For anyone who has already bought and installed a wooden floor, you’ll know that choosing your floor is only one step in the process. Once you’ve chosen your floor (or ideally even before you make your choice), it’s important to think about which installation methods would work best for you.
One of the biggest dilemmas that people face is whether to choose floating or fixed wood flooring. In fact, so many people ask us about this, that it made sense for us to put pen to paper to explain the difference. That way, we can hopefully help you get your head around the difference, and determine which might work best for you.
Of course, all of that said, when you choose to work with Wood and Beyond, you’re never alone. So if you read this article and still have questions you’d like answered, we’re here for you. We’ll help you decide either by phone, email, in our Golders Green showroom or on Chat on our website if you’d like us to. All you need to do is ask. But first, let’s explore floating and fixed wood floorings just a little bit more.
Fixed wood flooring
Fixed wood flooring as the name suggests is a way of installing your wood flooring that results in it being ‘fixed’ to the sub floor. An ideal way to fit either engineered or solid wood flooring, nailing, stapling and gluing are the most common methods of fixing wood flooring.
Once you’ve fixed your wood floor in place with one of these methods, it’s in place for the long term. Fixed wood flooring installation isn’t something that is normally recommended for a novice or a first time DIY-er. It is an installation method that requires skill, specific tools and patience. That said, it’s reasonable to expect that with a bit of practice you will be able to achieve a good end result.
Nailing or stapling wood flooring into place is commonly used where the subfloor is made of wood because of course this way of working wouldn’t work where the subfloor is made of the likes of concrete! When you have a concrete subfloor, the only real fixed method of fixed fitting that’s reasonable is gluing with a suitable damp proof membrane included between the subfloor and your new floor.
Floating wood flooring
Floating wood flooring as its name suggests is a way of fitting a floor so it has the freedom to move. Because wood is a natural substance it has a tendency to contract and expand ever so slightly when temperature and moisture levels go up and down. While this isn’t a major issue, it can become an issue if it’s excessive.
The great thing about a floating wood floor is that the floor is never working against itself when it expands and contracts; it has the freedom to move as it wishes. Primarily a way of fitting engineered wood floors, expansion and contraction isn’t normally a major problem, but this way of fitting means that there is little or no risk of damage through boards being pushed and pulled by nature.
Floating wood flooring is known for being cheap and quick as well as giving you the peace of mind of knowing that if you need to gain access to your subfloor at any point you can – quickly and easily without fear of damaging your floor. The only real downside of this way of fitting is that it can result in a bit of movement when you walk across the floor and is sometimes criticized for being a bit squeaky or creaky.
Which works best?
Which installation method should you choose for your floor? To be honest, the answer to that is: “it depends”. While most projects have similarities, no two projects are ever exactly the same, so it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of each fitting option and then decide.
We hope you have found this article helpful, but if you’re still at the point where you’re not sure which method would suit your project best, why not reach out and ask for our help? At Wood and Beyond we have decades of experience that we’ll happily share with you. That way you can make sure you make the very best decisions for every stage of your new wood flooring project.
The Two Fitting Methods Compared
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Wood Flooring | The wooden floor is ‘fixed’ or attached directly to the subfloor using nailing, stapling, or gluing. Commonly used for both engineered and solid wood flooring. | Once installed, the floor is secure and in place for the long term. It’s suitable for both wooden and concrete subfloors (with a suitable damp proof membrane for the latter). | Installation requires skill, specific tools, and patience. Not recommended for novices or first-time DIY-ers. Cannot be easily removed if access to the subfloor is needed. |
| Floating Wood Flooring | The floor is not attached to the subfloor and is allowed to ‘float’. This allows for natural contraction and expansion of the wood due to temperature and moisture changes. | Cheap and quick to install. Allows easy access to the subfloor if necessary. Helps prevent damage due to the natural movement of the wood. | Can result in some movement when walked across, and might be squeaky or creaky. |
The choice between these two methods ultimately depends on your specific project and its requirements, as well as your level of skill and patience for installation.
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H2 FAQ
1.What does the term ‘fixed wood flooring’ imply?
The term ‘fixed wood flooring’ implies an installation method where the wood flooring is directly attached or ‘fixed’ to the subfloor. The attachment can be done through nailing, stapling, or gluing. This method requires a certain level of expertise and specific tools, and is generally not recommended for novices or first-time DIY-ers.
2. What is floating wood flooring?
Floating wood flooring, unlike fixed wood flooring, is not directly attached to the subfloor, allowing it some freedom to move. This is beneficial as wood tends to contract and expand slightly with changes in temperature and moisture levels. It is known for being cheap and quick to install and allows easy access to the subfloor if necessary.
3. Can fixed wood flooring be installed over a concrete subfloor?
Yes, fixed wood flooring can be installed over a concrete subfloor by gluing it down, with the inclusion of a suitable damp proof membrane between the subfloor and the new floor. This helps to protect the wood from any moisture that might rise from the concrete subfloor.
4. Can all types of wood flooring be installed using the floating method?
The floating method is primarily used for fitting engineered wood floors. This method allows for natural expansion and contraction of the wood due to temperature and moisture fluctuations, which reduces the risk of damage from these movements.
5.How should I choose between fixed and floating installation methods for my wood flooring?
Choosing between fixed and floating installation methods for your wood flooring depends on multiple factors. These include the type of your subfloor, the specific conditions and requirements of your project, and your comfort and skill level for installation. It’s beneficial to weigh the pros and cons of each fitting option, considering your unique situation, before finalizing the decision.