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How to clean and maintain your carpets and flooring

You may find something useful here on home decor advice and general articles on floor and all sorts of things.

Exploring The Benefits of Underfloor Heating for Your Home


A lovely tarkett floor


What is the difference between furniture linoleum and flooring linoleum?

Furniture linoleum is thinner (around 2 mm), flexible, and designed for desks, cabinets, and other surfaces. Flooring linoleum is thicker (2.5–4 mm), denser, and built for high-traffic areas with a stronger backing and tougher wear layer.

What is the best adhesive for linoleum on timber?

We recommend high-quality water-based linoleum adhesives like Forbo L910 or F-ball Styccobond F54. Ensure the timber is clean, smooth, dry, and free from dust or grease before application.

How do I measure a room for carpet fitting?

Measure the longest length and width of the room, including alcoves and recesses. Add at least 10 cm to each measurement for trimming. For patterned carpets, allow extra for pattern matching. For stairs, use 0.5 m² per straight step and 1.25 m² per winding step.

Can flooring be installed over underfloor heating?

Yes — many flooring types can be installed over underfloor heating (UFH), but the system type, subfloor preparation, and floor covering choice are crucial for performance and longevity.

1. Types of UFH:

  • Water-fed (hydronic): Pipes encased in screed, ideal for large spaces.
  • Electric: Heating mats or cables, great for retrofits, require self-levelling compound.

2. Suitable flooring:

  • Marmoleum/Linoleum — fully bonded, gradual heat changes.
  • Engineered wood — ≤ 18 mm for optimal heat transfer.
  • LVT — excellent heat conductor.
  • Tiles — most efficient conductor.
  • Carpet — combined tog ≤ 2.5.
Do I need underlay for carpet installation?

Yes — underlay improves comfort, insulation, soundproofing, and extends carpet life. Replace old underlay when fitting a new carpet.

Can I lay new flooring over my existing floor?

Yes, if the existing floor is level, stable, dry, and clean. However, removing it allows for better subfloor preparation and often leads to longer-lasting results.

How do I clean and maintain my new flooring?
  • Carpet: Vacuum regularly, clean spills immediately, and deep clean every 12–18 months.
  • Vinyl/Linoleum: Sweep/vacuum, mop with neutral cleaner.
  • Wood: Use wood floor cleaner, avoid excess water.
What is the difference between vinyl and Marmoleum?

Vinyl is synthetic, fully water-resistant, and available in many designs. Marmoleum is natural, eco-friendly, antibacterial, and highly durable.

How long after installation can I walk on my new floor?
  • Carpet: Immediately.
  • Glue-down floors: Wait 24 hours.
  • Floating floors: Immediately.
Do you provide a warranty on flooring?

Yes — warranty terms vary by flooring type and manufacturer. We provide full details upon purchase.

Why do you need to template a winding stair when making a runner?

Winding stairs vary in size and shape. A template ensures a perfect fit, avoiding gaps or misalignment. Watch our guide: How to Template a Winding Stair Runner.

Is Amtico or Karndean better than other LVT brands?

No — all LVT is made from similar materials. Amtico and Karndean stand out for design range and embossing quality.

How long does it take from order to fitting?

Usually 1–2 weeks depending on product availability and scheduling.

Do you keep any stock of carpet tiles?

No — manufacturers deliver quickly and offer thousands of colours and designs, making stocking impractical.

Why do you need an expansion gap when fitting a wood floor?

Wood expands/contracts with temperature and humidity changes. An expansion gap (10–15 mm) prevents buckling or warping.

Do you need an expansion gap for LVT, vinyl, or Marmoleum?

Fully bonded installations generally need minimal gaps. Floating click systems still require a small gap.

Do you need an expansion gap for laminate floors?

Yes — a 10–12 mm perimeter gap is essential. Watch: Expansion Gaps for Laminate Flooring.

How can you cover an expansion gap?

Use scotia/beading, or remove and replace skirting boards for a cleaner finish.

What is the process for covering the expansion gap with skirting boards?

Remove skirting, fit floor, refit or replace skirting, allow for making good/painting, ideally with a decorator before reinstallation.

What is a whipped edge on a runner or rug?

A stitched yarn edge that prevents fraying and gives a neat finish.

What is a taped edge on a runner or rug?

A fabric binding sewn around the edge for decoration. Watch: Taped Edges for Rugs & Runners.

Can you join a carpet?

Yes, depending on the carpet type. Sisal is challenging. Watch: How to Join a Carpet.


Call us and see how we can help you, today. Our number is 0208 135 9452

What People Say

Fast, efficient and well-priced, Cavendish deVere undertook a difficult flooring project and came out ahead of schedule, on-budget and everyone enjoyed working with them. I can't recommend them highly enough.
- James F of Hampstead May 2018

Please give me an estimate!

If you would like an estimate we can give you one without ever visiting. Telegram is the best application for this. Click Telegram and send us:

  1. Your name
  2. The address of the property you need the flooring at
  3. Your email
  4. What you would like!
  5. Upload a video of you walking around the floor
  6. Or up the stairs (slow is good!)
  7. If you have any dimensions that is a bonus
Now send it and we will be back to you within 24 hours (on a weekday) with an estimate and sooner if we need to talk for clarification.

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