FAqs
Please read below a list of Frequently Asked Questions, if there are any other questions that you may have please feel free to contact us.
Based in Wolverhampton, 1st Choice Flooring Solutions provides commercial flooring services across the West Midlands and nationwide. We regularly work throughout Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, Stafford, Telford and Shropshire, and travel throughout the UK for larger commercial projects.
Yes. We offer free site surveys and no-obligation quotations for commercial flooring projects. Where required, we will visit your site to take measurements, assess the existing flooring and subfloor condition, discuss your requirements and provide a detailed quotation.
We supply and install a wide range of commercial flooring, including LVT, safety flooring, sheet vinyl, carpet tiles, commercial carpets, entrance matting, rubber flooring and acoustic flooring.
We can install flooring to an existing specification or help recommend suitable products based on the environment, performance requirements and budget.
Yes. We provide comprehensive subfloor preparation as part of our commercial flooring services.
This can include mechanical grinding, smoothing compounds, plywood preparation, primers, damp proof membrane (DPM) systems and other remedial works required to create a suitable surface for the new flooring.
Yes. We regularly complete flooring installations within live and occupied environments, including schools, healthcare facilities, offices, care homes and commercial premises.
Our team works carefully to maintain safe access, minimise disruption and keep work areas clean and organised. Where required, projects can also be completed in phases to allow other areas of the building to remain operational.
Yes. We understand that flooring works cannot always be completed during normal working hours.
Where required, we can arrange evening, weekend and out-of-hours installations to minimise disruption to your business, staff, customers or building occupants. Any specific programme requirements can be discussed during the quotation stage.
Yes. Our commercial flooring installers are CSCS certified, and Enhanced DBS-checked installers are available where required.
This enables us to undertake flooring projects within schools, healthcare facilities, care environments and other sites where additional safeguarding or compliance requirements apply.
Yes. 1st Choice Flooring Solutions is Constructionline accredited and SafeContractor approved, demonstrating our commitment to professional standards, health and safety and compliance.
Our experienced team is accustomed to working with main contractors, developers, facilities management companies and commercial organisations where high standards of site compliance are required.
Yes. We work with main contractors, developers, fit-out companies and refurbishment contractors as a specialist commercial flooring subcontractor.
We can provide complete flooring packages covering subfloor preparation through to the final floor finish and coordinate our works alongside other trades and construction programmes.
We welcome opportunities to tender for both individual projects and ongoing flooring packages.
Yes. We support facilities management companies with commercial flooring installations, replacements, repairs and ongoing flooring requirements.
We can assist with individual projects as well as flooring works across multiple properties or sites, with works programmed to minimise disruption wherever possible.
Yes. As well as complete installations, we undertake commercial flooring repairs and replacement works.
This can include replacing damaged carpet tiles or flooring, repairing localised areas, replacing trims and transitions and replacing flooring that has reached the end of its serviceable life.
Where possible, we will recommend the most practical and cost-effective solution.
Yes. We can provide advice on suitable commercial flooring products based on how the area will be used.
We consider factors such as foot traffic, durability, slip resistance, acoustics, cleaning requirements, appearance, expected lifespan and budget to help identify the most appropriate flooring solution.
We can work to an existing specification or assist with product selection where required.
This depends on the size of the project, type of flooring, subfloor condition, preparation requirements and site access.
Smaller installations may be completed within a day, while larger commercial projects may be completed over several days or in phases.
We will discuss programme requirements before work begins and coordinate our installation around other trades and key project deadlines.
Commercial flooring costs vary depending on the flooring product, specification, project size and amount of subfloor preparation required.
Access, working hours, uplift and disposal of existing flooring and specialist installation requirements can also affect the overall price.
For this reason, we provide project-specific quotations rather than relying on a standard square metre rate. Contact us with your plans, measurements or project details and we will be happy to provide a quotation.
Our quotations clearly detail the works and materials included within our price.
