Installation - Full analysis

We install our floors to the most exacting standards; our installers do not accept second best. The difference between an Element7 installation and that of rival firms is frequently commented on: quite simply, it is the difference between average and excellent.

Sub-floors

These need to be correctly prepared and have their tolerances tested before installation of the main floor begins. This is time-consuming work but absolutely crucial to the final result: taking shortcuts at this stage can lead to disaster later on. Screed moisture levels, the use of screed accelerants, the staggering of ply or chipboard joints, sub-floor levels and relative humidity percentages all need to be checked and recorded. If underfloor heating is to be used, the system must be properly cycled at this point too. Sub-floors are your wide-plank wood floor’s foundation and must not be compromised. Overseeing all sub-floor preparation is included in our quote.

Perimeter plank widths

The planks at the room’s sides should be of exactly the same width. Many installers fail to take the time to make the necessary calculations to achieve this, however. They simply start at one side of a room with a full-width plank rather than working from a central grid line as they should; consequently when they reach the other side of the room they have to complete the floor with a plank of a different width, so leaving the room with an aesthetic imbalance. Again, an Element7 quote takes account of the time necessary to achieve visual perfection.

Door frames

When it comes to doors, many installers take the classic DIY route and simply cut around the frame. To achieve an entirely satisfying effect, however, the new floor should be inserted under the door frames. This takes extra time, but the results justify the effort. Again, this time is fully accounted for in an Element7 quote.

Seamless floors

There should be no visible or covered breaks in a wood floor where it passes from one room into another. Unfortunately many installers either lack the necessary skills or fail to take the time to achieve a properly seamless floor, instead leaving unsightly threshold breaks or putting in ugly bridge covers. Again, an Element7 quote guarantees seamless floors.

Non-removable skirting boards

Frail or listed skirting boards sometimes cannot be removed. One commonly used, but quite unsatisfactory, method of tackling this is to cut the floor to the skirting with a rough edge and then cover the gap with a wooden bead. An Element7 quote includes the superior – and only truly acceptable – solution, which involves perfectly scribing the floor to the skirting board and then inserting a floor-coloured cork expansion fillet. The visible difference in quality is enormous.

Fully bonding the floor to the sub-floor where underfloor heating is used

Floating the floor might be cheaper in the short run but this creates an air gap that will prevent effective heat transfer, so acting like double glazing, except that in this case the insulation has a negative rather than a positive impact on your comfort. Instead, to ensure economic operation of the heating system and to maximise heat transfer, floors to be installed above underfloor heating should be fully bonded (glued on the undersurface) to the sub-floor. The expensive underfloor heating adhesives and the cost of their application are included in an Element7 quote. The price may seem comparatively high, but the long-term results are infinitely more satisfactory as this is the only correct way to install above radiant heating.

Floor protection

When finished, floors need to be protected temporarily with a hardboard covering from the inevitable damage that they will incur as other trades carry out their work. The cost of repairing and refinishing the floor after it has been damaged far outweighs any initial saving made by not having hardboard protection during this period. Element7 always recommend the proper provision of this protection.

Oil finishing

Finishing the floors with the appropriate oils takes between two and three days. This is not a stage to be rushed or to be carried out by inexperienced finishers, who will learn their trade at your expense. First-rate floor finishing by our in-house finishers is strongly advised.

Guarantees

Worthwhile guarantees can be hard to come by from other installers, and a floor that fails due to incorrect installation procedures will not be insured by its manufacturers. Element7 provides a real 25-year guarantee for its flooring products and their installation. We are proud to say that, in nearly as many years, no Element7 customer has to date had recourse to their guarantee.

Non-consult policy

Experience has taught us not to involve ourselves in an advisory or consultative capacity in installations carried out by non-Element7 personnel. Unless we are present at all times during installation, it is impossible for us to ensure that correct procedures are followed. For this reason, Element7 cannot guarantee floors installed by others.