flooring arrives:

Finish Wet Trades

All wet trades, including screeding and plastering, should be finished with sufficient time allowed for complete drying. Your installation could also benefit from performing a relative humidity test ahead of time, to ensure that moisture levels are within the recommended range for flooring installation. When your flooring does arrive, you should leave all materials in their original packaging, and in the room they are to be installed in for at least 48 hours. This will give your new flooring plenty of time to properly acclimatise to the natural humidity and temperature levels in your home.

Decorating and Cleaning

Carry out painting and any other major decorating tasks ahead of the floor fitting. This helps avoid potential damage from spills and debris. If you must use masking tape on the floor, remove it daily to prevent adhesive residue – especially on floors with underfloor heating.

Cabinet Installation

Fit all fixed cabinetry, such as kitchen units, before laying your floor. This prevents heavy units from restricting the natural movement of the wood and avoids the risk of damage during installation.

Subfloor Assessment

Inspect and prepare your subfloor carefully. It must be level, stable, and free of moisture. Any necessary levelling should be completed, whether by securing existing floorboards or applying a suitable compound. For a uniform height transition, especially where different flooring types meet, consider installing a plywood layer or using expansion joints.

Underfloor Heating Considerations

If you have an underfloor heating system, ensure it’s embedded within a screed or levelling compound. The system should be turned off at least 48 hours before installation to prevent any heat-induced moisture issues. Always follow manufacturer guidelines to maintain the correct temperature once the flooring is installed. All V4 flooring, including our engineered wood, laminate, and cork ranges, are optimised for compatible usage with underfloor heating systems. This means, once installed, these flooring types will work seamlessly alongside your existing system, and evenly distribute heat across each room they are laid in.

Invest in Easy-to-Measure Flooring from V4

The key to a flawless flooring installation lies in meticulous planning and precise measuring. Whether you are crafting a new living space or refreshing an old one, taking the time to assess and prepare your area can make all the difference in achieving a professional finish. If you have yet to decide on new flooring for your home, we encourage you to explore our diverse range of high-quality options. When you are ready, we have free samples you can order to experience the V4 difference for yourself.

December 11, 2024

Warm Your Space With Natural Flooring This Winter

As the temperatures outdoors continue to drop, you need to foster a cosier environment indoors, and natural floors such as those made from wood or cork are the perfect way to achieve this. Their inherent warmth underfoot contrasts sharply with the stark weather outside, while their earthy tones bring a sense of warmth and softness to your indoor spaces. The Essence of Hygge in Home Comfort Hygge, a concept originating from Denmark, represents the essence of comfort and contentment in life's simple pleasures. It is the warm glow of candlelight, the soft addition of a woollen throw, and the feeling of a hot drink on a cold day. This concept extends through to interior design as well, translating into spaces that are warm, peaceful, and inviting. Natural flooring plays a pivotal role in this philosophy, and the organic textures and tones of our engineered wood and cork floors lay the groundwork for a Hygge-inspired home. Bring In Warmth With Engineered Wood Floors Engineered wood flooring exhibits the depth of natural grain patterns and a variety of hues, ranging from light golden ambers to deeper browns. From a practical standpoint, engineered wood's multiple layers enhance both its stability and its insulation capabilities. The core of the flooring acts as a natural barrier, retaining heat and maintaining a comfortable underfoot experience even when the winter chill sets in. Unlike stone or tile, which can be cold to the touch, engineered wood holds warmth, helping to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce the reliance on artificial heating. This natural insulation contributes to a snug environment. Achieve Optimal Comfort With Cork Flooring Cork’s cushioned feel is derived from its unique cellular structure, which provides a gentle give with every step. Beyond this tactile aspect, cork flooring is a natural insulator of both heat and sound. The warmth it retains contributes significantly to the overall thermal comfort of a space, and its acoustic properties make for a quieter home environment. An Almost-Wood Alternative Laminate flooring emerges as a practical alternative for those seeking the aesthetic warmth of wood or cork without the associated costs. Modern laminate can convincingly replicate the appearance of natural materials, providing a room with the inviting allure of a traditional wooden floor or the organic charm of cork. But laminate's advantages extend beyond its visual appeal. It is also a viable contender in areas of high traffic, offering durability and resistance to wear and tear that natural materials may not withstand as well over time. The ease of maintenance is another selling point, with a simple sweep or mop keeping it looking fresh and inviting for longer. Some Practical Tips for Warming Up Your Space To complement these warm floors, incorporate plush rugs in complementary colours that add layers of comfort. Consider soft lighting to create a gentle glow that enhances the natural beauty of the wood and cork textures in the room, before introducing accessories like thick throws, cushioned seating, and heavy-weight curtains in rich, earthy tones. For a touch of elegance and added warmth, you could also integrate brass or copper accents into light fixtures and decorative elements. By carefully selecting a cohesive palette and textures, you can create a harmonious space that radiates warmth throughout even the coldest months. Wintertime Flooring Installations Before laying down engineered wood or cork flooring, it’s crucial to allow the material to acclimatise to your home's environment. Store the flooring inside the room where it will be installed, in its original packaging, for at least 48 hours. This step prevents expansion or contraction post-installation due to temperature fluctuations. Increased indoor heating during winter can cause subfloors to dry out and contract, so check for any gaps or uneven areas that could affect the flooring's stability before installing. It is also advisable to check the indoor humidity level, as this will help you maintain optimal conditions for both the subfloor and the new flooring. Choose Floors That Outlast the Seasons We invite you to explore our range of hardwood and cork floors today, with plenty of free samples available to preview. Their exceptional quality and thermal capabilities prime them for any weather, keeping your home temperate all year round. TRY OUR FLOORING FOR FREE

