FAQs

Carpet is good for making a room more cosy and insulating your floors. It's a good choice if you tend to walk around barefoot.

In the first instance there are two fibre types – ‘man-made’ such as Polypropylene, Nylon and Polyester, or natural fibres, such as Wool. Each have their own attributes. Cormar make carpets from wool, wool/synthetic blends and polypropylene.

Wool has more resilience than most other fibres because of the high degree of 'natural crimp' in the fibre, which help it withstand heavy footfall, maintaining the appearance of the Carpet over longer periods. Wool is also a truly 'Green' fibre - grown every year by sheep throughout fields and moorlands - it is an annually renewable natural resource, without harm to the planet.

It has natural insulating properties, which reduces heat loss, condensation and reduces noise, providing improved air quality and a comfortable home environment. It is naturally flame resistant and produces less toxic fumes than most other household materials, making it a safer product in areas of public usage and throughout the home.

Carpet using wool are easily maintained, has an inbuilt resistance to soiling due to it's natural oils and responds well to cleaning.

Made from synthetic fibres, Polypropylene is a highly durable fibre that can even be cleaned with bleach, making it an excellent choice for busy homes, especially if you have young children or household pets! It can also be one of the most affordable type of synthetic carpet and can be use in most of the rooms in your house.
The latest technology developments in carpet fibres means that there are now many types of polypropylene yarns that all have their own unique set of benefits. And it’s just about the most practical flooring option that there is out there. It’s not just about practicality however, as well as coping with everything that family life throws at you, a polypropylene carpet retains colour really well so it won’t fade over time. This means your carpet will look newer, for longer but it also means there is a wide availability of different colours for you to get your hands on.

Twist pile carpets are one of the most popular types of carpet at the moment. The yarn is tightly twisted and heat set to give a defined, textured surface. They’re very hard wearing, so less likely to show footprints.

Saxony pile carpets are also made of twisted yarns, but they are set so the tips of the fibres remain a bit more distinct. They are generally longer and often heavier which creates a luxurious deep pile and a soft texture. Known for it’s super soft feel. Saxony carpets can tend to show footprints and vacuum marks and will flatten to some extent so we recommend regularly vacuuming.

Loop pile carpets are made with looped yarn tufted through a primary backing but not cut. Level loops piles are all the same height, creating a flat smooth surface. This type of carpet is very durable and can have an even appearance. The tight loop texture tends to hide marks really well offering an extra element of practicality.

Loop pile can also be produced with differing pile heights, creating a textured loop pile. These textured traditional style carpets are often called “Berbers” and the term has become interchangeable with the multi-level loop style carpet constructions. Although very durable, we don’t recommend loop pile carpets if you have pets, as the loops can often get caught and pulled-up by their claws.

Caring for Carpet can seem daunting and off course, depending on the type of fibre, will depend on how to care for them. Check out our Carpet Care Guide for all our advice & tips.

LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile - a product that looks like real wood and stone flooring, but provides many more practical benefits. Available in a range of shapes, sizes and effects, you can create an authentic looking floor in your home, without the practical drawbacks of natural products.

There are three options when it comes to fitting LVT. Firstly theres the clic system or commonly know as a floating floor, these are normally 6mm with a milled on clic profile, normally fitted on an underlay and are normally a faster installation. Secoundly there is loose lay fast and easy to install and normally installed using pressure sensitive adhesives. Lastly Glue down individual tiles and wood planks are stuck down using adhesive this enables for designer floors with borders and feature strips.

Luxury Vinyl Tiles are commonly made from multiple layers of PVC vinyl. The PVC is mixed with various compounds to affect the hardness. These multiple sheets of PVC vinyl are carefully compressed by a rolling process, suspended in a liquid. This is then dried through an application of heat and air to produce tough sheets of vinyl. The top layer can also feature an embossed finish, with manufacturers being able to add realism to the top layer by adding a layer of depth to help mimic the grooves found in stone or wood.

LVT floors then have a clear vinyl and urethane coating applied at the end of manufacturing to add further protection and comfort to the finished product. They are compressed together and a decorative printed vinyl layer is bonded to the surface to add enhanced comfort and warmth. Rigid LVT boards are often thicker and will usually have a click system to make DIY installation easier.

