First Floor’s Top Flooring Picks and Installation Tips

30th November 2023
Brown Wooden Surface

When it comes to flooring options, there are so many options available on the market that it can sometimes be hard to decide which style is right for you — that’s where First Floors can help.

If you’re thinking of investing in hardwood flooring, luxury vinyl flooring, or laminate flooring, it’s important to do your research first before taking the plunge. Here are our top flooring picks, and our tips on installation too.

 

First Floor’s top picks

At First Floors, we pride ourselves on providing quality flooring that is both practical and visually appealing. Here are a few of our favourite flooring options available in our Scotland showroom.

Engineered oak flooring

Engineered oak flooring is a popular choice for those who want the beauty of real wood floors with added stability. It consists of multiple layers of wood bonded together, providing enhanced resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations. Our flooring showroom in Glasgow offers a variety of finishes and shades to complement your interior.

Solid oak floors

For a classic and authentic hardwood experience, solid oak floors are a timeless option. They exude natural charm and elegance, with each plank showcasing the unique grain patterns of oak. We offer a wide selection of finishes, including matte, glossy, and hand-scraped textures.

Luxury vinyl

Luxury vinyl flooring (also known as luxury vinyl floor tiling or LVT) is a versatile choice that mimics the look of hardwood while offering additional benefits. It is highly durable, waterproof, and easy to maintain, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Our carpet showroom also features luxury vinyl options, allowing you to explore various styles and designs.

Amtico

If you’re searching for a high-quality alternative to traditional hardwood, Amtico luxury vinyl tiles are a great choice. At First Floors, we offer a selection of Amtico’s innovative designs, including intricate patterns and textures that can elevate the aesthetics of any space.

 

Should you choose hardwood flooring?

If you’re in the process of choosing a new flooring for your home, you may be wondering if hardwood flooring is the right choice for you.

Timeless elegance

One of the key reasons why real wood floors remain a favourite among homeowners is its timeless elegance. Whether you have a modern apartment or a traditional home, hardwood floors can seamlessly blend into any interior style. Their natural beauty and warm tones create a welcoming atmosphere that adds value to your property.

Durability

Hardwood floors are renowned for their durability and longevity. Unlike laminate flooring or carpets that may need frequent replacement, real wood floors can last for generations when properly maintained. They can withstand heavy foot traffic, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like living rooms and hallways.

Variety of options

First Floor’s flooring showroom offers a wide range of hardwood flooring options to suit your taste and requirements. From engineered oak flooring to solid oak floors, there are choices for every budget and design preference. You can also explore luxury vinyl and Amtico options if you desire the look of wood with added durability and water resistance.

Easy maintenance

Maintaining hardwood floors is relatively straightforward. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping will keep them looking their best. Unlike carpets that trap allergens and require deep cleaning, hardwood floors are hypoallergenic and easy to clean, making them a healthier choice for your home.

 

Hardwood flooring installation tips

Before you invest in new hardwood floors for your space, it’s important to take note of the following tips first.

Acclimation period

Before installation, it’s crucial to allow the hardwood planks to acclimate to the humidity and temperature of your home. This helps prevent issues like warping and shrinking after installation. Depending on the product and your location, this acclimation period may take several days.

Subfloor preparation

A smooth and clean subfloor is essential for a successful hardwood floor installation. Any imperfections or debris on the subfloor can affect the final result. First Floor’s professionals will assess your subfloor and make any necessary preparations to ensure a flawless installation.

Finishing touches

Once the hardwood flooring is installed, the finishing touches are essential to complete the look. You can choose from various finishes, including oil-based or water-based polyurethane, to protect and enhance the appearance of your floors. Our team is on hand to guide you in selecting the right finish for your needs.

Professional installation

While some may attempt to install hardwood flooring themselves, it is highly recommended to hire a professional for the best results. Proper installation ensures your floor is level, free of gaps, and correctly acclimated to the environment.

At First Floors, our competitive floor fitting costs ensure minimal disruption. Our expert installers are highly skilled in hardwood, engineered wood, and carpet fitting, and they are certified Amtico Master Installers. They can also discuss custom designs, borders, and parquet styles, including herringbone and cross hatch.

Our team prepares your floor meticulously and treats your home with utmost respect. You’ll enjoy a beautiful new wooden floor, stunning carpet, or perfectly installed luxury vinyl without any hassle or mess.

 

High-quality hardwood flooring from First Floors

If you’re looking to invest in quality, reliable hardwood flooring, the team at First Floors has you covered. From wood, laminate, LVT, carpet, and rugs, to expert floor installation, we’ll be with you every step of the way to make sure that your new flooring stands the test of time.

Visit our flooring showroom in Glasgow or get in touch if you have any questions.

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Customer Reviews

First Floors

Customer Reviews

Anna Smylie April 2021

Google
Fantastic service. David gave me great advice on which flooring would be most suitable for my business premises. Within the week Steven came to fit the flooring and, as promised, was in and out in a day. Can’t recommend this local Company enough. Anna Smylie ZuZu Giffnock.

Dawn Henry November 2021

Google
We recently purchased engineered oak flooring and carpets from First Floors. The customer service from David and team was exceptional. We had just moved home from overseas and bought a house with no floors so we did not have access to allow First Floors to measure. Theye allowed us to use our own measurements as we wanted the floors laid ASAP once we had the keys. The floor is beautiful and laid very professionally (thanks Steven). The carpets are also lovely and exactly what I wanted. The only thing I would change about the experience would be to have First Floors assess the house in advance. We have fire doors which were a problem the day the carpets were laid. This was not the issue of First Floors and it was resolved quickly. Thanks again David, we would highly recommend First Floors to anyone.

Ian and Lesley Proctor January 2022

Google
Another Great Job Done!!
Just had our third floor project in seven years completed by First Floors once again.
Great service from David and his showroom team from assisting in the selection of materials through to arranging the installation. Chris and his team worked tidily and efficiently on the hardwood flooring with great attention to detail. Gordon who fitted the stair carpet was very professional in his work and was able to resolve some problematic details to our entire satisfaction.
Would definitely recommend First Floors.