Joinery & Flooring Services
Sub-floor
Preparation
Click Flooring
Installation
Stick Down Flooring
Installation
Joinery
Services
House
Refurbishments
House
Refurbishments
About Us
Step Ahead Flooring will complete any flooring project no matter how big or small.
We will thoroughly inspect your existing floor, carry out any sub-preparation work, fit the new flooring and replace/refit any skirting boards.
We can also undertake many other joinery projects to improve your home, as well as total property refurbishments.…
Terry has had over 39 years experience in the flooring trade and set up his own small, family run business in 2022.
Step Ahead Flooring has an experienced team for fitting floors and carrying out joinery projects with the ability to project manage and a number of quality, time served plumbers, electricians, painters and plasterers to hand if a job requires more than just simple floor fitting.
Although based in Redcar Step Ahead Flooring will undertake jobs anywhere in the Teesside area and the North East.
Our Services
Sub-floor Preparation
The first thing Step Ahead Flooring do when installing any flooring is to thoroughly inspect the existing floor.
Step Ahead Flooring will ensure:
– The sub-floor is completely flat.
– Any small bumps are removed by sanding or scraping.
– If needed an appropriate levelling compound will be used and we will check if a primer or sealer is needed.
– Joints between tiles or other gaps are cemented and levelled.
– An underlay is used if required to avoid any extra levelling.
– All traces of grease, chemical residue and glue are removed.
– There are no stray nails left anywhere and the floor is swept and vacuumed
We recommend removing your old skirting boards, as soon as the new flooring is in place, our qualified joiners can install new or refit the skirting.
Any bumps or irregularities in the sub-floor will cause problems later on in the process and may leave marks and can create gaps in your new floor.…
The sub-floor should be stable and firmly fixed, it cannot be soft, damaged or loose.
We will check wooden floors for any traces of mould or insect infestations and make sure that the moisture content of any floor does not exceed the recommended levels.
Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring
Step Ahead Flooring install Luxury Vinyl Tile ‘Stick down’ or ‘Glue down’ flooring
Anywhere that moisture could be an issue, Luxury Vinyl Tiles, are an ideal solution. LVT floors can look like real wood or real stone and have any design printed on them. Because they are made from PVC, Luxury Vinyl Tiles are ideal for areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, or for even for commercial use such as hair salons and yoga studios, a thinner profile ensures less disruption to existing fixtures such as skirting and shower trays, etc...
‘Glue’ down or ‘Stick’ down Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring requires a completely level sub-floor since tiles are only somewhere between 2mm and 8mm thick.
We will apply a levelling screed if necessary, carry out moisture checks as well as applying a damp proof layer (DPM) if needed.
We use a pressure sensitive glue with our LVT flooring which forms an instant grab upon contact, ensuring once positioned tiles won’t move about, this adhesion then increases with use.
Carpets
Step Ahead Flooring install Carpets
Carpet flooring offers a soft, warm, and inviting feel underfoot, making it a popular choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and family spaces. Modern carpets come in a wide range of textures, colours, and pile types—from plush and luxurious to durable and low-profile—allowing you to match any interior style. Many carpets are stain-resistant and designed to withstand daily wear, making them suitable for homes with pets and children. Carpet also provides excellent insulation and sound absorption, contributing to a quieter, more energy-efficient home...
Please note that carpet rolls may vary slightly in shade between batches due to dye lot differences. To ensure a consistent finish, we recommend purchasing extra material to allow for pattern matching and any offcuts that may not be suitable for installation. Professional fitting is advised to achieve a seamless look and maximise longevity, especially around stairs and high-traffic areas.
Step Ahead Flooring install various types of ‘click’ or ‘floating’ flooring.
‘Click’ type or ‘floating’ flooring requires an underlay and is designed to expand and contract around the room. A 5-8mm expansion gap around the perimiter is needed and usually covered by the skirting board or beading. It is also important to have a flat smooth sub-floor to prevent itthe boards unclipping and comming apart.It’s good practice to have your floor delivered 24-48hours prior to fitting so that it can acclimitise to the room temperature.
