FAQs
Expert Advice from Grimley Flooring
When it comes to transforming your home, having the right information is just as important as choosing the right materials. Our family-run business has earned its reputation as the premier flooring company in Eastbourne and across the South East.
At Grimley Flooring, we believe that every project—from a single room refresh to a full-scale renovation—deserves a professional touch and transparent, expert advice.
We’ve drawn on our years of local experience to answer your most pressing questions, helping you navigate our extensive range of carpets, LVT, and accessories with total confidence. Discover why we are the region’s trusted choice for quality, craftsmanship, and service that stands the test of time.
General FAQs
What types of flooring do you supply and fit?
We supply and fit carpets (including stair runners), LVT (such as Amtico and Karndean), and safety flooring for homes and businesses.
What happens first and how do I get a quote?
Step one is a home visit. We listen to what you want to achieve, check the condition of the floor, show samples in your lighting and take accurate measurements. You then receive a clear written quote so you can decide with confidence.
Is the consultation free?
Yes. We also offer a paid, in-depth consultation for larger or more complex projects where you want extra planning support.
Do you bring samples to my home?
Yes. We bring a wide range of samples to suit different budgets and styles. If you have something specific in mind, we will do our best to source it.
Do I need to measure the room myself?
No. We measure for you, because small measurement errors create big headaches. If you want a rough idea before we visit, measure the length and width at the widest points.
How much does flooring installation cost?
Costs depend on the product, the size of the space and what preparation the subfloor needs. We quote clearly so you can see what is included and why.
Are there any hidden costs?
No. Any preparation, uplift, disposal, furniture moving or finishing details are agreed upfront and confirmed in writing.
How long does it take to install new flooring?
This depends on the room size, product and preparation required. A single carpeted room may take a few hours. Larger LVT projects may take several days. We confirm timings clearly before work begins.
What subfloor preparation might be needed?
Preparation can include levelling, moisture control, ply boarding or smoothing compounds. The goal is simple: give your new floor the right foundation so it looks great and lasts.
Do you uplift and dispose of old flooring?
Yes. Costs depend on the material and how it is fixed. This is confirmed before work starts.
Do you move furniture?
Yes. We offer a furniture moving service for a small fee. Furniture must be emptied and electronics removed.
Do you trim doors?
Yes. Door trimming can be arranged for a small additional cost.
Can I split my project into stages?
Yes. We can phase the work to reduce disruption and suit your schedule.
How long should I wait after decorating before flooring is fitted?
We recommend waiting at least two weeks so paint fully hardens.
What are door bars and do I need them?
Door bars join flooring between rooms. Sometimes they are essential, sometimes optional. We advise based on layout and flooring type.
Will you help me choose the right flooring?
Absolutely. We guide you based on how you use the space, your lifestyle and your budget, not just what looks good in a brochure.
What flooring do customers choose most often?
LVT is extremely popular for its durability and design flexibility. Carpet remains the favourite for bedrooms and living areas.
Which flooring lasts the longest?
Well-fitted LVT and quality carpets can last 15 to 25 years or more with proper care.
Which floors can help add value to a home?
Well-chosen LVT and quality carpet in the right rooms tend to appeal to buyers thanks to their clean look, comfort and durability.
What flooring is easiest to maintain?
LVT is low maintenance. Carpet needs regular vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning, but it rewards you with comfort and warmth.
Can you fit flooring I have bought elsewhere?
Sometimes, yes. Speak to us first. We can often supply the same product with stronger guarantees and the right accessories. If you are buying elsewhere because we can’t source it, we will confirm exact sizes after your deposit is paid so you do not order the wrong amount.
Do you offer a guarantee on your workmanship?
Yes. We are NICF accredited, Buy With Confidence approved and TrustMark approved. Flooring that we supply and prepare is covered by a three year workmanship warranty.
Will you beat another quote?
We are happy to review quotes on a like-for-like basis. We do however focus on value, quality and long-term results rather than being the cheapest.
Do you rebrand your products?
No. We are fully transparent about the products we supply and fit. Some products are direct from wholesalers and therefore aren’t available generally.
