Abbot’s Lea School – Main Staircase & Associated Passageways Flooring Installation
Project Overview
Flooring Solutions Ltd was appointed to carry out a comprehensive commercial flooring installation at Abbot’s Lea School, covering the main staircase and all associated passageways — a total area of approximately 150.00 m².
Schools present some of the most demanding conditions for commercial flooring. With pupils, staff, and visitors moving through staircases and corridors throughout the day, the specification must deliver on safety, durability, acoustic performance, and appearance in equal measure. Our team completed a fully managed, specification-led installation using premium products throughout, ensuring a result that will perform reliably and look excellent for years to come.
The Challenge: High-Traffic Flooring Across a Busy School Environment
Staircases and passageways in school environments are among the highest footfall areas in any commercial building. Flooring in these zones must withstand constant heavy use, resist soiling and wear, and maintain a professional appearance throughout the school day. At 150.00 m², this was a substantial project requiring careful substrate preparation and close attention to detail at every stair nosing, landing, and transition point — all completed with minimal disruption to the school’s day-to-day operations.
Products & Materials Used
Forbo Tessera Infused — Nori Flame (4502)
The floor covering specified for this project was Forbo Tessera Infused carpet tile in the Nori Flame colourway (reference 4502). Tessera Infused is a high-performance, solution-dyed carpet tile engineered specifically for demanding commercial environments such as education, healthcare, and public sector buildings. Its structured, dense pile construction provides exceptional durability underfoot, making it well suited to the heavy footfall of a busy school staircase and corridor environment.
The Nori Flame colourway delivers a rich, contemporary aesthetic that elevates the look of circulation spaces, creating an environment that feels considered and welcoming. As a Forbo product, Tessera Infused also benefits from strong sustainability credentials — an increasingly important consideration for schools and public sector clients committed to responsible procurement.
F. Ball F41 Tackifier
F. Ball F41 Tackifier was used to bond the Forbo Tessera Infused carpet tiles throughout the installation. F41 is a pressure-sensitive, releasable tackifier adhesive widely regarded as the industry standard for carpet tile installations in commercial environments. It provides a secure bond that keeps tiles firmly in place under heavy use, while also allowing individual tiles to be lifted and replaced without damaging the substrate — an important practical advantage in a school setting where localised wear or damage may require future maintenance.
Ardex CL Plus, Ardex Feather Finish & Hanson SP101 Plywood
Thorough substrate preparation was carried out prior to the flooring installation to ensure a stable, level, and suitable base across all areas. Ardex CL Plus, a high-performance calcium sulphate-based levelling compound, was used to address surface irregularities and achieve a consistently smooth substrate. This was complemented by Ardex Feather Finish, a fine surface topping compound used to eliminate minor surface imperfections and provide the clean, smooth finish required for a high-quality carpet tile installation.
Where required, Hanson SP101 plywood was installed to provide a stable and consistent substrate, particularly in areas where the existing floor construction required overboarding prior to the application of levelling compounds. The combination of these preparatory products ensured that the finished installation met the highest standards of flatness and integrity across the full 150.00 m².
Gradus G Range Stair Nosings
All staircase treads were completed with Gradus G Range stair nosings, providing a safe, durable, and regulation-compliant edge detail to every step. Gradus is the UK’s leading manufacturer of stair nosing and edge protection systems, and the G Range is one of their most widely specified profiles across education and public sector environments. The nosings provide a clearly defined, slip-resistant edge to each tread, reducing the risk of trips and falls while delivering a neat, professional finish that complements the Forbo Tessera Infused floor covering throughout.
Why Choose Flooring Solutions Ltd for School & Education Flooring?
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Walkden, Manchester, Commercial Flooring Solutions Ltd has over two decades of experience delivering commercial flooring projects across the education sector and beyond. We understand the unique demands of school environments — from the need to work within tight timeframes during holidays or out-of-hours periods, to specifying products that meet the highest standards of durability, safety, and sustainability.
Our team works with the industry’s leading manufacturers, including Forbo, Gradus, Ardex, F. Ball, and Hanson, to ensure every installation is completed to the highest possible standard. From initial specification through to final handover, we provide a professional, fully managed service tailored to the needs of each individual project.
Related Services
Carpet Tiles | Stair Edgings & Nosings | Commercial Carpet | Specialist Flooring Services | Contract Carpet
Get in Touch
If you have an education or commercial flooring project — large or small — we’d love to hear from you. Visit our contact page, email us at sales@flooringsolutions.co.uk or call 0161 787 7575 to discuss your requirements.