October 23, 2024

V4 Cube Awards 2024

Find out who won the 2024 Cube Awards, hosted by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen This September we hosted our annual V4 Cube Awards, bringing together our brilliant network of flooring experts, designers, architects and homeowners, to mark the end of summer by celebrating the very best in flooring and design. This year’s awards saw the return of TV presenter and interior designer, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, who hosted the ceremony and was joined on stage by this year’s sponsors, Mapei, Bjelin and Rubio Monocoat to present our winners with their iconic Cube Awards and prizes. Held at our Surrey Design Centre in Woking, guests were greeted by music from the live jazz band and handcrafted cocktails from The Bar Tailors, before enjoying a tasty bite of wood-fired pizza by the brilliant Leather and Willow. New this year, our V4 Garden display, complete with Bramble Crest garden furniture offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy the late summer evenings whilst browsing the brilliant selection of Millboard decking and cladding available at V4. This year’s ceremony featured three highly anticipated categories: Best Home Design, Best Commercial Design, and Best Retail Design, with each category celebrating 10 standout projects. From cosy home designs to impressive commercial spaces, the shortlisted installations truly demonstrated the versatility and beauty that wood flooring can bring to any design. Above all, each project showcased the creativity and craftsmanship of our incredible network of flooring experts, as Laurence went on to discuss… "The V4 Cube awards have quickly become THE highlight of my Autumn schedule, I love celebrating a British industry that’s going from strength to strength where design quality and craftsmanship come together with such vigour and spend the evening partying hard with each other”. The awards kicked off with Best Home Design, which was sponsored by Rubio Monocoat. In joint third place, we had Melanie Sinclaire and Emma Morris! Melanie transformed her open plan kitchen area with our Natureffect Laminate floors to create a warm and inviting, scandinavian inspired design. Whilst Emma Morris paired our Rustic Oak plank with muted green shaker style units to create a timeless family kitchen. In second place, we had Caroline and Paul Wilson, who after a visit to the Surrey Design Centre chose Smoked Oak herringbone from our Deco Parquet collection to transform their 90’s kitchen, blending contemporary warmth with rustic design. And in first place, we had Emma Snow! Emma and her partner used Barleycorn Oak flooring from our brand new Natureffect Mineral Core collection to create a design that offered the aesthetic of real wood, whilst being both hardwearing and easy to care for. Next Laurence presented the Commerical design category, which was sponsored by Mapei. Celebrating the hard work of our talented network of interior designers, architects, and flooring contractors. The shortlisted design highlighted the vast array of project types, from residential developments to restaurant and office designs, each expertly complete with a V4 flooring solution, guaranteed by our commercial warranty. In third place, we had interior designers, Slightly Quirky who transformed their client’s London home with a complete ground floor reconfiguration, before creating a seamless design with our Smoked Oak herringbone to add a modern elegance. In second place was Bridge Flooring, who were presented with their silver cube award for their extraordinary work on the brand new Coppa Club restaurant in Cardiff. Complete with Tannery Brown plank and parquet from our Deco collections, the restaurant design was both contemporary and sympathetic to the building’s iconic heritage. There could however only be one winner, and the commercial first-place cube award was presented to New Homes Flooring, for their breathtaking development project, complete with Misty Grey herringbone from our Tundra collection, greeting a light and airy modern home design. The final award of the evening, presented by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen was Best Retail Project. Sponsored by Bjelin, this award celebrated the success of our approved V4 stockists and their brilliant residential projects featuring our V4 engineered oak flooring solutions. In third place, we had Tile & Floor who beautifully installed our Tannery Brown herringbone from the Deco Parquet collection in this Grade II listed Georgian house in Wiltshire. With distressed detail on the floor, Tannery Brown was the perfect choice to blend modern design with the traditional style. In second place, we had Wellington Flooring with their 500-year-old Surrey home project. Complete with over 100 square metres of Kingswood, one of our hand-finished plank floors from the Heritage collection, the flooring beautifully mirrors the home’s history. The final award of the night was our first-place retail design winner, and this was presented to Moonwalk Flooring. The winning project features Shore Drift Oak from our Deco Parquet collection, which was expertly installed by the team at Moonwalk Flooring throughout the ground floor, offering a clean and bright Scandinavian-inspired design. When discussing the celebration on the night, host Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen went on to say “I think it is incredibly important to celebrate what is going on in the design industry, because it is absolutely extraordinary. We are really beginning to encourage people to start creating spaces that absolutely reflect their personality and look how happy they are as a result”. The TV presenter then went on to speak to the audience, which included flooring and design experts, saying… “We all should be extremely proud of where this industry is going. People are beginning to understand how special a floor like this is, and they are understanding this because of you lot. You are showing them, you are inspiring them, you are telling them how you can do things differently, and you are giving them choice.” Laurence also shared with our guests his journey in redesigning his stunning 17th-century family home, where he personally selected our Black Walnut parquet for its rich tones and timeless elegance. Keep your eyes peeled for the full design story coming soon, as we sit down for Laurence to discuss all things sustainability and design! What’s more, you will also be able to dive even further into these award-winning designs, as we bring the final installations to life with our exclusive case studies, coming soon! In the meantime, why not start your flooring journey today by browsing our collections and ordering your very own free samples – you could even be next year’s Home Design Cube Award winner… From the team at V4, we would like to thank everyone who joined us at the Cube Awards, our sponsors, Mapei, Bjelin and Rubio Monocoat, and of course our fantastic host Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen for making it such a fantastic evening!

August 19, 2024