Frequently asked questions

Yes. We offer a free consultation and a free, no-obligation quote. Call or email us with some details about your project and we'll arrange a convenient time to visit, measure up and assess the subfloor.

We're based in Darwen, Lancashire, and regularly work throughout Blackburn, Bolton, Chorley, Preston, Accrington, Burnley and the wider North West. For larger and commercial projects we also cover the whole of the UK.

Yes, Richardson Flooring Co. is fully insured, and we offer a satisfaction guarantee on all of our work.

Both. We can help you choose and source the right flooring, underlay, adhesives and accessories such as door bars and trims, or we're happy to fit materials you've purchased yourself.

It depends on the size of the area, the type of flooring and the preparation required. An average room of carpet can often be fitted in a few hours, while a large glue-down LVT or herringbone floor with subfloor preparation can take several days. We'll give you a realistic timescale with your quote.

Ideally rooms should be cleared before we arrive. If that's a problem, let us know when we visit and we can discuss options.

We can uplift and dispose of existing carpet, vinyl, laminate and other coverings. Just mention it when we visit and we'll include it in your quote.

The finish of a new floor depends on the surface beneath it. Thin floor coverings such as LVT and vinyl will show every bump and joint, and damp concrete can cause adhesives to fail. Proper preparation protects your investment and the manufacturer's warranty.

Yes. LVT, engineered oak, vinyl and many carpets and underlays are suitable for use with underfloor heating. We'll check that your chosen product is compatible and follow the manufacturer's guidance.

Absolutely. We fit flooring in offices, shops, restaurants, schools, healthcare settings and care homes, and work as a subcontractor for builders and main contractors. Out-of-hours working can be arranged.

Yes. LVT is water-resistant and a popular choice for bathrooms and en-suites. For glue-down installations we use the appropriate adhesive and ensure the subfloor is properly prepared, and we seal perimeters where needed.

Most LVT is compatible with both water-based and electric underfloor heating, provided the manufacturer's temperature limits are followed. Glue-down LVT in particular transfers heat very efficiently. We will check the specification of your chosen product before installation.

A quality LVT, correctly installed over a well-prepared subfloor, can last 15–25 years or more in a domestic setting depending on the wear layer. Commercial-grade products are designed for even heavier traffic.

Yes, generally. Herringbone and chevron take considerably longer to set out and install, and there is usually a little more waste from cutting. We will always give you a clear, itemised quote so you can see exactly what you are paying for.

Yes. We can hand-cut logos and custom motifs into LVT floors for receptions, showrooms and retail spaces. Send us your artwork and we can discuss what is achievable.

It is a method of turning the floor covering up the wall over a curved cove former and finishing it with a capping strip. The result is a seamless, curved skirting with no gaps or right-angled corners for dirt and water to collect in.

Yes. Safety flooring is an excellent choice for domestic wet rooms and accessible bathrooms. We form it to the drain, weld the seams and cove it up the walls to create a fully sealed, slip-resistant floor.

Where a project requires it, yes. We can discuss evening, weekend or phased working to keep disruption to your business to a minimum.

Yes. We regularly work alongside builders, shopfitters and main contractors as a dependable flooring subcontractor.

Yes. Carpet tiles are ideal for raised access floors because individual tiles can be lifted to reach cabling and services underneath.

Uplift and disposal of existing floor coverings can be included in your quote. Just let us know when we visit and we will price it in.

Yes, we are happy to fit customer-supplied carpet and underlay. We can also advise on quantities before you buy so you do not over- or under-order.

It can, with sensible care. Engineered oak copes much better than solid wood with changes in humidity, but standing water should always be wiped up promptly. For very wet areas we would usually recommend LVT instead.

Not quite. Sheet vinyl is supplied on a roll and usually fitted in one piece, while LVT comes as individual planks or tiles that are thicker and more rigid, with a more realistic finish. Both are water-resistant; LVT is generally more premium and longer-lasting.

LVT, vinyl and safety flooring are thin and will show any imperfections in the floor below. A smoothing compound creates a perfectly flat, smooth surface so your new floor looks flawless and the adhesive bonds properly.

Usually not. New screeds need time to dry, and we will test the moisture level before fitting. Where the screed is still too damp, a suitable damp-proof membrane can often allow work to go ahead sooner.