Depending on the project, this can include floor coverings, adhesives, subfloor preparation, smoothing compounds, DPM systems, plywood, trims, stair nosings, installation labour and uplift and disposal of existing flooring.
Any exclusions or additional requirements will be clearly identified within the quotation.
Before installation, the subfloor should be assessed to ensure it is suitable to receive the specified floor covering.
We consider the overall condition of the substrate, moisture levels, contamination, laitance, cracks, existing adhesive residues and whether the surface is sufficiently sound and smooth.
Where necessary, we can carry out the required preparation before installing the new flooring.
Yes. Where required, we can assess subfloor moisture levels before installing moisture-sensitive floor coverings.
Excessive moisture can affect flooring adhesives and floor coverings and potentially result in installation failure if it is not identified and treated correctly.
If excessive moisture is identified, we can recommend the appropriate preparation or moisture-control system before installation proceeds.
If excessive moisture is identified, the appropriate solution will depend on the substrate, moisture level and flooring specification.
This may involve allowing further drying time or installing a suitable surface damp proof membrane (DPM) system before the new flooring is installed.
We will advise on the appropriate solution before proceeding with the installation.
The best flooring will depend on how the space is used, but durability, maintenance and safety are particularly important in high-traffic environments.
Commercial LVT, safety flooring, sheet vinyl, rubber flooring and heavy-duty carpet tiles can all provide excellent performance when correctly specified and installed.
We can recommend suitable products based on expected footfall, cleaning requirements, slip resistance, appearance and budget.
Schools require durable, practical flooring capable of withstanding high levels of daily foot traffic.
Commercial carpet tiles are commonly used within classrooms and offices, while safety flooring and sheet vinyl are well suited to toilets, kitchens and practical areas. LVT can also provide an attractive and durable finish within receptions, corridors and communal spaces.
We can provide different flooring solutions throughout an education facility depending on how each area is used.
Healthcare flooring needs to be durable, hygienic, easy to maintain and appropriate for the requirements of each area.
Commercial sheet vinyl and safety flooring are commonly specified within healthcare environments, while other products may be suitable for receptions, offices and waiting areas.
We work with contractors and healthcare organisations to install flooring in accordance with the required project specification.
Carpet tiles and LVT are two of the most popular choices for modern commercial offices.
Carpet tiles provide comfort, acoustic benefits and the ability to replace individual damaged tiles, while LVT provides a durable and contemporary finish for receptions, kitchens, breakout spaces and circulation areas.
Many office projects combine different flooring products to create distinct areas within the workplace.
Care home flooring needs to balance safety, durability, hygiene, comfort and appearance.
Safety flooring and commercial vinyl are commonly used within bathrooms, kitchens and other areas requiring easy maintenance or increased slip resistance. LVT, acoustic flooring and commercial carpets can provide attractive and comfortable finishes within bedrooms, corridors, lounges and communal spaces.
We can work to an existing specification or help identify suitable flooring for different areas of the building.
Yes. We can price commercial flooring projects from drawings, floor plans, schedules and specifications.
Our estimating team can review the information provided, calculate quantities and identify the flooring, preparation and installation requirements needed to provide a detailed quotation.
Where necessary, we can follow this with a site survey before works commence.
Yes. We regularly provide quotations for commercial flooring tenders and subcontract flooring packages.
If you send us the relevant drawings, flooring schedules, specifications and programme information, we can review the project and provide a detailed quotation for the required works.
We offer both supply-and-install and installation-only services depending on the requirements of the project.
We can provide a complete flooring package including materials, preparation and installation, or work with flooring materials supplied by the client or main contractor where agreed.
Yes. Existing flooring can be uplifted and disposed of as part of our works where required.
Once the existing floor covering has been removed, we can assess and prepare the exposed substrate before installing the new flooring.
Uplift and disposal requirements will be clearly identified within our quotation.
We provide commercial flooring services across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, offices and corporate environments, retail, leisure, hospitality, residential developments, care facilities and industrial premises.
We work with main contractors, developers, facilities management companies and organisations directly throughout the West Midlands and across the UK.
