Fitting Wood Flooring: Answers to the Questions Irish Homeowners Ask Most
Whether you're planning a DIY project or booking professional fitting with Des Kelly Interiors, questions around wood flooring are common and important. We've grouped the most frequently asked questions into five key areas to help you choose confidently, prepare properly, and get the best results for your home.
At Des Kelly Interiors, we support both DIY homeowners and those opting for professional fitting, so our answers are designed to serve both types of customer.
1. Preparation and Acclimatisation
How long should the wood acclimate?
Wood flooring must adjust to your home's humidity before fitting:
- Solid wood: Acclimatise in-room for at least 7 days
- Engineered wood: Usually requires 48–72 hours
Leave flooring flat and sealed in its packaging during this period.
What subfloor checks are necessary?
The subfloor is the surface underneath your flooring typically concrete or wooden floorboards and it must be properly prepared to ensure a smooth and lasting finish.
A proper subfloor must be:
- Clean: No dust, adhesive, or debris
- Dry: Within acceptable moisture limits
- Level: No height deviations greater than 2mm per 1m span
- Concrete subfloors: Moisture <6% Moisture Content (or <2% CM)
- Timber subfloors: Moisture <16% Moisture Content
Des Kelly fitters check all of this during our free home consultation. DIYers should use a spirit level and moisture meter for best results.
2. Material Selection
At Des Kelly Interiors, we offer a carefully curated range of wood-effect flooring designed to suit different homes, budgets, and performance needs:
Laminate Flooring
- A multi-layered synthetic product with a photographic layer that mimics wood
- Budget-friendly and highly durable which is ideal for busy households
- Easy to clean and scratch-resistant
Engineered Wood Flooring
- Real wood top layer bonded to a stable base layer
- Combines the beauty of real wood with greater stability
- Suitable for most rooms, including those with underfloor heating
Not sure which to choose? Read our comparison guide to engineered wood vs laminate flooring to help you understand the differences between these floor types.
Quick-Step Flooring
- A trusted brand offering laminate, engineered, and luxury vinyl flooring
- Known for its Uniclic system that is easy to install, perfect for DIY
- Stylish finishes with advanced surface protection
COREtec Flooring
- A high-performance Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) with a waterproof, rigid core
- Suitable for kitchens, hallways, and even utility rooms
- Realistic wood looks with exceptional durability and warmth underfoot
Vinyl Flooring
- Flexible sheet or plank flooring that’s waterproof and resilient
- Great for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas
- Soft underfoot, easy to maintain and available in wood and tile effects
Des Kelly flooring experts can help you compare options in-store and match you with the best type based on your lifestyle and space.
3. Installation Techniques
Should the floor be floating, glued, or nailed?
- Floating: Ideal for click-lock floors and DIY jobs. The boards are laid over underlay without fixing them to the subfloor.
- Glued: Boards are bonded directly to the subfloor for a more solid, quieter feel and is great with underfloor heating.
- Nailed: Commonly used for solid wood over timber joists or older floorboards.
Our fitters will recommend the best method for your floor and subfloor type.
What is the correct expansion gap?
Leave a 10–15mm gap around all walls, doorframes, and pipes. This allows for natural wood movement and prevents buckling.
Which direction should the planks go?
- Towards the main light source to enhance grain visibility
- Along the longest wall to visually widen narrow rooms
4. Room Suitability
Can I install wood flooring in kitchens or bathrooms?
- Kitchen: Yes, engineered wood is suitable if spills are cleaned quickly. For a full overview of suitable options, see our kitchen flooring guide.
- Bathroom: Not advised due to high humidity; opt for Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or vinyl flooring for waterproof durability.
Des Kelly offers both stylish engineered options for kitchens and LVT/vinyl ranges designed to handle moisture suitable for bathrooms.
5. Post-Installation and Maintenance
How much extra flooring should I order for wastage?
- Standard layouts: Add 5–10%
- Patterned floors (e.g. herringbone): Add 15–20%
Ordering extra ensures consistency in grain and colour for future repairs.
Can the floor be sanded later?
- Solid wood: Can be sanded multiple times
- Engineered wood: Can be sanded depending on the thickness of the top wear layer (usually once or twice)
How soon can I use the floor?
- Floating floors: Usable immediately
- Glued or finished floors: Wait 24 - 48 hours before moving in furniture
Always use felt pads on furniture legs to protect the surface.
Let’s Floor It - Expert Help Starts Here
Visit your local Des Kelly Interiors showroom or book your free home consultation today. Our expert team will help you choose the right floor and fit it to perfection with professional advice, clear pricing, and a finish you'll love for years to come.