Resources

Flooring glossary

Definitions for carpet fitting, hard flooring, and subfloor terminology — each entry links to related calculators and guides.

Bullnose Stair

A bullnose stair has a rounded tread front — carpet must be stretched and trimmed carefully over the nosing.

Winder stairs fan out to change direction — they use more carpet and skilled fitting.

Kite winders are narrow at one end — high waste and slow fitting.

Gripper has angled pins that grip carpet backing when power-stretched.

Screed creates a flat, stable base for hard flooring and can encase underfloor heating.

Subfloor prep includes levelling, moisture control, and removing old adhesives.

LVT is a multi-layer vinyl floor with realistic designs and a wear layer — sold as planks or tiles.

Leave 8–10mm at walls and through doorways for laminate and click LVT.

Underlay improves comfort, acoustics, and carpet lifespan.

Use a hygrometer or calcium carbide test on concrete — manufacturers specify maximum RH.

Self-levelling compound fills low spots so hard flooring sits flat.

Whipping binds cut carpet edges to prevent fraying — used for rugs and stair runners.

Runners leave wood visible at sides — less carpet than full-width stair fills.