When it comes to flooring, there is no substitute for experience. Wayne Johnstone, Director of Select Line Kitchen & Flooring Studio, has spent 28 years in the flooring industry – from his first day after leaving school to leading one of Swindon’s most trusted flooring specialists. We sat down with Wayne to get his honest, expert answers to the questions he hears most often from customers.

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About Wayne Johnstone

Having worked in the flooring industry since leaving school, Wayne has dedicated his career to developing expertise in flooring products, installation, and project management. As Director of Select Line Kitchen & Flooring Studio in Swindon, he is passionate about providing exceptional flooring solutions and building long-term relationships with clients through quality workmanship, reliability, and outstanding customer service.

With nearly three decades of hands-on experience – covering everything from domestic LVT installations to large-scale commercial flooring projects – there are very few flooring questions Wayne hasn’t encountered. Here are his answers to the ones people search for most.

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Q1: What’s the most common mistake people make when choosing flooring for their kitchen?

Wayne: “The biggest mistake is choosing flooring based purely on appearance rather than how it will perform in a busy kitchen environment. Kitchens are high-traffic areas that are exposed to spills, moisture, and dropped items, so durability and water resistance should be just as important as style. I always encourage customers to think about how they actually live in their home before making a decision.”

Q2: What’s the difference between LVT and laminate – and which would you recommend?

Wayne: “Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a waterproof product that is highly durable and comfortable underfoot, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and family homes. Laminate has improved significantly over the years and offers excellent value, but it can still be more susceptible to moisture damage. If budget allows, I generally recommend LVT for its versatility, durability, and ease of maintenance. Brands like Karndean and Amtico produce LVT that genuinely looks and feels premium, not like the vinyl of old.”

Q3: How long does a typical flooring installation take, and what should customers do to prepare?

Wayne: “Most domestic installations can be completed within one to three days, depending on the size of the area and the amount of preparation work required. Customers can help by removing furniture where possible and ensuring the fitting area is accessible. A good flooring contractor will discuss any specific requirements before work begins – we always carry out a thorough pre-installation survey so there are no surprises on the day.”

Q4: Does flooring need to acclimatise before fitting, and why does it matter?

Wayne: “Yes, in many cases it does. Flooring materials can expand or contract depending on temperature and humidity levels. Allowing the product to acclimatise to the room conditions before installation helps minimise movement after fitting and contributes to a more stable, longer-lasting floor. It’s a step that’s sometimes skipped to save time, but it genuinely makes a difference to the long-term performance of the floor.”

Q5: Can new flooring be laid over existing flooring, or does the old stuff always need to come up?

Wayne: “It depends on what material you are installing and the condition of the existing floor. If the current floor is sound, level, and securely fixed, it may be possible to install over it. However, in many cases, removing the old floor allows us to properly assess the subfloor and achieve the best possible finish. Every project should be assessed individually – there is no one-size-fits-all answer here, and any contractor who tells you otherwise without seeing the job first should be treated with caution.”

Q6: What’s the best flooring for homes with underfloor heating?

Wayne: “LVT is an excellent choice for underfloor heating because it conducts heat efficiently and remains dimensionally stable. Many engineered wood products also perform very well. The key is to choose a flooring product that is approved by the manufacturer for use with underfloor heating systems and to follow the recommended temperature guidelines. Getting this wrong can void your warranty, so it’s worth discussing with a specialist before purchasing.”

Q7: How do I look after my new floor to make it last as long as possible?

Wayne: “Regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove grit and dirt is one of the simplest ways to protect any floor. Use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning products, avoid excessive water, and consider entrance mats in high-traffic areas. Small preventative measures can significantly extend the life and appearance of your flooring. The floors that look great after ten years are almost always the ones that have had a bit of regular care.”

Q8: What questions should a customer ask a flooring fitter before they hire them?

Wayne: “Customers should ask about experience, qualifications and insurance. It’s also important to understand exactly what preparation work is included in the quotation, what guarantees are provided, and whether the fitter is following the manufacturer’s installation guidelines. At Select Line, all our quotations are itemised, showing the customer exactly what they are paying with no hidden extras. Transparency builds trust, and trust is what keeps customers coming back.”

Q9: What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the flooring industry over your 28 years?

