Flooring advice before you order

Flooring FAQs for measuring, fitting and ordering

Clear answers from an installer-led flooring service. Use this page to understand selected samples, measuring, fitting, delivery, collection, subfloor preparation, box quantities, roll widths and special-order terms before choosing carpet, LVT, laminate or vinyl.

35+ yearsPractical flooring experience
Mobile showroomSelected samples where available
Supply & fitMeasuring, preparation and installation
Local serviceSupply and installation in Tipperary and Limerick

Smart purchasing guidance

How flooring is normally measured and sold

Flooring quantities depend on the product type, room sizes, roll widths, box coverage, fitting direction, joins, stairs and waste allowance. A free measure helps prevent under-ordering, over-ordering and product choices that are unsuitable for the subfloor.

Laminate flooring

Laminate is generally supplied by the full box. Pack coverage should be checked before ordering and part-box ordering is not normally available.

LVT flooring

LVT is generally supplied by the full box. Waste allowance matters because cuts, room shape and fitting pattern can change the quantity required.

Carpet

Carpet is cut from roll widths, commonly 3m, 4m or 5m depending on the product. Quantity depends on room size, joins, pile direction, stairs and waste.

Sheet vinyl

Sheet vinyl is cut from roll widths, commonly 2m, 3m or 4m depending on the product. Pattern direction, joins and waste can affect the required size.

Accessories

Accessories are usually sold individually unless stated otherwise. Trims, profiles, underlay and preparation products should match the floor and installation method.

Colour and samples

Colours shown on phones, tablets and computer screens may vary from the actual flooring. Samples are available on selected products where offered by the manufacturer, and Dave can advise what is available before you decide.

Special order and cut products

Clear terms protect the customer and the job

Many flooring products are ordered specifically for each customer. Cut products and supplier special orders can carry restrictions once processed, so customers should measure carefully or book a free home measure before committing.

Special orders

Cut-to-size, made-to-order, special-order and bespoke products cannot be returned unless faulty.

Cut carpet and vinyl

Carpet and sheet vinyl are cut specifically for each order. Customers should carefully confirm measurements before ordering, because cut products cannot be returned unless faulty.

Standard stocked products

Standard stocked products are handled in accordance with Irish consumer law.

Common questions

Flooring advice, measuring and fitting FAQs

These answers are written to help customers choose confidently and avoid ordering mistakes. For room-specific advice, contact Dave or book a free measure.

Do you offer a free home measure?

Yes. Arra Flooring can measure your rooms, check key fitting details, discuss samples and advise on preparation before you order. This is the safest route if you are unsure how much flooring you need.

Do you bring samples to my home?

Samples are available on selected products where offered by the manufacturer. Where suitable samples are available, the mobile showroom service lets you view them in your own lighting beside your furniture, walls and daylight.

Can you supply and fit the flooring?

Yes. Arra Flooring provides professional installation throughout Tipperary and Limerick. Larger residential or commercial projects outside this area may be quoted individually.

Why should I book a measure before ordering?

A proper measure accounts for box coverage, roll width, joins, stairs, waste, pile direction, pattern direction and subfloor condition. It reduces the risk of ordering too much, too little or the wrong product.

How is laminate sold?

Laminate is usually sold by the full box. Each product has pack coverage, and part-box ordering is not normally available. Allowance should be made for cuts and fitting waste.

How is LVT sold?

LVT is usually sold by the full box. The required quantity depends on box coverage, room shape, cuts, fitting pattern and waste allowance.

How are carpet and sheet vinyl sold?

Carpet is usually cut from roll widths such as 3m, 4m or 5m. Sheet vinyl is usually cut from roll widths such as 2m, 3m or 4m. Room size, joins, pattern direction, pile direction and waste affect the final quantity.

Can subfloor condition affect the final cost?

Yes. Uneven, damp or unsuitable subfloors may need preparation before installation. Subfloor preparation can affect the final cost, but it protects the finished floor and helps avoid fitting problems.

How are delivery and collection handled?

Delivery methods and charges vary depending on product type, quantity and destination. Delivery costs are confirmed before dispatch. Collection is by appointment only.

When will my flooring arrive?

Lead times vary by supplier. Arra Flooring does not promise exact delivery dates online; estimated lead times are confirmed after order review.

Can I return flooring after ordering?

Standard stocked products are handled in accordance with Irish consumer law. Cut-to-size, made-to-order, special-order and bespoke products cannot be returned unless faulty.

Do deposits apply?

Deposits may be required before ordered goods are purchased, especially where products are supplier ordered, made to order, cut to size or part of a fitted project.

Which areas do you cover?

Supply and installation is available throughout Tipperary and Limerick. Supply-only orders are available across the Republic of Ireland on selected products, and larger residential or commercial projects may be quoted individually nationwide.

Choosing flooring

Direct answers for rooms, families and installation decisions

Start with the room, expected use and subfloor. Product-specific suitability still depends on the verified specification, preparation and fitting method.

Carpet or LVT: which should I choose?

Carpet prioritises warmth, softness and acoustic comfort. LVT provides a resilient hard surface and needs the correct click or glue-down system. Choose by room use, cleaning expectations, subfloor, preparation and the exact product specification.

What is the difference between LVT and laminate?

LVT is a resilient vinyl floor available in glue-down and click constructions. Laminate is a layered plank floor normally installed as a floating system. Water suitability, underlay, preparation and installation requirements must be checked for the exact product.

How is sheet vinyl different from LVT?

Sheet vinyl is supplied from a roll and can reduce the number of joins in suitable rooms. LVT is supplied as tiles or planks and may be click or glue-down. Both depend on a suitable subfloor, but their measuring, preparation and fitting routes differ.

Engineered wood or laminate: what changes?

Engineered wood has a real-timber wear layer over a layered construction. Laminate uses a decorative surface over a manufactured core. Moisture, preparation, installation method, maintenance and the verified product specification should guide the decision.

Which flooring works in kitchens and bathrooms?

There is no safe category-only answer. Check the exact product's water suitability, slip information where relevant, joint and edge requirements, subfloor moisture, preparation and installation instructions before choosing.

Which flooring suits bedrooms, stairs, pets, children or heavy traffic?

Bedrooms often prioritise comfort; stairs require secure fitting and confirmed stair suitability; pets, children and heavy traffic increase cleaning, wear and slip considerations. Compare the exact use classification, construction, maintenance and fitting requirements.

Can flooring be used with underfloor heating?

Only where the exact flooring, underlay or adhesive system and heating conditions are approved together. Check the product instructions and total thermal requirements; do not assume compatibility from the flooring category alone.

When are smoothing compound, primer or a DPM needed?

The answer depends on moisture testing, flatness, contamination, surface strength, subfloor type and the chosen flooring system. Preparation products are not interchangeable, so the complete system must be confirmed before installation.

Why do waste, joins and transitions affect quantity?

Pack coverage is rounded to complete packs. Roll goods depend on available width, cut orientation and joins. Doorways, stairs and adjoining floor heights can add transition or profile requirements. Use the product calculator, then Book Measure for complex rooms.

Not sure how much you need?

Book a free home flooring measure

Dave can bring selected samples where available, measure properly, check the subfloor and help you choose flooring that suits the room before you commit to an order.