Laying a floor

Helpful tips for laying our hardwood floors.

Fitting any solid hardwood flooring is more than a quick DIY job. If in doubt, employ a professional (having first obtained references).

Make sure all concrete, plaster and paint is dry before introducing the flooring to a room.

Ensure that there is no damp.

Acclimatise the flooring by stacking it in the room where it is to be fitted; leave it for two to four weeks before laying (four weeks in the winter). If the room is to have heating, make sure it is on, especially in the winter.

If you intend to use under floor heating, contact us first for advice.

Ensure that the boards are laid straight down the room. Walls are rarely straight.

Always leave a 10-15mm expansion gap all the way around the edge, including around fire surrounds etc.

Make sure that the base to which you are fixing the flooring is dry, flat and sound.

Secure the boards to the base by nailing or by using a recommended adhesive.

Specialist flooring nailers are available to hire.

If laying the boards on joists, the ends of the floorboards must be joined on the joist.

Randomly mix the board widths as you lay them.

Make sure that the three widths are used up evenly.

You may need to trim some ends to make them absolutely square.

Once laid, the floor will require sanding. Best results will be achieved by using a combination of belt sander, orbital sander and edge / corner sander.

Vacuum the floor to remove dust and then wipe the floor with a cloth dampened in white spirit.

Apply recommended floor seal with appropriate applicator in even strokes along the length of the boards.

Sit back and admire the beauty and quality of a solid hardwood floor.

Request a quote

Name

Your postcode

Approximate area to be covered in square metres

Tell us what you’re looking for. If possible, include the wood species, profile and widths you’d like a quote for.

Data

Yes, I consent to Vastern Timber collecting and storing my personal information from this form in accordance with the Privacy Policy.

Marketing

I also opt-in to the Vastern Timber newsletter and offer emails.

Captcha

If you are human, leave this field blank.

Google Reviews

4.8

Based on 212 reviews

Ian Hayes

16:18 31 Oct 24

I regularly use Vastern for purchasing locally grown, sustainably sourced British oak and ash. I then use this for making bespoke fitted and freestanding furniture. The quality of the timber is excellent and reliable. I usually deal with Wolf when I visit who's friendly, knowledgeable and allows time to search for the timber that fits my requirements. The company really cares about what they do, and they promote the conservation and enhancement of British woodlands which is important to me and really sets them apart!

Chris Saberi

21:52 29 Oct 24

I went to Vastern to get a burr oak waney edge board. Their customer service was excellent, I was given a lot of help and advice to pick out the very board that met my needs to make my river table. I went back to get some planed oak for the legs/base. Thoroughly recommended!Edit Oct 2024: Visited again to get some planed oak boards for a custom lounge light. Customer service and the personal touch was still top notch!

J addison

13:20 25 Oct 24

Was really impressed with the service at vasterns, knowledgeable, patient and thorough, my client bought three, 1st grade oak waney edge boards and Wolf was on hand to help guide us to the right choice. Top guy, top gear. Was patient and aloud us time to make decisions and think about our options.No pressure, no rush. Recommended.Look forward to getting stuck in to them.Thanks

Oliver Milne

06:46 24 Oct 24

I used Vasterns for some ash for a kitchen job and was very pleased with the quantity to choose from, the quality of the timber and the price. The customer service was also excellent. A guy named Wolf took time to help me pick out everything I needed. Left feeling pleased with my haul of timber and will definitely be back.

Harry Llewelyn

08:21 18 Oct 24

Brilliant service. Quality product

Ruth Harris

11:55 27 Sep 24

Wolf was excellent today helping Steve and I select a piece of wood for a desk and sorting out getting it cut so we could move it back on our truck. Great service and really nice that he was interested in our project. Thanks so much.

John Lamb

11:24 26 Sep 24

Laying a floor

Helpful tips for laying our hardwood floors.

Contact us

Prices

Timber Cladding
Price List

Fixtures and Fittings
Price List

Contact

Request a quote

Laying a floor

Helpful tips for laying our hardwood floors.

Contact us

Prices

Timber Cladding Price List

Fixtures and FittingsPrice List

Contact

Sign up for news about wood, woods and woodland

Sign up for our monthly newsletter of timber news, with inspiring case studies and specially selected stories from the wonderful world of trees and woodlands.

Request a quote

Vendor list:

Timber Cladding
Price List

Fixtures and Fittings
Price List