Engineered wood flooring has become a popular choice for homeowners seeking the warmth and elegance of real wood coupled with increased stability. It’s composed of multiple layers of timber stuck together, and finished with a layer of hardwood. A notable installation method for engineered wood is the ‘floating’ technique, where the planks are not directly adhered to the subfloor but instead, laid over an underlay.
Understanding Floating Flooring Installation
Floating installation is relatively straightforward and DIY-friendly. In this method, the engineered wood planks are connected to each other – either by glue or an interlocking system – but not to the subfloor. This method is favoured for its ease and speed of installation. However, it’s not without its drawbacks.
Downsides of Floating Engineered Wood Flooring
Movement and Stability
- Shifting and Gapping: One of the primary concerns with floating floors is their tendency to shift underfoot. This can lead to unsightly gaps, particularly in larger rooms or in areas with wide temperature fluctuations.
- Buckling Potential: In extreme cases, especially where moisture levels fluctuate, floating floors can buckle. This is often due to inadequate expansion gaps or poor installation.
Sound and Acoustics
- Noise Issues: Floating floors can create a distinctive hollow sound when walked upon, which some homeowners find less appealing than the solid sound of nailed or glued floors.
- Acoustic Treatments: Although underlays can reduce this effect, achieving the same level of sound dampening as fixed floors can be challenging.
Durability Concerns
- Wear and Tear in High-Traffic Areas: While engineered wood is generally durable, floating floors can show signs of wear more quickly in high-traffic areas due to the movement and shifting of the planks.
- Impact of Furniture: Heavy furniture can exacerbate the shifting issue, potentially leading to uneven wear or damage over time.
Moisture Sensitivity
- Heightened Risk in Humid Conditions: Engineered wood is less prone to moisture damage than solid wood, but floating installations are still vulnerable to changes in humidity and spills, which can cause warping or swelling.
- Bathroom and Kitchen Considerations: Particular care must be taken if installing floating floors in moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Installation Limitations
- Subfloor Requirements: Floating floors require a very level and stable subfloor. Imperfections in the subfloor can lead to uneven surfaces and potential damage to the flooring.
- Room Shape and Size Constraints: Large or irregularly shaped rooms might pose challenges for floating installations, as these areas are more prone to expansion and contraction issues.
Resale Value
- Perception of Quality: Some potential homebuyers might perceive floating floors as lower quality due to their movement and sound characteristics.
- Impact on Property Value: This perception, whether accurate or not, can potentially impact the resale value of a property, particularly in high-end real estate markets.
Considerations for Specific Rooms
In kitchens, moisture and heavy appliances can be challenging for floating floors. In contrast, in low-moisture, low-traffic areas like bedrooms, floating engineered wood flooring can be an excellent choice.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Floating engineered wood flooring offers advantages like ease of installation and cost-effectiveness. However, it’s essential to consider the downsides like movement, sound issues, and moisture sensitivity. For certain applications, such as in bedrooms or living rooms with low moisture and traffic, floating floors can be a suitable and budget-friendly option.
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FAQ
What Are the Stability Concerns with Floating Engineered Wood Flooring?
Floating engineered wood floors can sometimes shift or gap, especially in larger spaces or areas with significant temperature changes. This movement can lead to unsightly gaps and, in severe cases, buckling of the floor.
How Does the Sound of Floating Engineered Wood Flooring Compare to Other Types?
Floating floors often produce a distinctive, hollow sound when walked upon, unlike the solid sound typical of nailed or glued floors. While underlays can mitigate this, achieving the same sound quality as fixed floors can be challenging.
What Are the Durability Issues of Floating Engineered Wood Floors in High-Traffic Areas?
In high-traffic areas, floating engineered wood floors may show quicker signs of wear due to the planks’ movement and shifting. Heavy furniture can also contribute to this issue, potentially leading to uneven wear or damage.
How Sensitive Are Floating Engineered Wood Floors to Moisture?
Floating engineered wood floors are more vulnerable to moisture and humidity fluctuations compared to solid wood. This sensitivity can cause warping or swelling, especially in humid conditions or in rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.
What Are the Installation Limitations of Floating Engineered Wood Flooring?
Floating floors require a level and stable subfloor. Imperfections in the subfloor can lead to uneven surfaces and potential damage. Additionally, large or irregularly shaped rooms can pose challenges due to expansion and contraction issues.