Wood Flooring Fit-Out Guide - From Measurement to Installation

Laying wood flooring transforms a space by adding warmth and character. Whether you're installing it yourself or choosing professional help, the process follows the same key steps.

This guide outlines what’s involved in a fit-out, the full journey of choosing, buying, and installing your wood flooring. While the focus is on professional installation, the same sequence applies to DIY projects, offering a clear, top-level overview no matter how you decide to approach it.

Step 1: Bring Your Measurements In-Store

Summary: Start by bringing your room measurements into one of our showrooms to begin your flooring journey.

The process begins when you bring your room measurements into one of our stores. This allows one of our flooring experts to recommend the right quantity of materials and guide you toward the best wood flooring options for your space.

If you're not sure how to take measurements, that's no problem as we also offer a home consultation service where one of our fitters can measure your space for you. Either way, having accurate measurements is key to ensuring the rest of the process runs smoothly.

Step 2: Choose and Order Your Flooring In-Store

Summary: Work with a flooring expert in-store to select your ideal floor.

In-store, one of our flooring experts will guide you through our full wood flooring range. You'll be able to explore options including:

• Engineered wood flooring: a real wood top layer bonded to a stable core, offering natural beauty with added resistance to movement. Ideal for Irish homes and compatible with underfloor heating.
• Laminate flooring: a durable, budget-friendly option that mimics real wood. Great for busy households with excellent scratch resistance.
• Quick-Step flooring: a versatile brand offering laminate, engineered, and LVP options. Known for authentic finishes and their patented Uniclic system for easy installation.
• Coretec flooring:a high-performance luxury vinyl plank (LVP) with a rigid, waterproof core and realistic wood visuals. Ideal for kitchens, hallways, and utility spaces.
• Herringbone styles, water-resistant finishes, and more specialist options are also available.

With expert support, you can choose the colour, style, and finish that best suits your space and lifestyle.

Once you've made your selections and the order is processed in-store, you'll receive a docket confirming your choices. The order is then sent to our warehouse, and from there we'll arrange a fitting date that works for you.

Not sure where to start? Our showroom team is always on hand to guide you through your options and help find the perfect flooring solution.

Step 3: Choose the Right Accessories

Summary: Underlay, trims, and profiles complete the look and ensure your floor performs well long term.

To complete the look and ensure performance, you'll need the right accessories. This includes:

• Underlay: different types of underlay are available for engineered and laminate floors, offering insulation, soundproofing, or moisture protection
• Skirting or scotia trims: to neatly cover expansion gaps
• Floor profiles: to transition cleanly between flooring types or adjoining rooms

Whether you're going for a click-lock laminate or a glued engineered wood floor, the right accessories make all the difference in the final finish.

Step 4: Receive a Detailed Quote

Summary: Receive a clear, itemised quote outlining all costs upfront, so you can plan with confidence and stay within your budget.

Once everything's selected, you'll be given a clear, itemised quote. This includes:

• The specific flooring chosen (e.g. laminate, engineered)
• Required accessories
• Professional fitting charges (if applicable)
• Any additional services or extras

The quote is designed to be transparent and easy to understand, so you can plan your budget with confidence.

Step 5: Schedule Your Fitting

Summary: Pick a convenient time for professional fitting or prepare for your DIY project.

If you're going ahead with our professional installation, a convenient fitting date will be arranged based on your availability.

If you've chosen the DIY route, this is the stage where you'll collect your materials and begin preparing for the installation.

Step 6: Installation Day

Summary: Professional fitters take care of everything from preparing the subfloor to laying the final board to ensure a smooth, high-quality finish.

For professional fittings, one of our experienced fitters will arrive on the agreed day to complete the installation, which includes:

• Preparing the subfloor
• Laying underlay appropriate to the flooring type
• Installing your laminate or engineered wood flooring with the correct technique
• Fitting trims, profiles, and finishing elements
• Tidying up once the job is done

DIY installers will follow a similar process, but it may take longer depending on experience and tools available.

Why Choose Des Kelly Interiors for Your Wood Floor Fit-Out?

Whether you're ready to roll up your sleeves or prefer to leave it to the experts, Des Kelly Interiors is Ireland's trusted destination for both DIY flooring solutions and professional installation. Visit one of our showrooms or get in touch with our team to start your project with confidence.

Your Questions Answered: Wood Flooring Fit-Out

 

What’s the first step in getting a wood floor installed?

The first step is to bring accurate room measurements into one of our showrooms. This allows our flooring experts to help you choose the right type, amount, and style of wood flooring based on your space and needs. From there, they can guide you through accessories and fitting options, making it easy to start your project with confidence.

Can someone come out to measure my room?

Yes, we offer a free home measuring service for customers who need assistance. One of our professional fitters will visit your home to take precise measurements, ensuring you order the right amount of flooring and accessories. This service helps avoid mistakes and ensures a smooth fit-out process from the start.

What happens after I choose my floor?

Once you’ve chosen your floor and accessories, you’ll receive a clear, itemised quote outlining all costs involved. Your order is then processed and sent to our warehouse. From there, we’ll contact you to schedule a convenient fitting date. If you’re installing it yourself, you’ll be able to collect everything you need and begin your project.

Do I have to install the flooring myself?

No, you don’t have to install the flooring yourself. While some types, like laminate or click-lock engineered wood, are designed with DIY in mind, most customers opt for professional installation. This ensures the floor is fitted correctly, with the subfloor properly prepared, accessories installed neatly, and the entire job completed to a high standard saving you time and effort.