Author, Written by: Bledy (Installation Expert and Technical Writer)
Taking on a new flooring project is exciting. Whether you are refreshing a single room or redoing an entire home, proper planning makes all the difference between a smooth installation and costly mistakes. To help you stay organised, here is the ultimate checklist to go through before you begin.
1. Define Your Goals
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Purpose of the space: Is it a high traffic hallway, a cosy bedroom, or a family kitchen?
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Style preference: Modern minimalism, rustic charm, or classic elegance?
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Budget range: Decide on what you’re comfortable spending, factoring in not just flooring but also underlay, trims, and installation.
2. Measure the Space Accurately
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Measure both length and width of the room and multiply for square metres.
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Add at least 10% extra to account for cuts and waste, especially if you’re choosing patterned flooring like herringbone.
3. Assess Your Subfloor
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Check for levelness: Uneven subfloors may require levelling compounds.
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Inspect for damp: In older UK homes, moisture problems are common and need treatment before laying new flooring.
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Repair damage: Fill cracks or replace damaged boards before moving ahead.
4. Choose the Right Flooring Type
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Laminate or vinyl: Affordable, durable, and available in endless styles.
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Engineered wood: A warm, authentic look that works well with underfloor heating.
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Solid wood: Timeless, long lasting, but needs more upkeep.
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SPC/LVT: Waterproof and perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
5. Select Underlay and Accessories
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Underlay improves comfort, sound insulation, and floor lifespan.
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Consider whether you need thermal insulation or soundproofing.
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Don’t forget trims, thresholds, and skirting for a polished finish.
6. Plan for Practicalities
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Delivery & storage: Flooring should acclimatise in the room for 48 hours before installation.
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Furniture: Arrange where heavy furniture will go or plan storage during fitting.
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Waste disposal: Organise how you will dispose of old flooring and packaging.
7. Decide on DIY vs Professional Installation
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DIY friendly: Click systems like Quick Step, Boen, and Lushwood are designed for ease.
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Professional fitting: Recommended for complex layouts, natural wood floors, or large areas.
8. Prepare the Room
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Remove old flooring and skirting boards if necessary.
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Ensure the room is dry, clean, and dust free.
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Gather the right tools if installing yourself.
9. Understand Maintenance Requirements
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Laminate and vinyl require simple sweeping and damp mopping.
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Engineered and solid wood may need refinishing over time.
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Factor in cleaning routines that suit your lifestyle.
10. Confirm Final Design Choices
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Double check the colour under different lighting conditions.
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Lay out sample planks in the room before committing.
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Ensure patterns (like parquet or chevron) are aligned with your interior design vision.
With this in mind
A flooring project is more than just choosing a material you love. With careful planning, accurate measurements, and the right installation approach, you’ll save both time and money while ensuring your new floors look stunning for years to come. Tick off this checklist step by step, and you’ll be ready for a hassle free flooring transformation.
About Author:
Bledy is a flooring installation expert with over 15 years of experience. He writes easy to follow guides and tips to help homeowners and professionals with flooring projects.