Wayne: “The biggest change has been the advancement in product technology. Today’s flooring products offer far greater realism, durability, and performance than ever before. The growth of LVT in particular has transformed the market, giving customers a practical flooring solution that delivers both style and longevity. When I started out, the options available were a fraction of what they are today – both in terms of design and performance.”

Q10: What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to anyone about to start a flooring project?

Wayne: “Invest in proper preparation. Even the highest-quality flooring will only perform as well as the surface beneath it. Choosing the right product is important, but ensuring the subfloor is correctly prepared is what ultimately determines how good the finished floor looks and how long it lasts. It’s the part of the job that nobody sees – but it’s the part that matters most.”

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Got a flooring question of your own?

Wayne and the Select Line team are always happy to share advice – whether you’re planning a full renovation or simply want to know which product is right for your home. Visit our showroom in Swindon, or get in touch to book a free consultation.

Select Line Kitchen & Flooring Studio
Unit C, Athena Business Centre, Moray Road, Elgin Industrial Estate, Swindon, SN2 8XA
? 01793 618666 | www.selectline.co.uk

A new kitchen is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home. Get it right and it transforms your daily life – and adds serious value to your property. Get it wrong and it can be an expensive, stressful disappointment. So how do you find the right kitchen designer in Swindon?

Having designed and installed hundreds of kitchens across Swindon and the surrounding area since 1989, we know exactly what separates a great kitchen company from a frustrating one. Here’s what to look for.

1. Experience and a Proven Track Record

Kitchen design and installation is a skilled trade. You want a company with years of experience handling everything from simple replacements to complex bespoke projects – not a team that has been operating for five minutes.

Ask to see a portfolio of completed kitchens, and look for variety – traditional painted shaker kitchens, contemporary handleless designs, awkward spaces and extensions all present different challenges. A good designer should have examples of each.

Select Line has been designing and fitting kitchens in Swindon since 1989. You can view our gallery here.

2. A Proper Design Process

Be wary of any company that tries to sell you a kitchen without fully understanding your space, your lifestyle and your budget. A professional kitchen designer will:

• Visit your home or take detailed measurements
• Ask about how you use your kitchen – cooking habits, storage needs, who uses the space
• Produce detailed CAD drawings and 3D renderings so you can visualise the result
• Discuss appliances, worktops, flooring and lighting as part of the overall scheme
• Provide a clear, itemised quote

If a company skips any of these steps, that’s a red flag.

3. Bespoke vs. Off-the-Shelf

There’s an important distinction between companies that sell a standard range of cabinets (with limited customisation) and those that offer truly bespoke kitchens tailored to your exact space and requirements.

Bespoke doesn’t always mean more expensive – but it does mean a better fit, better use of space, and a kitchen that looks and feels unique to your home rather than identical to thousands of others. At Select Line, all our kitchens are designed specifically for each client, whether that’s a compact galley kitchen or a large open-plan family space.

4. Quality of Materials and Brands

Ask about the brands and suppliers used. Quality varies enormously in the kitchen industry. Things to investigate:

• Cabinet construction – solid wood or high-quality MDF carcasses vs. thin chipboard
• Door finishes – painted, vinyl-wrapped or solid wood
• Hinges and drawer systems – Blum and Hettich are industry-leading hardware brands worth asking about
• Worktops – quartz, granite, solid wood or laminate, and the quality within each category

5. Professional Installation

Even the most beautiful kitchen design can be ruined by poor installation. Always check:

• Is the installation carried out by the company’s own employed fitters, or subcontractors?
• Are they fully qualified to handle plumbing, electrical and gas work?
• What is the aftercare and guarantee policy?

At Select Line, all installation is handled by our own skilled fitters who have worked with us for years. We also offer a complete project management service, coordinating tradespeople and keeping your project on schedule.

6. Local Reputation and Reviews

A company with a strong local reputation in Swindon will have genuine Google reviews, word-of-mouth recommendations, and potentially examples of work you can visit. Don’t rely solely on the testimonials on a company’s own website – check Google, Trustpilot and Houzz for independent reviews.

Visit Select Line’s Kitchen Showroom in Swindon

If you’re planning a new kitchen in Swindon or the surrounding area, we’d love to help. Visit our showroom to see our range of kitchen styles in person, meet our designers, and discuss your project with no obligation.

