Complete Installation Handbook
Measuring & Fitting
Guides
Choosing the right flooring is only half the job. Accurate measuring and proper fitting ensure a flawless finish, minimal waste, and long-lasting performance across every room in your home.
4
Flooring Types
30+
Step-by-step Tips
100%
UK Expert Advice
Before You Start
Why Accurate Measuring Matters
Prevents Overspending
Avoid costly over-ordering or frustrating shortages by measuring precisely before you buy.
Seamless Installation
Correct measurements ensure joins are minimal and pattern matching is accurate throughout.
Reduces Waste
Better planning means less offcut waste — better for your budget and the environment.
Professional Finish
A well-measured, properly fitted floor looks as good as a professional installation every time.
Golden Rule: Always double-check measurements before placing your order. Measure twice, order once — it can save you time, money, and unnecessary hassle.
Guide 01
Carpet Measuring & Fitting Guide
Whether you're carpeting a living room, bedroom, hallway or staircase, accurate measuring is the key to a seamless finish and avoiding costly waste.
Measuring
Measuring Carpet
Rooms & Hallways
1
Measure the maximum width of the room from wall to wall.
2
Measure the maximum length, including any alcoves, doorways, or bay windows.
3
Add 10cm–10% extra on each dimension to allow for trimming.
4
Choose a roll width of 4m or 5m — pick the closest to minimise joins.
Pro Tip: Always measure at the widest and longest points of an irregular room to account for any bays or recesses.
Stairs
Stairs & Landings
Measuring Stairs & Landings
1
Measure the tread (horizontal depth) of one step.
2
Measure the riser (vertical height) of one step.
3
Add tread + riser + 5cm allowance per step, then multiply by the number of stairs.
4
Measure each winder (angled step) separately as they are wider at one end.
Pile direction must run down the stairs. Always confirm with your fitter if you're unsure about pile direction on winders.
Fitting
Fitting Guide
Carpet Installation Steps
1
Install gripper rods around the perimeter of the room, leaving a gap equal to 2/3 of the carpet thickness from the wall.
2
Lay underlay across the floor (optional but strongly recommended for comfort and longevity).
3
Position the carpet loosely, leaving 5–7cm excess at each wall.
4
Use a knee kicker or carpet stretcher to hook the carpet onto the grippers.
5
Trim excess and tuck edges neatly under the skirting board using a bolster chisel.
Expert Tip: Always use a carpet stretcher rather than a knee kicker alone for large rooms — it prevents rippling and extends the life of your carpet significantly.
Guide 02
Laminate Flooring Guide
Laminate is one of the most popular choices for UK homes — durable, stylish, and easy to install. Follow these steps for a perfect click-lock finish.
Measuring
Measuring Laminate
Calculating Your Laminate Requirements
1
Measure width × length of the room in metres.
2
Include all irregular spaces such as alcoves, bay windows or chimney breasts.
3
Add 10% extra for wastage — more for rooms with a diagonal or herringbone pattern.
Worked Example
Room: 3.5m × 3.3m → Adjusted with wastage: 3.6m × 3.4m
Total area required: 12.24m²
Fitting
Fitting Guide
Laminate Installation Process
1
Lay underlay across the subfloor — this provides sound insulation and a smooth base.
2
Leave a 5–10mm expansion gap around all walls and fixed obstacles.
3
Start from the longest, straightest wall and work across the room.
4
Connect boards using the click-lock system — no adhesive required in most cases.
5
Stagger the joints by at least 300mm between rows for structural strength and visual appeal.
No adhesive required
Expansion gap essential
Underlay recommended
Stagger board joints
Guide 03
Vinyl Flooring Guide
Sheet vinyl and LVT are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and hallways. Waterproof, hygienic, and incredibly hardwearing — here's how to measure and fit it correctly.
Measuring
Measuring Vinyl
Measuring Vinyl Flooring
Measure at the widest and longest points of the room.
Add 5–10cm extra on each dimension to allow for trimming.
Choose the correct roll width to minimise joins — available in 2m, 3m, and 4m widths.
For LVT tiles or planks, calculate total m² + 10% wastage.
Note: Sheet vinyl does not require underlay and is not recommended for stairs. LVT click planks may be used on steps with a stair nosing profile.
Fitting
Fitting Guide
Vinyl Flooring Installation
1
Prepare a clean, smooth, dry subfloor — fill any holes or level dips before laying.
2
Allow vinyl to acclimatise for 24–48 hours in the room before fitting.
3
Lay loosely and position, making sure any pattern aligns with the room's main focal point.
4
Trim edges, leaving 5–7cm excess initially, then trim to a neat finish with a sharp knife.
5
Fix in place using double-sided tape around the perimeter or specialist vinyl adhesive.
Do NOT use underlay beneath sheet vinyl — it will cause the floor to move and the adhesive to fail.
Guide 04
Artificial Grass Guide
Transform gardens, patios and outdoor spaces with artificial grass. Low-maintenance, lush all year round, and straightforward to install when you know the steps.
Measuring
Measuring Artificial Grass
Calculating Your Grass Requirements
1
Measure the longest and widest points of the area to be covered.
2
Add 10–15cm extra on all sides for trimming to the boundary.
3
Plan your layout to minimise joins — joins are less visible if they run parallel to the main viewing direction.
Important: Ensure the pile direction matches on all sections when joining — look along the blades from one end to confirm direction.
Fitting
Fitting Guide
Artificial Grass Installation Options
Always lay a weed membrane beneath on soil installations.
Add kiln-dried sand infill (15–20mm pile) for durability and a natural look.
Brush the pile against the grain with a stiff broom after fitting to stand fibres upright.
Need Help With Your Measurements?
Not confident measuring up yourself? Our friendly UK-based team are happy to help. Simply contact us with your room dimensions and we'll calculate exactly how much flooring you need — completely free of charge.
Trafalgar Flooring & Beds
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