​Introduction

This page is intended to give you more information about what to expect when a solid hardwood floor is installed and contains our terms of business, so please read it carefully. Please feel free to contact us if there is anything you would like to discuss in more detail.

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1. About Subfloors

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Upstairs Floors

When nailing down a floor where there is a ceiling on the underside of the floor joists (e.g. upstairs rooms), there is a possibility that the ceiling beneath may suffer some damage, such as cracks or nail heads showing on plasterboard ceilings.

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If the ceiling is already in very poor condition there is even a possibility that it could be seriously damaged. We will not be responsible for the cost of repairing such damage.

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If you think this might be a problem, we would be happy to discuss alternative installation methods to minimise hammering or vibration, such as gluing down instead of nailing.

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Wood Subfloors

If the new floor is to be installed over old floorboards, chipboard, or plywood, the new wood covering will follow the contours of the existing floor.

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If you wish to correct this, it should be done before installation starts. Otherwise, we cannot be held responsible for levelling issues once the new floor is installed.

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We always do our best to secure loose boards within the subfloor, but older timber subfloors may still produce noise over time. Unless we have fully constructed the entire subfloor ourselves, we cannot be held responsible for noises caused by the existing structure.

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We also reserve the right to charge extra for any remedial subfloor works required during installation. The customer will always be informed before additional work is carried out.

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Where there is a crawl space beneath the floor, suitable air vents must be in place to reduce humidity and maintain a healthy subfloor free from moisture-related problems.

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Solid Subfloors

If the new wood floor is to be installed over a new concrete subfloor, please note that concrete can take many months to dry fully, even if the surface appears dry.

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New wood flooring should never be stacked directly on a concrete subfloor.

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We may recommend smoothing or levelling compounds where necessary. Please note that levelling compounds generally follow the contours of the subfloor rather than fully correcting severe unevenness.

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Excessive moisture can distort new floors, therefore liquid DPM (Damp Proof Membrane) systems may be required to protect the flooring.

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2. Before We Start

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Room / House Conditions

If, once on site, conditions are not suitable for us to carry out the works, we reserve the right to charge for loss of earnings and add this to the final invoice.

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Examples include:

• Plaster or screed not fully dry

• Rooms not cleared

• Doors or windows not installed

• Property not sealed from weather

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If the property is new, or if substantial building work involving wet trades has been undertaken, delivery of the wood should be postponed until all such work has been completed and the property has dried out with heating running.

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Dust

Although the sanding equipment we use is highly efficient at collecting dust, installation and sanding will still create some dust.

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We strongly recommend removing:

• Curtains

• Pelmets

• Ornaments

• Delicate furnishings

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If you require protective sheeting, please discuss this with us in advance as an additional charge may apply.

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Decorations

Floor installation is a heavy construction process and sanding machines are powerful, so minor bumps or scrapes to skirting boards or walls may occur.

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If skirting boards are removed or installed, walls and skirting may require redecorating afterwards. We do not undertake decorating works and cannot be held responsible for associated redecoration costs.

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Installation Dates

All installation dates provided are provisional.

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Occasionally dates may need to change due to:

• Delays on previous projects

• Material supply delays

• Unforeseen site conditions

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We will always advise you as soon as possible if any changes become necessary.

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Similarly, we cannot guarantee completion by a specific date as there are factors beyond our control.

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Other Trades

Wet trades should be completed and fully dry before installation begins.

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If other trades are working in the same area during installation, we require exclusive access to the floor area to avoid delays and maintain installation standards.

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Subfloors should be left clean and dry following completion of other trades.

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Preparation Before Fitting

Rooms must be completely cleared before installation begins unless agreed otherwise in advance.

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If you require us to move furniture or belongings, please arrange this beforehand. We cannot accept responsibility for damage, loss, or breakages as we are not insured for removals.

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Services (Electrics / Gas / Water)

We are not qualified to disconnect gas appliances or permanently wired electrical appliances. Customers are responsible for arranging qualified tradespeople where required.

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Access to a 230V power supply will be required during installation.

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Customers are responsible for clearly identifying the location of:

• Pipes

• Electrical wiring

• Alarms

• Telephone/network cables

• Underfloor heating

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We cannot be held responsible for damage to hidden services that were not clearly identified before installation.

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If appliances or plumbing connections are moved during installation, we cannot accept responsibility for leaks or damage afterwards.

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Site Surveys

We provide free site visits and quotations based on visible site conditions.

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If areas could not be fully inspected during the original survey — for example beneath carpets or existing flooring — quotations are based on the assumption that no hidden problems exist.

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If unforeseen issues are later discovered requiring additional work, we will discuss this immediately and provide revised costs where necessary.

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3. About Wood

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Acclimatisation Before Installation

Some of the flooring is kiln dried and acclimatisation might not always be necessary.