1st Choice Flooring Solutions is an experienced commercial flooring contractor based in Wolverhampton, providing professional flooring installation and subfloor preparation services across the West Midlands and nationwide.
We provide our clients with a complete flooring service, from initial site survey and estimating through to subfloor preparation and final installation.
We are Constructionline accredited and SafeContractor approved, with experienced CSCS-certified installers and Enhanced DBS-checked installers available where required.
Whether you require flooring for a single commercial property, a large development or an ongoing programme of works, our focus is simple: reliable service, professional workmanship and a high-quality finished installation.
Yes we offer supply & installation or supply only. All of our customers are welcome to a free no obligation estimate.
What room you are laying your floor
Different floors are better suited to certain environments. Temperature and moisture levels in the room are the biggest factor, so it’s worth making sure your floor is up for the job.
The size of your room
It's impossible to tell the potential cost of a floor without knowing how much of it you need, so it’s well worth measuring your floor before looking around. Have a look at our guide to learn how to do this accurately.
If you have underfloor heating
Underfloor heating is becoming more popular in recent years, but it’s important to know that Solid Wood floors can warp if they get too hot.
How long your floor will last
All our floors are built to last for generations, but some floors will last longer than others, and there are many ways you can add decades onto your floor’s life.
How easy your floor is to install
In theory, any of our floors can be installed without a professional, but some are easier than others, and we’d only recommend the DIY approach if you are certain you can do it correctly.
Prior to installing a resilient or textile floorcovering, it is essential to ensure that the subfloor incorporates an effective damp proof membrane, in accordance with British Standards BS 8203 and BS 5325, respectively.
Moisture testing is performed by measuring the Relative Humidity (RH) level within a subfloor. Where the relative humidity (RH) is above 75%, the installation should not proceed as the excess moisture in the floor can result in blistering of the floorcovering or complete failure of the flooring installation. This may result in expensive and lengthy remedial work, including the possibility of an expensive rip out, to allow the subfloor to dry naturally or apply an appropriate waterproof surface treatment.
By testing the subfloor for moisture at the outset, this can be avoided and moisture can be effectively dealt with prior to the installation of floor coverings.
All floors need to be carefully examined for moisture. The visual inspection of a subfloor is inadequate as the surface may appear dry, but moisture may still be present.
In the first instance, an indicative test using a radio frequency moisture meter offers a quick and easy method of testing moisture levels, providing an instant reading to indicate whether moisture is present. If no moisture is present, the flooring installation can proceed as planned. However, if a radio frequency meter indicates that a subfloor contains moisture, further investigation is required to enable the identification of an appropriate treatment.
To accurately assess the level of moisture in the subfloor, measurements should be made at a number of points across a floor, over a period of 4-24 hours. According to the British Codes of Practice (Sections BS 8203, BS 5325 and BS 8201 addressing the installation of resilient, textile and timber floorcoverings respectively) it is recommended that a non-invasive method is used for dampness testing, such as a calibrated digital hygrometer.
Temporarily sealed to the floor to isolate the device from the surrounding air, a digital hygrometer provides a direct reading of the RH of a small volume of air in equilibrium with the subfloor. Where RH levels are measured at below 75%, the surface is considered sufficiently dry to receive the floorcovering and the installation can proceed without further treatment. If the RH level exceeds 75%, further treatment is required.
As wood floors are particularly sensitive to moisture, F. Ball recommends a maximum RH level of 65%.However, due to the specialist nature of wood flooring, contractors should seek advice from the wood flooring manufacturer before proceeding.
Unless you live in a warehouse, your home will be a very different environment to the one our flooring is used to. This difference in humidity and temperature can make the flooring expand and contract very slightly once it’s brought indoors – but this small difference could mean your floor gets installed incorrectly.
Because of this, we recommend acclimatising your flooring before fitting. Luckily, whilst this is important, it’s also incredibly simple! Simply leave the flooring in its box in the room that it’ll be fitted in. Try to keep the room at the temperature it’ll be when you use it.
