Frequently Asked Questions

Dyfed Richards operates throughout London, Essex, and the Home Counties. We have completed prestigious projects across the capital, including installations at The Shard and numerous commercial properties in Central London. Our team is based in Braintree, Essex, which provides excellent access to sites throughout the South East.

Dyfed Richards has over 40 years of experience in the timber flooring industry. Our Managing Director, Chris Richards, has personally overseen operations for more than 22 years, bringing hands-on expertise to every project we undertake.

Yes, we work across both sectors. Our portfolio includes private residences, luxury apartments, commercial offices, hospitality venues, heritage buildings, and public spaces. We work with architects, project managers, facilities managers, and private homeowners alike.

We offer a comprehensive range of services including timber flooring supply, professional installation, sanding and screening, colour matching and finishing, and bespoke staircase cladding. We also provide floor restoration, refurbishment, site surveys, and specialist installation advice for complex projects.

Absolutely. We are proud suppliers of high-quality timber flooring from the UK and Europe. With a large selection of products in stock, we can typically deliver within 2-3 days. We also offer bespoke made-to-order flooring for projects requiring unique specifications.

Yes, we offer free site surveys as standard. Our surveys assess the existing environment, checking for factors such as damp, temperature, subfloor condition, and any other elements that may impact the quality of your flooring installation.

Yes, our bespoke colour matching service allows us to create custom finishes tailored to your design requirements. We offer a variety of durable finishes including oil, lacquer, matt, and satin, and can enhance colour tones by removing soft grain before installation.

We supply a comprehensive range of timber flooring styles including parquet, strip flooring, engineered boards, herringbone, chevron, Versailles panels, and wide plank flooring. Our products are available in various wood species including oak, walnut, and speciality timbers.

Solid timber flooring is milled from a single piece of wood, offering longevity and the ability to be sanded multiple times. Engineered flooring consists of a real wood top layer bonded to a stable plywood core, making it more dimensionally stable in environments with fluctuating humidity. Both options deliver authentic beauty and durability when properly installed and maintained.

Prime grade timber features a consistent appearance with minimal knots, sapwood variation, or natural markings. Character grade timber showcases the natural features of the wood including knots, colour variation, and grain patterns. Both grades are machined to identical quality standards; the distinction is purely visual and does not affect durability or performance.

We work with leading manufacturers and mills to ensure our timber is sustainably sourced and responsibly harvested. We can supply FSC and PEFC certified products for projects where environmental credentials are required.

Subfloor preparation varies depending on the existing surface and chosen flooring. Common preparations include latex screeds, feather finish levelling compound, plywood installation, and liquid damp proof membranes. Our team assesses each project individually to recommend the appropriate preparation for optimal results.

Yes, timber flooring can be installed over underfloor heating systems when the correct products and installation methods are used. Engineered timber flooring is particularly well-suited for this application due to its dimensional stability. We can advise on the most appropriate products and installation techniques for your heating system.

Installation timelines depend on the project scope, flooring type, and any subfloor preparation required. A typical residential installation might take 2-5 days, whilst larger commercial projects may extend over several weeks. We provide detailed timelines during the quotation stage and work to complete all projects on schedule and within budget.

We offer a comprehensive range of finishes including natural oils, hardwax oils, lacquers, and specialist treatments. Options include matt, satin, and gloss sheens, as well as bespoke coloured oils and stains. The choice depends on aesthetic preference, expected foot traffic, and maintenance requirements.

Regular maintenance includes sweeping or vacuuming to remove grit and debris, damp mopping with appropriate cleaning products, and periodic reapplication of maintenance oils for oiled floors. Avoid excessive water and use felt pads under furniture legs. We provide specific care guidance based on your floor's finish.

Yes, our refurbishment service can restore tired or damaged timber floors to their former beauty. The process typically involves sanding to remove the existing finish, repairing any damaged boards, and applying a fresh finish. Restoration is often more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than complete replacement.

Refinishing frequency depends on the floor's finish type and the level of wear it experiences. Oiled floors in residential settings typically benefit from maintenance oil every 1-2 years, whilst lacquered floors may last 5-10 years before requiring a full refinish. Commercial environments with high footfall may require more frequent attention.

Our portfolio includes prestigious commercial installations such as The Shard, Spotify offices, Google offices, The Arts Club, The Carlton Hotel Knightsbridge, Walworth Town Hall, and numerous Café Rouge restaurants. We have extensive experience in office fit-outs, hospitality venues, heritage buildings, and retail environments.

Yes, we understand the importance of meeting project timelines in commercial settings. We project manage the majority of installations personally, ensuring clear communication and on-time delivery. Our experience with large-scale commercial projects means we are well-equipped to work within demanding schedules.

Yes, we offer value-engineered products for projects where budget optimisation is important. These products retain the visual appeal and functionality of higher-end options whilst offering cost savings. They are particularly popular for multi-residential developments and large commercial fit-outs.

Contact us via telephone on 0800 032 4760 or 01376 320500, email sales@dyfedrichardsltd.co.uk, or use the contact form on our website. We will discuss your requirements, arrange a free site survey if appropriate, and provide a detailed quotation. Our pricing is competitive and transparent.

Yes, we provide free samples to help you make an informed decision. Our team can create bespoke samples to match specific colour requirements, allowing you to see exactly how your chosen flooring will look in your space.

We offer competitive pricing for both standard and bespoke wooden flooring. Our approach is to deliver excellent value through quality craftsmanship, premium materials, and professional project management. All projects are completed on time and within agreed budgets.

Yes, we have extensive experience working on heritage buildings and listed properties. Projects such as Walworth Town Hall demonstrate our expertise in restoring and preserving original flooring, including Burmese teak blocks and historic pine planks. We understand the sensitive approach required for buildings of architectural significance.