New developments in Green technology, are improving the manufacture of LVT flooring, by using recycled plastics and even wood, in the core materials. Some manufacturers are even incorporating cork underlays into their products.

1. Durability
LVT flooring is extremely durable and hardwearing. As already mentioned, the floor has a built-in scratch and stain guard. LVT is much more robust than wood, tile or laminate flooring that can easily become worn due to daily wear and tear. Certain manufacturers of LVT even offer a 25-year guarantee on their domestic range. If you are looking for something even more hardwearing, some types of LVT have been designed to withstand heavy footfall and can be used in commercial properties.

2. Waterproof
Most types of LVT are 100% waterproof, making them ideal for areas like kitchens and bathrooms, or anywhere with excess water.

3. Authentic Designs
Another one of the benefits of LVT is that are endless designs to choose from. All are authentic in appearance and give a realistic representation of either wood flooring or ceramic or stone tiles. The designs are of a high quality and new designs are continually becoming available.

4. Versatility
LVT is extremely versatile and practical. Its durability, robustness and waterproof properties mean that it can be installed easily into any room in your home. It can withstand the high footfall associated with busy areas like hallways and living spaces. It can be used with underfloor heating and in rooms like conservatories, where temperature constantly changes. As already mentioned, it can be used in bathrooms, utility rooms and kitchens as most types are fully waterproof.

5. Pet freindly

All LVT collections feature a durable wear layer – helping to protect your floor against day-to-day family life, including the comings and goings of lively family pets!

Absolutely! Their is a range of stone LVT designs that look authentic and are durable and easy to clean, making them the perfect choice for busy households.

Ceramic and stone flooring are naturally cold, and damaged tiles can look unsightly and be difficult to replace. LVT is warm underfoot, minor scuffs and scratches can often be buffed out with Amtico Maintenance products, and individual tiles can be replaced if damaged.

Please note LVT is not suitable for external or unheated locations.

Cleaning and maintaining LVT is simple. For more tips about looking after your floor, read our LVT Care Guide for all tips & advice.

Engineered hardwood flooring is made up of multiple layers of wood. The surface of the flooring plank is called a wear layer. This is the part that you can see once the floor has been fitted. The wear layer is your chosen species of wood. For example, Oak or Walnut, and is usually between 2.5mm – 6mm in thickness. The rest of the plank of flooring is made up of base layers. This gives additional strength and stability to the flooring. So, for example, the total thickness of your flooring plank may be 18mm but only 4mm of that may be real hardwood and the other 14mm will be the base layers. There are usually multiple base layers made from either plywood, Hevea or Eucalyptus which are fixed to the wear layer at a 90 degree angle to give dimensional stability to the flooring plank.

Engineered hardwood can either have a click fitting system or a tongue and groove profile, and can also be found in parquet blocks. Plank widths, thicknesses and lengths can vary depending on your requirements. There are also different finishes to choose from including: oiled, lacquered, brushed and unfinished. If you choose an unfinished floor, then you will need to protect it with an oil or lacquer once it has been installed.

Engineered hardwood flooring should not be mistaken for laminate flooring. Engineered hardwood actually has a top layer of real hardwood, whereas laminate flooring is a high quality picture of wooden flooring laminated onto high density fibreboard (HDF), not wood.

You will usually find it more cost effective than solid hardwood flooring.
It is difficult for you to tell it apart from solid hardwood flooring once installed.
It has a real layer of hardwood on top.
You will be able to use it in more versatile ways as it is more resilient to changes in temperature and humidity than solid wood flooring.
It is a very stable product and can be installed in over an underlay and with underfloor heating and in conservatories.
It can also be fixed to the subfloor if required.
If you choose a click system engineered hardwood then you will find it quick and easy to install.
You will have a choice of different wood species, styles, colours, finishes and plank sizes.
If necessary, you can sand the top layer of real wood and refinish the flooring.

