How to Choose Flooring for a New Build in Wiltshire
New build homes across Wiltshire — from the Persimmon estates in Chippenham to the Taylor Wimpey developments in Trowbridge — present a specific set of flooring challenges and opportunities. This guide covers everything you need to know before making a decision.
The New Build Flooring Challenge
New build homes typically come with concrete screed floors throughout the ground floor and chipboard or OSB flooring on upper levels. Both substrates have specific requirements that differ from older properties.
The most important consideration is moisture. New build concrete floors can take up to 12 months to fully dry out, and fitting certain flooring types too early can cause significant problems — including warping, lifting, and mould growth beneath the floor.
At Wiltshire Carpet Warehouse, we carry out moisture readings before every installation in a new build property. This is a non-negotiable step that many national chains skip — and it is the reason we have never had a moisture-related installation failure in a Wiltshire new build.
Best Flooring for New Build Ground Floors
For ground floor living areas in new builds, LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) is our most recommended option. It is 100% waterproof, tolerates minor moisture variation in the screed, and is available in wood and stone effects that complement the clean lines of modern new build interiors.
Engineered wood is also suitable for new build ground floors, provided the moisture content of the screed is within acceptable limits (typically below 75% RH). Solid wood is not recommended for new build ground floors due to the higher risk of moisture-related movement.
Laminate is a cost-effective option for new build ground floors but should only be fitted once the screed has fully dried. A waterproof grade laminate (AC4 or above) is essential.
Best Flooring for New Build Upper Floors
Upper floors in new builds are typically chipboard or OSB over timber joists. Carpet is the most popular choice for bedrooms and is straightforward to fit on these substrates. A quality underlay is essential — it improves comfort, reduces noise transmission between floors, and extends the life of the carpet.
LVT and laminate can also be fitted on upper floors in new builds. Both are suitable for the chipboard substrate, though it is important to ensure the subfloor is level and secure before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flooring is best for a new build living room in Wiltshire?
LVT is the most popular choice for new build living rooms in Wiltshire. It is waterproof, durable, and available in styles that suit modern interiors. Engineered wood is also excellent once the screed has dried. Carpet remains popular for its warmth and comfort, particularly in family homes.
Can I fit carpet in a new build straight away?
Yes — carpet can typically be fitted in a new build from the day you move in, as it is not affected by screed moisture in the same way as hard flooring. However, we recommend waiting at least 3 months before fitting engineered wood or laminate on a new build ground floor.
How long should I wait before fitting hard flooring in a new build?
As a general rule, allow at least 6 months for a new build concrete screed to dry before fitting engineered wood or laminate. For LVT, the wait is shorter — typically 3 months — as LVT is moisture-tolerant. We always carry out a moisture reading before installation.
Do you cover new build estates in Chippenham and Trowbridge?
Yes. Wiltshire Carpet Warehouse covers all new build estates across Chippenham, Trowbridge, Calne, Corsham, Melksham, Warminster and surrounding areas. We offer free home visits and measuring for all new build properties.