Different floors will have their own requirements, so we recommend consulting the manufacturer’s instructions, but here’s a rough guide of how long it should take to acclimatise your flooring:
Floor Type | Duration |
|---|---|
Solid Wood Flooring | 7-14 days |
Laminate Flooring | 2+ days |
Vinyl Flooring | 2+ days |
Natural Carpet | 2+ days |
Engineered Flooring | up to 2 days (not essential) |
It’s impossible to know the cost of a new floor without knowing how much of it you need. Unless you’re a maths whizz, it can be pretty daunting to start measuring your room, so we have a simple method you can use.
If your room is a rectangle, this is as simple as measuring the length and width of your room and multiplying them together. Therefore if your room is 6 metres long and 3 metres wide, the area will be 18 metres square because 6 x 3 = 18
If your room isn’t rectangular, we recommend splitting it into rectangular sections. Multiply the width and length of each rectangle together to find the area. Then, add the areas of each rectangle together to find the total area. If you have an L shaped room, for example, this can be split into 2 rectangles.
And if you’ve got a complicated room, this method still works. Simply split the room into as many rectangles as needed. Multiply the length and width of each rectangle to find the areas, then add them all together to find the total area. (Remember to jot down the measurements as you go along!)
Living Rooms
Generally speaking, living rooms have a stable temperature, low moisture levels and low footfall, all of which is great news for any floor. This means there’s no restriction on which floors you can use. It’s probably where you take guests, too, so be sure to use this room to make an impression.
Kitchens
Vinyl, laminate, and lacquered engineered floors are all designed to resist the hostility of a busy kitchen. They can handle moisture, splashes and scratches - though remember to mop up spillages as soon as possible. Solid wood, natural carpet and oiled engineered floors aren’t as robust so we would recommend against them.
Bathrooms
Vinyl and laminate floors can resist the high levels of moisture found in bathrooms, so these are the floors we’d recommend. Changes in moisture can damage natural carpets and solid wood floors over time, and engineered floors aren’t as good at resisting splashes. Whatever floor you use, be sure to dry up spillages as soon as possible.
Conservatories
Vinyl, laminate, engineered and natural carpet are all fine to use in a conservatory. The huge variation in temperature which means the moisture in solid wood floors will rise and fall. For this reason, solid wood floors are likely to shrink and expand in conservatories.
Underfloor Heating
Engineered, laminate and luxury vinyl tiles are all fine (although always check with the product manufacturer.) Due to their reaction to heat solid wood floors are not suitable for underfloor heating. Unfortunately, our natural carpets are also not guaranteed against underfloor heating.
Basements
Vinyl, laminate, engineered and natural carpet are all fine. Basements can vary hugely in temperature which means the moisture in solid wood floors will rise and fall. For this reason, solid wood floors could shrink and expand in basements.
Stairs
Laminate, engineered and solid wood can all be laid on stairs. They are all stable and grippy enough to avoid any potential accidents, unlike vinyl which should be avoided. Coir and Sisal carpets are safe to use, but we'd avoid Jute or Seagrass.
In general the answer is yes, although there are some instances where priming is not necessary as explained below.
Priming of absorbent floors reduces the absorbency. This will increase the open time of the adhesive thus reducing the possibility of late placing. In addition, it will reduce the possibility of pin holing that can occur when smoothing underlayment is applied.
Priming of non absorbent subfloors with a suitable primer such as undiluted Stopgap P131 will act as an adhesive promoter for the smoothing underlayment.
Priming is not generally necessary when applying reactive adhesives such as polyurethane of epoxy systems.
Adhesive manufacturers spend a great deal of time developing adhesives for installing specific floor coverings. It is essential that the correct amount of adhesive is applied and the method of application is normally the V notched trowel. If the notches are worn, the amount of adhesive applied is reduced and the open time of the adhesive is also reduced. The combination of these two factors makes it more likely to have a flooring failure, and the financial consequences can be horrendous.