This type of flooring includes Laminate, Luxury Vinyl Planks and Engineered Wood
Laminate Flooring
The most popular of wood floor types, laminate flooring has some fantastic advantages. It is the Hardest to scratch of all wood floors, it is a long-lasting, low-cost option and has the biggest choice of decors and styles...
Water resistant options are available, it is Pet-Friendly and suitable for underfloor heating, as well as requiring the lowest maintenance of all wood floors.
LVT Plank Flooring
Although it’s not made of wood, vinyl click flooring (or LVT planks) often comes in wood effect finishes along with many other decor types. It is extremely versatile and the fastest growing floor covering. This type of flooring can also be laid in a herringbone pattern to give a distinctive look and feel to a room....
LVT planks are highly water-resistant, suitable for heavy traffic and ready to use immediately. They are a good choice for many areas in the home being highly durable and suitable for underfloor heating.
Engineered/Solid Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring looks and feels just like solid wood flooring, but underneath the real wood surface is often a stabilising base layer adding extra versatility. It is long-lasting and more stable for heat and moisture changes than solid wood. Engineered wood can be stained any colour and is also suitable for underfloor heating...
Solid Wood flooring is still one of the most popular choices Solid wood can last hundreds of years and can be refinished to look like new. It can be stained to any colour to match your decor and gives a real ‘wood warmth’ feel. This luxury finish is pet-friendly and low maintenance. Please note that different batches may vary in colour and form since wood is a natural product with natural colour variations.
Because colour variation is expected in both engineered wood and real wood you may decide not to use some boards therefore extra waste should be purchased to allow for any planks which are not deemed suitable for installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’d like to ask a question, get a quote, or chat about your flooring needs, just get in touch. We’re happy to help with advice, recommendations, or bookings—whatever suits your project best.
How to lay laminate flooring?
Lay underlay on a clean, level subfloor, leave expansion gaps, and stagger boards using the click-lock system. Begin from one corner and work across the room, trimming boards with a laminate cutter or fine-tooth saw. Avoid wet adhesives unless specified. Finish with skirting or trims.
What is LVT Flooring?
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) mimics natural materials and is made from layered PVC with a protective top. It’s waterproof, durable, and ideal for high-traffic or wet areas. Available in plank or tile, it installs via glue-down, click-lock, or loose-lay methods.
How to lay vinyl flooring?
Prepare a smooth, dry subfloor and choose between sheet, tile, or plank vinyl. Sheets are glued or taped, while planks often click together or peel-and-stick. Begin from a central line or longest wall, stagger joints, and use a roller for adhesion.
How to clean laminate flooring?
Sweep regularly with a soft brush or vacuum. Clean using a slightly damp microfiber mop and laminate-safe cleaner. Avoid excessive water, steam mops, or harsh chemicals. Wipe spills quickly and use felt pads under furniture to prevent surface damage.
Most common mistakes when laying laminate flooring?
Skipping acclimatisation, ignoring expansion gaps, and laying over uneven subfloors cause issues. Poor joint staggering and incorrect underlay also lead to movement or noise. Always follow product guidelines and avoid areas with high moisture unless using water-resistant laminate.
How to cut laminate flooring?
Use a fine-tooth hand saw, jigsaw, or laminate cutter. Mark your cut, then cut with the decorative face down (circular saw) or up (jigsaw). For curves or pipe cutouts, trace and use a hole saw. Work in a ventilated space with safety gear.
What is engineered wood flooring?
Engineered wood combines a hardwood veneer over layers of plywood or HDF for extra stability. It resists warping better than solid wood and suits most rooms. Install it as floating, glue-down, or nailed, depending on the product
How to lay herringbone flooring?
Start by marking a central line and laying a few test rows. Boards are laid in a zigzag pattern at 90 degrees. Use spacers for expansion gaps and trim edges carefully. Finish with skirting and check alignment throughout for a precise look.
How to clean LVT Flooring?
Sweep or vacuum frequently. Use a damp mop with a vinyl-safe cleaner for deeper cleaning. Avoid bleach, steam, or harsh scrubbers. LVT is waterproof, but still wipe spills promptly. For stubborn marks, use diluted vinegar or a mild detergent.