Scope of work
- Lift and dispose of existing carpet and underlay across the open-plan ground floor.
- Subfloor inspection, sweep, and self-levelling compound where needed to bring the surface within manufacturer tolerance.
- Lay 4mm acoustic underlay throughout.
- Straight-plank lay of AC4 wood-effect laminate from the entrance hall through living, dining and kitchen zones — no threshold break between rooms.
- Scotia fitted to existing skirting, colour-matched to the floor.
- New oak threshold strips at the doorways to bathroom and stairs.
Challenges we solved
- The original chipboard subfloor stepped about 12mm at the kitchen threshold — needed self-levelling compound, not just a transition strip, to keep the run continuous.
- Existing skirting was painted in place and the homeowner didn't want to repaint, so we fitted slimline scotia colour-matched to the floor rather than lifting and refitting skirting.
- Awkward cut around five radiator pipe positions and the freestanding wood-burner hearth — each one templated with a pipe-rose tool for a tight fit.
Process & execution
- Day 1 · Strip + prep
Carpet lifted and disposed of, gripper rods removed, subfloor swept, self-levelling compound applied at the kitchen threshold step.
- Day 2 · Underlay + start of lay
Acoustic underlay rolled and joined, first courses set out from the longest wall, straight-plank lay started.
- Day 3 · Finish lay
Cut around radiator pipes, fireplace hearth and door frames. Final courses scribed at the opposite wall. Expansion gap maintained at every edge.
- Day 4 · Trims + handover
Scotia fitted to existing skirting, oak threshold strips at the bathroom and stair doorways, hoover, walkthrough.
Materials & finishes
- AC4-rated wood-effect laminate (oak look), 8mm
- 4mm acoustic underlay with foil moisture barrier
- Colour-matched scotia (PVC) for skirting cover
- Solid oak threshold strips at doorways
- Expansion-gap spacers maintained on every edge
Outcome
A single hard-wearing floor running from the front door to the back, with no threshold break between rooms. The kitchen and the living area now read as one space instead of two zones divided by a transition strip. Fast turnaround, minimal disruption, finished cleanly.