Multiple layers of wood are bonded together with the chosen species of wood, for example, Oak or Walnut, on top (wear layer) and the base layer underneath. The wear layer must be thicker than 2mm otherwise it is classed as veneered wood flooring, rather than engineered. The base layer, which cannot be seen once the flooring is installed, is usually either a plywood base or a 3-ply block construction. A plywood base is a layer of plywood glued to the bottom of the wear layer. Alternatively, a 3-ply block construction has a middle layer, usually made from Eucalyptus or Hevea, which is glued at 90 degrees to the grain of the wear layer. It then has a base of plywood.

Engineered wood flooring planks are dimensionally stable (because they are made up of multiple layers) so do not need fixing in place. This means that they can be loose laid over an underlay, a technique also known as a ‘floating floor’. To do this, the planks would be clicked or glued together.

If necessary, engineered wood flooring planks can also be glued down, and secret nailed or secret screwed if the plank is at least 18mm thick and the subfloor is suitable.

Because of its moisture resistance, engineered hardwood can be installed in kitchens, laundry rooms, and even basements.

Thanks to its excellent durability, engineered wood is strong enough to be installed in both residential and commercial settings, so your business and your home will look great. Plus, it can be installed over most subfloors, and there’s no grade level of your home that’s off-limits. Some planks are complete with an attached underlayment, making them ready for anything in every room of the house.

Cleaning and maintaining Engineered Wood can be simple. For more tips about looking after your floor, read our Engineered Wood Care Guide for all tips & advice.

Laminate flooring is a synthetic floor covering that has been designed to look like wood flooring or sometimes stone flooring. It has been a popular choice with DIY enthusiasts for decades. Traditionally it offered a cheaper alternative to real wood. Any keen home renovator can install laminate flooring without the need of a professional floor fitter.
In the early days of laminate flooring, the quality was quite poor. Although the idea was that it should mimic hardwood flooring, it was very easy to tell them apart by look and feel. In more recent years the quality of laminate flooring has significantly increased. With reputable manufacturers such as Quick-Step investing in the design and production of their laminate flooring products, more superior and authentic looking styles are available. In recent years there has also been more choice of designs and styles of laminate flooring. Traditionally laminate was only available in a wood effect. Over more recent years, different designs and effects have been developed to provide you with a wider choice of options. You will be able to choose from effects such as: stone tiles, ceramic tiles and a wide range of different species of wood and bamboo.

Someone may easily mistake good quality laminate flooring for a wooden floor. However, laminate flooring does not contain any real wood at all. Each plank is made up of various synthetic layers and topped with a photograph of wood (or stone). The surface layer can sometimes have a built in scratch guard for added protection. The top surface of the floor is water resistant so can cope with the occasional spill or splash. Some types of laminate flooring are even waterproof.

Each different brand of laminate flooring will be made slightly differently. However, the main principles are the same.

Laminate flooring is made from multiple layers. The idea is that the finished product will resemble wood, stone or tile flooring. The top of the flooring (the part that you see) is a high definition photograph of your chosen effect. This is usually a type of hardwood but can also be bamboo or stone. The high quality photograph is extremely detailed and looks very authentic. This is covered (or laminated) by a transparent protective surface layer. The surface layer gives the protection that the floor needs to deal with daily wear and tear. A good quality laminate flooring will have a durable surface with built it scratch guard and water resistance.

Beneath the photograph is a core layer. This core is usually made from High Density Fibreboard (HDF), which helps to give the flooring some structure. The final and bottom layer is there to balance the floor board. This balancing layer helps to give additional strength to your floor and stops the planks from cupping or bowing when being installed.

The finished product is a plank of flooring that has a click fitting system on each edge. Different widths, lengths and thicknesses of planks are available to suit your requirements.