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If flooring is delivered before installation, it should be stored in the room where it will be installed whenever possible.

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Flooring must never be stored in garages, lofts, cellars, or unheated rooms where humidity levels may differ significantly.

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If the property is new or wet trades have recently been completed, delivery should be postponed until the building has dried fully.

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Grading

Different grades of wood are available.

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Rustic grade is the most common and naturally contains:

• Colour variation

• Knots

• Splits

• Pin holes

• Natural markings

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Prime grade is more colour consistent and contains fewer natural characteristics.

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Wood is a natural material and every floor will vary in colour, grain, and character. These variations are normal and contribute to the uniqueness of the floor.

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Wood Behaviour

Wood naturally expands and contracts in response to humidity changes.

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Small seasonal gaps between boards are normal, particularly during winter months when indoor humidity is lower.

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Some degree of cupping or crowning may also occur depending on:

• Humidity levels

• Heating

• Board width

• Property conditions

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These are natural characteristics of real wood flooring and not faults in the floor.

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Special considerations apply where underfloor heating is present.

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Installation

Installation is carried out by our experienced fitting team.

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If you would prefer a particular member of our team to undertake your installation, please let us know as early as possible and we will try to accommodate your request.

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Avoiding Potential Problems

During installation we use power tools, adhesives, finishes, and other materials that may cause damage to clothing or furnishings.

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Customers are responsible for ensuring children, pets, and other occupants stay away from the working area.

Where finishes are being applied there may be periods when the floor cannot be walked on. Please plan accordingly, especially where the area is required for access.

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If restrictions significantly extend installation time, we reserve the right to charge additional costs.

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Dealing With Problems

We always aim for the highest standards in our work.

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If any issue arises, we must be given the opportunity to inspect and rectify the problem.

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Our liability is limited to the remedial works required and does not extend to consequential losses.

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Conditions In Service

Wood flooring is manufactured for use in dry, heated domestic environments.

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Recommended conditions are:

• 15–25°C

• 50–65% relative humidity

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Properties left unheated during winter may suffer irreversible floor damage.

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Protecting The Floor

Freshly finished floors must not be covered before finishes have cured fully.

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Where protection is required, we recommend:

• Cleaning debris first

• Foam underlay protection

• Protective plywood sheeting where necessary

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Dragging tools, ladders, or heavy objects across the floor may damage the surface.

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Filling Gaps / Joints During Restoration

Gap fillers used during restoration are rigid once cured and cannot fully move with natural timber movement.

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Where excessive seasonal movement occurs, fillers may crack or loosen. This is a natural consequence of timber movement and not a fault in workmanship.

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4. About Finishes

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Staining

Staining is a hand-applied process and results can vary depending on timber species and the condition of the floor.

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Some species absorb stain differently, and old floors may reveal hidden marks or colour variations once stained.

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Sample patches can be provided before final approval.

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Clear Finishes

We offer a range of clear finishes tailored to how the floor will be used.

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Finishes slightly alter the appearance of the timber while providing protection.

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Unless otherwise specified, a matt or satin sheen finish will normally be used.

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Prefinished Flooring

Prefinished flooring is factory-finished before installation.

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Where customers supply their own flooring, we cannot be held responsible for manufacturing appearance, grading, or factory finishing characteristics.

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We will however reject obviously defective boards where appropriate.

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Samples

Samples are provided for guidance purposes only.

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As wood is a natural material, samples cannot fully represent the colour variation and characteristics of the complete floor.

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5. About Money

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Guarantee

We guarantee our workmanship for one year, provided the floor is maintained in accordance with our aftercare instructions.

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The guarantee does not cover:

• Floods

• Leaks

• Accidental damage

• Excessive humidity

• Improper maintenance

• Damage caused by other trades

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Furniture should always be fitted with felt pads to avoid scratches and dents.

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Quotations

Quotations are valid for 60 days unless otherwise stated.

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We reserve the right to withdraw or revise quotations at any time.

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Deposit / Payments

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Installation

A deposit is required to secure installation dates.

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The remaining balance is payable on completion unless otherwise agreed.

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Larger deposits may occasionally be required for specially ordered materials.

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Supply of Wood

Materials remain the property of CRAFT Hardwood Ltd until paid for in full.

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Risk passes to the customer upon delivery, therefore materials should be stored securely and insured where appropriate.

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Additional stage payments may be required for larger projects.

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Late Payment

We reserve the right to charge interest on overdue invoices under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

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Price Changes

All quoted prices are subject to change where necessary.

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6. General

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These Terms & Conditions apply to all works undertaken by CRAFT Hardwood Ltd and cannot be varied except in writing signed by both parties.

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If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Thank you.

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Contact Details

CRAFT Hardwood Ltd
78 Draperfield
Chorley
PR7 3PL

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Company Registration Number: 13034218