Carpet FAQs
There is nothing quite like the underfoot comfort and warmth that a high-quality carpet brings to a home. Whether you’re looking for the hard-wearing resilience of a wool twist for your hallway or a deep, luxurious pile for a cosy bedroom retreat, choosing the right carpet involves balancing style with practical performance.
To help you navigate the various textures, tog ratings, and fibre types available at Grimley Flooring, we’ve answered some of the most common questions our customers ask. From maintenance tips to understanding which underlay will best extend the life of your floor, you’ll find the expert guidance you need to make an informed choice for your space.
What types of carpet do you offer?
We supply twist pile, loop pile and Saxony carpets in wool, man-made and blended options.
Each suits different levels of traffic, comfort and maintenance.
What is SmartStrand carpet and why do people choose it?
SmartStrand is a premium soft-touch carpet designed for busy homes. It is well known for resisting everyday stains and holding its appearance, which makes it a strong option for family spaces where you want comfort without constant worry.
What is the best carpet for my needs and budget?
Polypropylene is stain resistant and cost effective for busy homes. Wool is a premium choice with natural durability and comfort. SmartStrand sits in a sweet spot for many families who want a plush feel with strong real-world performance.
How do I choose the right carpet for each room?
We guide you based on foot traffic, pets, children and how the room is used. Bedrooms suit softer carpets, while hallways benefit from tighter twists that keep their shape.
What carpet is best for pets and children?
Bleach-cleanable polypropylene is a popular choice for practical family homes. We can also recommend options that balance softness with resilience for heavier use.
Do I really need good underlay?
Yes. Underlay is the unsung hero. It improves comfort, reduces wear and helps your carpet look better for longer. We recommend the best underlay you can sensibly stretch to, especially in high-traffic areas.
How much does carpet cost?
Prices vary by material and room size. Our quotes include underlay, grippers, fitting and any necessary preparation.
If you want a quick starting point before we visit, you can use our online pricing estimator. It gives you a realistic ballpark figure based on room size and carpet type, helping you plan with confidence before committing to a full consultation.
Do I need to measure the room myself?
No. We measure accurately as part of our service. For a rough idea, measure length by width.
How should I prepare the room?
Remove personal items and electronics. We can move furniture and uplift old flooring if arranged in advance.
How long does carpet installation take?
Most rooms are completed in a few hours, including underlay and finishing details. Stairs and complex/large spaces will take longer.
How do I maintain my carpet?
Vacuum regularly, deal with spills quickly and consider professional cleaning every year or two. Entrance mats make a bigger difference than most people expect.
Are warranties included?
Yes. Manufacturer warranties apply to any materials we supply and our workmanship guarantee covers up to 3 years.
Can I fit carpet myself?
It is possible, but professional fitting improves lifespan and safety, especially on stairs where neat, secure fitting matters most.
Do you fit carpet on stairs and concrete floors?
Yes. We use the correct underlay and fixing methods for each surface.
Do you fit stair runners?
Yes. Any suitable carpet we supply can be made into a stair runner.
Do you supply stair rods?
Yes. We work with Stairrods UK and offer a wide range of finishes.
Do you repair or re-stretch carpets?
Yes. We can assess repairs in person or from photos.
Can offcuts be turned into rugs?
Yes. We offer binding and whipping to create rugs and mats.
LVT FAQs
Luxury Vinyl Tiles have revolutionised modern flooring, offering the perfect marriage of high-end aesthetics and everyday practicality. At Grimley Flooring, we know that homeowners love LVT for its ability to mimic natural wood and stone while providing a waterproof, durable surface that’s easy to maintain.
However, with various installation methods like click-fit and glue-down, as well as different wear layers to consider, it’s natural to have a few questions. This guide covers everything from subfloor preparation to choosing the right design for high-traffic areas, ensuring your new floor looks stunning and performs perfectly for years to come.
What is LVT?
LVT is a high-performance, design-led floor made in individual planks or tiles. It is built in layers for strength and comfort, with a protective wear layer on top. It gives you the look of wood, stone or tile with a more forgiving feel underfoot.
