F. Ball on Subfloor Preparation & The Flooring Show South

A Trusted Name in Subfloor Preparation and Adhesives

 

F. Ball and Co. Ltd. is widely recognised as the UK’s leading manufacturer of subfloor preparation products and adhesives for the flooring industry.

 

“F. Ball and Co. Ltd. is the UK’s leading manufacturer of subfloor preparation products and adhesives for the flooring industry. ‘Styccobond’ adhesives include solutions for practically every type of decorative floorcovering, and ‘Stopgap’ subfloor preparation products, including smoothing compounds and moisture management solutions, help ensure a perfect base for floorcoverings to optimise the finished appearance of installations and ensure against floor failure.”

 

This focus on system-based solutions ensures flooring professionals can achieve reliable, high-quality results across a wide variety of installation scenarios.

 

What Sets F. Ball Apart

 

Rather than relying on a single differentiator, F. Ball’s strength lies in combining product performance with unmatched support and service.

 

“It’s not just one thing. Product quality and innovation is backed up by industry-leading service and customer and technical support.”

 

“Our customers appreciate the quality and reliability of our products, as well as the advanced performance benefits that make flooring contractors’ jobs quicker and easier.”

 

One of the most distinctive aspects of the brand is its long-standing guarantee:

 

“This quality is backed by the F. Ball Guarantee: if a floor fails while using our products as advised, we commit to replacing the entire installation for free.”

 

That reassurance is supported by nationwide distribution, technical expertise, and a commitment to training:

 

“Products are delivered daily through our network of over 180 wholesalers throughout the UK and Ireland.”

 

“The Technical Service Department is on hand Monday to Friday to answer questions about subfloor preparation and floorcovering installation over the phone, and regional technical representatives conduct site visits, in person, to advise on the best course of action for a particular flooring project.”

 

“We also support contractors through our customer loyalty programme, Ball Rewards, which is free to join and rewards members with cashback each time they purchase F. Ball products and a wide range of other benefits.”

 

“Other ways that we aim to support flooring professionals include providing free training courses at the F. Ball Centre of Excellence at our Staffordshire headquarters with the aim of equipping them with the skills needed to deliver first-class flooring installations.”

 

Why F. Ball Is a Launch Partner for The Flooring Show South

 

For F. Ball, supporting the launch of The Flooring Show South reflects a clear commitment to accessibility and inclusion across the flooring industry.

 

“Being a launch partner is a statement of F. Ball’s commitment to the entire UK flooring industry, including contractors who work in the fast-paced Southern market, and who might find it difficult to make it all the way up to Harrogate.”

 

“The Flooring Show is the main event in the flooring industry calendar, and we want to ensure that retailers, contractors and designers have the same access to the latest product innovations.”

 

“By partnering with The Flooring Show South, we are making it easier for our loyal and prospective customers to connect with us and see our innovations first-hand.”

 

Key Trends in Flooring Installation

 

Speed, efficiency, and compatibility with modern flooring systems continue to shape installation trends.

 

“Flooring contractors continue to face pressure to complete projects to ever more exacting time constraints, frequently while making allowances for other trades.”

 

“Fortunately, fast-track flooring installation products, including smoothing compounds, waterproof surface membranes and adhesives, have dramatically cut the time in which it is possible to install floorcoverings.”

 

The continued growth of LVT and underfloor heating systems is also influencing product development:

 

“The popularity of Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVTs) also continues to grow with the rise in quality and variety.”

 

“This is why F. Ball promotes its System LVT range, comprising subfloor preparation products and adhesives that used correctly and in combination will guarantee optimum results when installing this type of floorcovering.”

 

“We are also seeing underfloor heating and cooling systems increasingly installed as part of refurbishments in both domestic and commercial environments.”

 

“For this reason, F. Ball launched Stopgap 1600, a fast-drying, fibre-reinforced smoothing compound that is formulated especially for use over underfloor heating systems.”

 

Responding to Changing Expectations and Sustainability

 

Ongoing investment in R&D and environmentally responsible practices plays a central role in F. Ball’s approach.

 

“We continuously invest in research and development to create new formulations that enhance speed and efficiency on site, helping contractors deliver first-class installations faster.”

 

“We have introduced recyclable plastic buckets for our adhesives and bottles for our liquids, with much of the new packaging manufactured from recycled materials.”

 

“Additionally, the F. Ball Recycling Scheme offers a free service for contractors to deposit empty recyclable F. Ball packaging at wholesaler locations up and down the country.”

 

“We ensure our adhesives are compatible with the latest floorcovering innovations, providing over 6,000 adhesive recommendations for products from over 200 manufacturers in our industry-leading Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG®).”

 

What’s New for 2026

 

Visitors to F. Ball’s stand can expect to see both new product developments and a major company milestone.

 

“We’ll be showcasing the latest advancements in subfloor preparation products and adhesives for floorcoverings.”

 

“These include the latest addition to F. Ball’s range of smoothing compounds, Stopgap 1400.”

 

“The high-flow, fast-setting, two-component smoothing compound offers superior self-smoothing properties and is walk-on hard from just 90 minutes after application and ready to receive floorcoverings from 12 hours.”

 

“We’ll also be celebrating the company’s 140th anniversary. Founded in 1886, F. Ball has remained an independent, family-run business, and we’ll be marking that milestone.”

 

Why The Flooring Show South Matters

 

The expansion south offers clear benefits for busy flooring professionals.

 

“It brings the UK’s leading flooring event directly to Southern-based retailers, contractors and specifiers, who may find it challenging to find the time to travel north.”

 

“The Flooring Show South will give industry decision-makers can source the latest products, forge new relationships, without taking significant time out of their schedules.”

 

 

What Visitors Can Expect on the F. Ball Stand

 

F. Ball’s team will be on hand to offer guidance, advice, and hands-on support.

 

“Representatives from the F. Ball marketing, sales and liaison teams will be on hand throughout the exhibition to answer any questions that visitors may have about F. Ball’s products and technical support.”

 

“Contractors attending the show can also find out how to become a member of the Ball Rewards loyalty programme, which entitles them to claim cashback each time they purchase F. Ball products, as well as a range of exclusive benefits.”

 

What Drives the Team Forward

 

At its core, F. Ball is motivated by helping others succeed.

 

“We are always driven by the desire to deliver solutions that make the lives of professional flooring contractors and retailers easier, by helping them to work to ever-higher standards with greater speed and efficiency.”

 

“We also look to give back wherever possible.”

 

Connecting with F. Ball Ahead of the Show

 

For those looking to learn more before April 2026, F. Ball offers extensive online and in-person resources.

 

“The company website is the primary resource hub for many people requiring information about products and how to use them, including data sheets, installation videos and guides.”

 

“It also provides details of how to access free technical support, including requesting site visits from F. Ball technical representatives, and flooring contractors can find out about upcoming training courses at the F. Ball Centre of Excellence.”

 

“Social media, is another way to keep up to date with the latest advancements in flooring installation products from F. Ball.”

 

Join the Industry at The Flooring Show South

 

As a Launch Partner, F. Ball and Co. Ltd. is helping bring the industry’s most important flooring event closer to professionals across the South. With expert support, trusted systems, and new product developments on show, their presence is set to be a key highlight of the Flooring Show South.

 

Don’t miss your chance to connect with F. Ball and Co. Ltd at Sandown Park, Surrey, on 15–16 April 2026.

 

Register for your free pass today

 

Or enquire about exhibiting