1. Buy Extra – Always Allow 5–10% for Waste

Even with the best planning, there's always some unavoidable waste during installation. Offcuts, pattern matching, trimming around corners, or errors in cutting all contribute to material loss.

Pro Tip: For herringbone or parquet styles, consider adding 10–12% extra due to more complex layouts and precise joins.

2. Check the m² Coverage Per Pallet

Pallets vary in size. Don’t assume that “a pallet” from one supplier offers the same coverage as another. Look at the square metre (m²) coverage and calculate how much you’ll actually need, based on your space.

Formula: Room area (m²) × 1.05 = recommended order volume (with 5% buffer)

3. Understand Delivery Logistics & Pallet Access

Flooring pallets are heavy (typically 300–500kg or more). Make sure the delivery address has for a pallet truck

4. Review Return Policies & Restocking Fees

Some suppliers do not accept returns on clearance or job-lot flooring. Others may charge restocking fees or require returns to be unopened and re-palletised.

5. Look Into Compatibility With Underfloor Heating

If you're installing over underfloor heating (UFH), not all timber flooring is suitable. Look for:

Tip: Engineered flooring is typically more stable than solid wood for UFH systems.

6. Understand the Grade and Finish Types

Flooring comes in different visual grades (e.g., Prime, Rustic, Natural) and finishes (e.g., Brushed, Oiled, Lacquered). Understanding what each offers helps avoid surprises.

• Rustic = more knots and variation, while Prime = cleaner, uniform look
• Oiled = softer, more natural feel, but needs more upkeep
• Lacquered = easier to maintain, slightly more glossy