Why choose LVT?
It is durable, easy to maintain and a great choice for busy areas where you want a premium look without the stress.
How long does LVT last?
With correct preparation and care, quality LVT can last 15 to 25 years with some products offering a lifetime warranty.
How much does LVT cost?
Around £100 per square metre is a useful starting point, depending on brand and preparation required. We always quote transparently.
How long does fitting take?
Small areas may take one day. Larger projects with preparation may take two to three days.
Do you fit click systems or glue-down?
We specialise in glue-down systems for long-term stability and a cleaner, more seamless finish. Preparation is everything with this type of floor, and that is where a professional installation really pays off.
Why is subfloor preparation so important with LVT?
LVT follows the surface beneath it. If the subfloor is not smooth and stable, imperfections can show through. We prepare the base properly so your floor looks right and stays right.
How do I care for LVT?
Sweep regularly and mop with an LVT-safe cleaner. Avoid steam cleaners and harsh chemicals.
Can LVT be used with underfloor heating?
Most glue-down LVT products are compatible. We confirm suitability during planning.
Can LVT be repaired?
In some cases, individual tiles can be replaced if spares are available.
Mats & Rugs FAQs
A carefully chosen rug or mat is often the finishing touch that pulls a room together, adding a splash of colour, texture, and personality. Beyond their decorative appeal, rugs provide essential protection for your hard floors and extra insulation during the colder months.
Whether you are searching for a durable doormat to handle the British weather or a statement area rug for your lounge, there are several factors to keep in mind regarding sizing and material care. We’ve compiled these FAQs to help you select the ideal piece for your home and keep it looking its best long after it’s been laid.
Do you supply door mats and entrance matting?
Yes. We supply and fit a range of entrance matting solutions designed to trap dirt and moisture before it reaches your main flooring. Good matting is one of the simplest ways to extend the life of your floor.
Why is entrance matting important?
Most floor wear comes from grit and moisture brought in from outside. Proper matting reduces cleaning, improves safety and helps your flooring look better for longer.
Do you make rugs from carpet offcuts?
Yes. Leftover carpet can be turned into custom rugs or mats with professional binding or whipping. It is a practical way to reduce waste and get extra value from your flooring.
Can I choose the size and finish of my rug?
Yes. Rugs can be made to your preferred size, with binding colours that match or contrast with your carpet.
Are rugs suitable for hard floors?
Yes. Rugs add warmth, comfort and visual zoning to LVT and other hard floors. We can advise on backing and finishes to help prevent movement.
Flooring Accessories FAQs
The secret to a truly professional finish lies in the details that often go unnoticed. Flooring accessories—ranging from high-performance underlays and door bars to scotias and adhesives—are the unsung heroes that ensure the longevity and stability of your installation.
Choosing the correct accessories is just as vital as picking the flooring itself, as they affect everything from sound reduction to moisture protection. In this section, we answer the technical questions that will help you understand which “extras” are essential for a flawless, long-lasting result in your specific project.
What flooring accessories do you supply?
We supply and fit door bars, stair rods, trims, grippers, underlays and entrance matting. These details help floors perform properly and look finished.
Do I really need door bars?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. They are often needed where floors meet or where expansion gaps must be covered. We explain what is necessary and what is optional.
What is the difference between a door bar and a threshold?
In the UK, the terms door bar and threshold are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing.
Generally, a door bar is used between two different floor finishes to protect the edge and allow for natural movement. A threshold is usually wider and more structural, often used at external doors or where there is a change in level.
As a bit of history, the word threshold comes from a time when straw or hay (the thresh) was used as floor covering in homes. The threshold was literally the strip placed at the doorway to stop the thresh spilling out of the room.
How do I choose the right underlay?
Underlay affects comfort, noise and lifespan. We recommend underlay based on the room, traffic levels and the type of flooring you choose.
Can accessories be colour matched?
Yes. Many trims, rods and finishes come in different colours and materials so they complement your flooring rather than standing out.
Are accessories included in the quote?
Yes. Anything required for a proper finish is clearly listed in your quote so there are no surprises.