Flooring Advice & FAQs
Whether you are looking for a wood, laminate, luxury vinyl floor or would rather opt for a warm carpet or rug, our dedicated specialists are on hand to help you make the right decision according to your lifestyle, the area of the home you are updating and, of course, your budget.
Our products all have different installation processes, guarantees and durability. Click on the FAQs for each different flooring type for more information and advice. Remember, each product from the different manufacturers all differ in terms of quality, durability and the guarantee available.
If you don’t find the answer to a question you may about any of our products of services, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us for flooring advice. Our experts are on hand to provide advice on any type of flooring including luxury vinyl, carpet, laminate and engineered and solid wood.
Visit our showroom on Fenwick Road in Giffnock to find out more about the different types of flooring available to you. Our 4,000 square foot showroom features a children’s play area, coffee bar and we have extra large samples so you can really get a feel for each type of flooring that we retail.
Alternatively, call us on 0141 638 0968 for expert flooring advice.
Wood Floor FAQs
Will I need to refinish an engineered floor?
Can engineered wood floors be laid over a concrete floor?
Do I need to leave an expansion gap with wooden floors?
What is the best laying direction?
Can an engineered wood floor be installed in bathrooms or wet areas?
What’s the best alternative to wood flooring?
Laminate FAQs
Where can I have laminate flooring installed?
When can a laminate floor be installed in a bathroom?
What are the advantages of laminate flooring over hardwood flooring?
How do I maintain my new laminate floor?
Why do I need to use a DPM on a concrete subfloor?
Can I use my old carpet underlay with laminate flooring?
What can I do if my floor is making noises when I walk on it?
Can a laminate floor scratch?
Carpet FAQs
Why would I choose First Floors for my carpet purchase?
Will I be able to find what I am looking for in your store?
Will I find something in my budget and receive value for money?
Do you charge for estimates?
Do you offer a fitting service?
What are the delivery and fitting timescales?
What if I wish to order but not ready for a fitting date?
Do you have an after sale service?
We would like carpet on stairs and top landing but wood on my hallway. Do I have to go elsewhere for my hallway?
We only purchase environmentally friendly products – are you environmentally aware?
Vinyl FAQs
What are the advantages of the Vinyl click system?
Does vinyl flooring need a subfloor?
Is Vinyl a good alternative to solid hardwood or engineered wood?
What about a glue down vinyl floor?
Can I have vinyl flooring in a humid area such as a bathroom or shower room?
Is luxury vinyl expensive to fit?
Rug FAQs
Can I have any carpet made into a rug?
Yes we can, but please bear in mind that we are governed by the carpet widths of either 4m or 5m wide, however there are many multi wide ranges that can enable us to minimize waste. We can order any carpet, cut to your specific size and have it sent for whipping or edging.
Can I have any shape or size rug?
There is no minimum or maximum size restriction on bespoke rugs, however we cannot cut carpets to circular or half moon shapes.
What edgings are available?
We have a range borders available in several colours and widths. However, if you would like a bespoke rug from Alternative Flooring there are many borders available in cotton, canvas, leather and suede. You can also have several borders combined to help tie in several colours from your décor.
How long will it take for my bespoke rug to be delivered to the showroom for collection?
Made to measure rugs from Alternative Flooring take around 4 weeks for delivery, whereas made to measure rugs from all other brands will take around 2 weeks.
What is Make Me A Rug by Alternative Flooring
Alternative Flooring has a wide range of wool and natural fibre rugs (made from seagrass jute and coir) in many styles and colours. You can now have a rug made from any of the Alternative Flooring carpet ranges using a clever online tool. You can visit the showroom and we will talk you through the ranges available and the process of designing your own rug.
What’s the difference between a synthetic and wool rug?
Synthetic rugs are more stain resistant, and many are bleach-cleanable so are ideal for busy family lives and in areas of high footfall such as a hallway. Wool rugs are made from a natural product, and therefore are higher in price. However, they have a longer life expectancy, as the fibres are flexible and don’t break as easily.
Do you have any ready-made rugs in store?
Yes we have a brand called Clan, which provides some stunning tartan rugs and runners in various sizes and in a range of colours. However, we offer a bespoke rug service whereby you can have a rug made out of any of our carpet ranges and either edged or whipped. Talk to one of our experts if you would like a rug with a difference, as we can talk you through all the options.
What size area rug should I buy?
We recommend that you purchase a rug leaves a gap of at least two feet on each wall. Generally you should place the rug in front of furniture rather than underneath it, especially if you have a beautiful natural wood or luxury vinyl floor that you want to show off, and the contrast can be really attractive
What types of rugs make the best investments?
Hand–knotted rugs are the highest quality and longest lasting rugs available, and can last over 100 years.
How do I pick the right rug to compliment the patterns and colours in my room?
The best way to decide on the best rug for your home is to do some research – visit design sites such as Houzz and Pinterest for interiors ideas, and also our brand websites to get some ideas. Generally speaking, geometric and floral designs clash but either goes well with stripes but try not introduce a new pattern if you have lots going on, similarly if your room is plain you might want to introduce a design in your rug.