Laminate flooring is still a very popular choice. It has many benefits and advantages:

You will be able to find laminate at a much cheaper cost than real wood or stone floors. This makes it very popular for people who have a tight budget or a for rental properties.
The flooring is strong and durable. It is resistant to stains, impacts and scratches so perfect for busy areas.
It does not fade in sunlight like some species of wood or natural stone products. This is due to the protective top coating it has.
You will be able to use most types of laminate flooring with underfloor heating. You will just need to check with the manufacturer and make sure you use the correct underlay. Specific underfloor heating underlay allows for the heat to transfer efficiently.
As already mentioned, it is a very low maintenance type of flooring. Laminate flooring requires sweeping to remove dust and dirt and only a few precautionary measures to prevent damage. It is very easy to look after.
Laminate flooring has a click fitting system so is easy to install. Simply fit over an underlay by clicking the planks together. Your floor will then be ready to use straight away.
There are a huge range of different effects, colours and patterns to choose from. Traditionally laminate flooring was either pale or dark wood. Nowadays you will be able to find this type of flooring in many different styles of wood and stone effect.
Most types of good quality laminate flooring are water resistant. Some types are even classified as waterproof so it is important to check this before you buy.
Laminate flooring is available in a range of different plank sizes. With different widths and lengths you are sure to find your perfect floor. There are often different thickness to choose from too. This can be important if you only have a narrow gap underneath doorways.
It is a very hygienic type of flooring. It is quick and easy to clean and does not allow for a build-up of dust or dirt. If you have allergies then this may be a great choice for you.
Any type of laminate flooring is ideal for households with pets. The top surface of the flooring is relatively tough and durable. This means that it acts as a scratch resistant layer. There is no need to worry about pet claws marking or scraping your floor.

Laminate flooring is very easy to install. The best way is to float it over an underlay.

Laminate flooring is extremely versatile. You can use the floor in almost any room in your home. It is built to be durable enough to deal with your daily wear and tear so make a prefect choice for hallways, living areas and bedrooms. You will find beautiful designs of flooring. This will allow you to match it to any décor or theme and will bring a fresh new look to your room.

Some types of laminate flooring are water resistant so would be better choices for rooms where some water or drinks may be present, such as dining areas and hallways. Quick-step even have a range of laminate flooring (Hydroseal) that is waterproof and provides 100% resistance to moisture. This is recommended if you choose to have laminate flooring in rooms with a lot of water, like bathrooms, kitchens or utility rooms.

There are lots of different cleaning products on offer to keep your laminate looking fresh and new. Check out our Laminate Care Guide for all tips & advice.

Sheet vinyl is a multi-layer, durable flooring that’s easy to install and easy to clean. A vinyl sheet features a wear layer and a wear layer to protect it from scuffs and scratches, much like vinyl planks and tiles.

Vinyl sheets used to have a reputation for being “low-quality,” but those days are long gone. Popular sheet vinyl is made of quality materials and contains a fiberglass layer that lays the sheet flat and keeps it from curling.

Vinyl Sheet

Vinyl sheet comes in a variety of different colours, patterns and designs.
Often laid in one or two pieces, minimal seams are achieved.
Requires installation by an expert.
Repairs to this flooring would require the whole flooring to be replaced or a cut and replacement of the damaged section creating an additional seam.

Luxury Vinyl Tiles

Creates a realistic effect with designs mimicking stone, ceramic and hardwood.
There is the ability to configure the tiles to any desired pattern, personalising it to your room.
Fast and easier installation over sheet vinyl.
Tile replacement is unnoticeable should a repair be required.

In terms of durability, the good news is that vinyl has a wear layer that protects from scratches. Yet, no vinyl product is 100% scratch proof, so over time, damages may occur. We recommend trying to keep all pet’s nails trimmed, sharp furniture edges covered and everything else that may cause scratch protected.

Where can Vinyl Flooring be installed?
Due to its water-resistance, durability, and ease of installation and maintenance, vinyl flooring can be installed in any room in your home.
Its water-resistance and durability make it a particularly good choice for bathrooms and kitchens. However, vinyl flooring is also a popular option for other rooms in the home, including living rooms and bedrooms.

Vinyl flooring is so easy to install that you can have a whole new look to any room in your home in just one weekend. Exactly how to install your vinyl floor depends on the type of product you choose. And in the case of vinyl roll flooring, the size and usage of the room also influence the recommended installation method.

Vinyl floors are not only stylish and simple to install; they're also easy to clean and maintain. Check out our Vinyl Flooring Care Guide for all tips & advice.