Hardwood Floor Installation

Enhance the beauty and value of your property with expert hardwood floor fitting in London. At FlooringFirst!, we offer professional installation services for a wide variety of hardwood floors — from classic oak to walnut, maple, and ash — using time-tested methods and high-quality materials to deliver stunning, long-lasting results.

Whether you're updating a single room or fitting new floors throughout your home or business, our experienced team provides a tailored service that begins with careful subfloor preparation and ends with flawless finishing. With decades of experience, we understand the unique challenges of hardwood floor installation and ensure everything from moisture control to precision fitting is handled to the highest standard.

Essential Preparation Before Fitting Hardwood Floors

Proper preparation is the foundation of any successful hardwood floor installation. Before laying begins, it's important to ensure the indoor environment is stable and suitable for wood flooring. Our fitters follow strict preparation steps to eliminate risks like movement, cupping, or gaps after installation.

• Allow hardwood planks to acclimatise in the installation room for at least 7 days.
• Maintain indoor humidity between 50–60% and a temperature of around 18°C.
• Ensure the subfloor is level, clean, and dry, with moisture content within safe limits.
• Keep all windows and doors closed during the installation period.

We also inspect any underfloor heating systems or pipework in the area to prevent hidden moisture problems from affecting your new floor. For more on what's included in our service, explore our floor installation process.

Subfloor Preparation & Installation Methods

A successful hardwood floor installation begins with a solid, properly prepared subfloor. Whether you're installing over timber joists, chipboard, plywood, or concrete, we make sure the surface is clean, dry, level, and structurally sound. Our team checks for moisture issues and recommends the right underlays or membranes if needed.

• Timber Joists: We treat joists with a moisture barrier to protect the wood.
• Concrete Subfloors: We apply a damp-proof membrane before laying planks.
• Plywood & Chipboard: We inspect for damage and secure all boards before fitting.

Our fitters follow the manufacturer’s tolerances to guarantee the longevity of your new floor. We choose the installation method best suited for your project and subfloor type:

• Nail-Down: Ideal for solid wood boards over timber subfloors, plywood, or battens. Secret nailing ensures a clean, durable finish.
• Glue-Down: Recommended for installations over concrete, using flexible adhesives designed for hardwood floors.
• Floating: Used mainly with engineered wood, not solid boards, for quick fitting and easier underlay integration.

We always leave a minimum 15mm expansion gap around the edges of the room to allow natural movement and prevent warping — a crucial detail often missed in DIY installations.

Why Choose FlooringFirst! for Hardwood Installation

With over two decades of experience in professional floor installation across London, FlooringFirst! has become a trusted name for quality and reliability. We bring unmatched attention to detail, technical expertise, and a commitment to delivering flooring that lasts.

• 20+ years of experience fitting solid and engineered hardwood floors in homes and businesses.
• Tailored service based on your floor type, subfloor, room usage, and design preferences.
• High-grade materials and adhesives are used for a lasting, professional finish.
• Full project support including subfloor prep, skirting fitting, and post-installation guidance.

We don’t just install floors — we help you make the right flooring decision for your property. Whether you're after a timeless oak floor or a sleek, dark-stained surface, our team ensures your vision becomes a durable reality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Floor Installation

What is the difference between solid hardwood and engineered wood flooring?

Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of timber, while engineered wood consists of a real wood top layer over a stable plywood or composite base. Both look and feel the same once installed, but engineered wood is more resistant to humidity changes.

Should I choose nail-down or glue-down installation for solid wood floors?

It depends on your subfloor. Nail-down (or secret nailing) is ideal for wooden subfloors or joists, while glue-down is recommended for concrete or screeded subfloors. We’ll advise on the best method after inspection.

How do you handle expansion gaps for solid wood floors?

We leave a 10–15 mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the room, which is covered by skirting boards or beading. This allows the wood to expand and contract naturally without damage.

Can you install solid wood flooring in kitchens or bathrooms?

While it’s possible, solid wood isn’t the most suitable choice for areas with high moisture. For these spaces, we often recommend engineered wood, which is more stable and moisture-resistant.

Do wood planks need to acclimatise before installation?

Yes — we acclimatise solid wood planks in your home for about 7 days before fitting. This allows the timber to adjust to the indoor humidity, reducing the risk of future warping or gaps.

Will you handle trimming doors and installing skirting boards?

Yes — we can trim doors, fit new skirting boards, or add beading to ensure a neat, professional finish after installation.

If you're unsure whether solid hardwood or engineered flooring is the right choice, visit our guide on solid vs engineered wood flooring for practical advice.

If you're planning to upgrade your home or office with beautifully installed hardwood flooring, our experienced London team is here to help. We offer expert advice, transparent pricing, and professional installation tailored to your needs. Whether you're interested in traditional solid wood planks or modern engineered flooring, we ensure lasting results. Learn more about our floor installation services, or call us directly on 020 88309782 to speak with a specialist. You can also book a free site visit at your convenience — no obligations, just honest advice and professional support.