Alternative Flooring

If you want carpets, rugs, or runners made from ethically-sourced fibres, then consider Alternative Flooring. The Alternative brand is committed to producing sustainable, eco-friendly flooring products that also make any room look stunning. Their carpeting collection includes natural, wool, and faux carpets that add personality, style, and charm to your home. We always recommend Alternative to customers looking for sustainable carpeting solutions. At Horizontal Matters, we’re happy to support brands that prioritise a small ecological footprint as well as high quality.

Over 30 Years Experience

We’ve been in the flooring business for over 30 years, helping residents of Walthamstow and North London find the perfect flooring for their homes and businesses. With our expertise, we’re one of the leading flooring companies in North London.

Alternative Flooring Fitting Services

When you invest in sustainable carpeting from Alternative Flooring, you want to be sure it lasts. By allowing professionals to fit your new flooring, you can ensure that it does. We have over thirty years of experience fitting flooring for Walthamstow and North London homes and businesses, so we’re able to put down your new Alternative flooring efficiently and properly. When we install new carpeting in your space, we will cause minimal disruption to your home.

You can take a look through more of our work in our project gallery

Alternative Flooring Showroom

You may want to browse Alternative Flooring products in person to get a better sense of how they’ll look in your space. At our North London flooring showroom, we have samples for a wide range of flooring products and will happily assist you with choosing the best one for your project. Our experts are well-versed in the latest technologies and installation techniques as well, so they can offer advice that suits your space. If you decide Alternative Flooring isn’t the right choice for you, we have many other flooring brands to choose from as well. We will ensure you make the right flooring choice when you come to visit our showroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood & Laminate Floors

I’m worried about sound travelling down to the floor below, is there anything you can do?

Yes. There are many sound reducing underlays on the market which can be incorporated into the installation. These will offer a sound reduction of between 10 to 43 decibels.

Can I use the existing underlay when I buy a new floor or do I have to buy new?

Most manufacturers’ guarantees would be invalid if new underlay is not used.

Can I have a wood or laminate floor and underfloor heating?

Yes, but in most cases for wood it must be an engineered product, and you must use an appropriate underlay specifically designed for the purpose.

I have had a wood floor in the past, which developed dark lines along the joints. Why would this happen?

This would be due to excessive moisture. If you are using a mop to clean your floor ensure it is well wrung out before you start.

Do I have to have beading when a new wood floor is installed?

All wooden floors must be laid with room for expansion. There are various ways of concealing the expansion gap and we can happily show you all the various options.

Will my floor scratch?

Unless great care is taken with a wooden floor it is very likely to scratch. If you have a ‘shoes-off’ policy in your house this would reduce the likelihood of scratches, as will a strong doormat to catch loose grit at the entrance. In the case of laminates, they are highly scratch resistant.

What is the best way to clean a wood floor?

Most wooden floors are more or less maintenance free but you should always follow the manufacturers recommended guidelines for maintaining your floor.

Carpets

I’ve had a carpet in the past that has flattened down in some areas, is this a common issue?

‘Tracking’, as it is known, may occur in high traffic areas, and will depend on the type of carpet you select. Carpets that are denser are less likely to track. To reduce the likelihood of this occurring it is recommended that carpets are vacuumed twice a week to lift the pile, and we also recommend that you have your carpet professionally cleaned at least once a year.

What is the average life of a carpet?

The average life span is 7 years although there are a lot of new carpets on the market that give a 10 year guarantee.

The floorboards in my room are very uneven and the existing carpet is showing lines, is there anything that can be done to prevent this?

Depending on the type of carpet being installed either plywood or hardboard can be applied to the floorboards prior to your new carpet being fitted.

Can I have carpets and underfloor heating?

Yes, you can but low tog underlays must be used which will allow the heat to penetrate through to your room.

I’m worried about sound travelling down to the floor below, is there anything you can do?

There are specialist underlays available that reduce this type of noise and we would be happy to provide advice to you if this is a concern.

Can I use the existing underlay when I buy a new carpet or do I have to buy new?

Most manufacturers’ guarantees would be invalid if new underlay is not used.

Can I vacuum my new carpet straight away?

Yes, you can.

What our clients say...

Matthew, Chingford

Outstanding five star service! Jenny and Stuart were really attentive to our needs and they quickly provided us with options that would ensure beautiful house would look amazing once again with the appropriate choice of flooring. The advice was professional, the fitting and timeliness of the work was the exceptional. Five star service from a local family company, fitting flooring ...

Simon Miller

Horizontal Matters is led by Stuart Gaylor, an experienced floor specialist. I have known Stuart for what must be 10 years. He will offer you a great choice in flooring, a very good fitting service, all with grace. My practice has recommended Stuart and his team for years, and will keep doing so. If you are thinking of a new ...

K & S

I would like to say a massive thank you to you both for our new floor and Marvin who was very good at what he did. He is without doubt a massive credit to your company. Me and my wife are thrilled with our new flooring and everyone who has come to our house has complimented on how good it ...

Ms TL

Working with Horizontal Matters has been a true pleasure from start to finish – I mean it when I say that you’ve been my absolute favourite vendors that we’ve dealt with over the 8 years of living in this house. I will recommend you to everyone!

Neil Freeman

Stuart and Jenny fitted hallway, stairs and landings carpet. Could not be more pleased with the result. They are also extremely pleasant and professional people to deal with. Highly recommended.

Raphael Phillips

I have used Horizontal Matters on a number of occasions. Stuart and his team are fantastic. Very reasonably priced for the high-quality service and products that we received. I would have no hesitation in recommending them. Thank you so much for all your hard work.

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