We’re at Unit C, Athena Business Centre, Moray Road, Elgin Industrial Estate, Swindon, SN2 8XA. Free parking is available and we’re easily accessible from the M4 motorway, making us convenient for customers from Bath, Bristol, Cirencester, Oxford and Reading.

Open Monday to Friday 9am-4:30pm. Book a free design consultation today and let us show you what’s possible.

Choosing the right flooring for your kitchen is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in any home renovation. Your kitchen floor takes more punishment than almost any other surface in the house – spills, dropped pans, constant foot traffic, and everything in between. Get it right and it’ll look beautiful for decades. Get it wrong and you’ll be replacing it in a few years.

At Select Line, we’ve been helping homeowners across Swindon, Bath, Bristol and the surrounding areas choose the perfect kitchen flooring since 1989. Here’s our honest guide to the best options available.

1. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) – The Most Popular Choice

LVT has become the go-to kitchen flooring for good reason. Brands like Karndean, Amtico and Moduleo have transformed what vinyl flooring looks and feels like – today’s LVT is genuinely beautiful, incredibly realistic, and built to last.

Why LVT works so well in kitchens:

• 100% waterproof – no warping, swelling or staining from spills
• Comfortable underfoot – much warmer and softer than stone or ceramic
• Compatible with underfloor heating
• Easy to clean – just sweep and mop
• Huge range of designs – realistic wood and stone looks to suit any kitchen style

Karndean in particular is extremely popular in Swindon. Their LooseLay and Gluedown ranges offer excellent durability, and with dozens of wood and stone effects, there’s something to suit everything from a sleek handleless kitchen to a traditional painted shaker.

2. Engineered Wood – Warmth and Character

If you love the look of real wood but have been told it won’t work in a kitchen, engineered wood is the answer. Unlike solid wood, engineered wood has a real hardwood top layer bonded to a stable plywood core – making it far more resistant to moisture and temperature changes.

Brands such as Quick-Step and Kahrs produce engineered wood floors that are specifically designed to handle the demands of a kitchen environment. We’d recommend a lacquered or oiled finish for extra protection, and always ensure good ventilation in the room.

Best suited for:

• Open-plan kitchen-diners where you want a consistent floor throughout
• Traditional or country-style kitchens
• Homeowners who want the real warmth and character of natural wood

3. Natural Stone and Porcelain – Classic and Durable

Natural stone and large-format porcelain tiles give kitchens a timeless, high-end look. They’re extremely hard-wearing and, when properly sealed, handle moisture very well.

The main things to consider are comfort underfoot (stone can feel hard and cold – underfloor heating makes a big difference) and the importance of proper installation on a perfectly level subfloor. Our team handles both the supply and professional fitting of natural stone and porcelain throughout the Swindon area.

4. Laminate – Budget-Friendly But With Limitations

Modern laminate flooring, such as Quick-Step’s Impressive Ultra range, is far more water-resistant than older laminates. However, it’s still not fully waterproof and we’d generally recommend LVT over laminate for kitchens unless budget is the primary concern.

That said, Quick-Step’s waterproof laminate ranges perform well in low-to-medium moisture kitchen environments and offer excellent value for money.

Our Recommendation for Most Kitchens in Swindon

For most kitchens, we recommend LVT – particularly Karndean or Amtico. It offers the best balance of durability, beauty, practicality and value. It’s waterproof, comfortable, compatible with underfloor heating, and comes in designs that convincingly replicate the most popular natural materials.

If you’re renovating an open-plan space and want to run the same floor through the kitchen and living area, engineered wood or a premium LVT plank in a wood effect will give you a seamless, elegant result.

Visit Our Swindon Showroom for Expert Advice

Every kitchen and every homeowner is different. The best way to choose your flooring is to see and feel the samples in person – and ideally bring a photo of your kitchen so we can advise on what will complement your units and worktops.

Our showroom is located at Unit C, Athena Business Centre, Moray Road, Elgin Industrial Estate, Swindon, SN2 8XA – with easy access from the M4 and free parking. We’re open Monday to Friday 9am-4:30pm.

Contact us today to book a free consultation, or pop in and browse our extensive flooring showroom. We supply and fit throughout Swindon, Bath, Bristol, Cirencester, Oxford and Reading.