Put very simply, a floating floor is a floor that isn’t fixed in any way to the subfloor. A fitting system commonly associated with laminate flooring, floating installation also works particularly well with engineered wood flooring. The main difference between floating flooring and any other method of installation is that in floating flooring, the flooring is not fixed to the subfloor and relies completely on the boards being fixed together and using their weight to stay in place and provide the desired and necessary stability.
Often used in dance halls and gyms to help allow for the extra “spring” which is required in such settings, it’s easy to see that floating flooring has a broad range of uses. However, what we’re concerned with here is the installation of a floating floor in your home. Fitting your floor using a floating method means you can have your floor in place quickly, as well as having the opportunity to introduce a moisture barrier if your project requires it. If you have your heart set on this method of installation, it’s essential to make sure that the flooring you’ve chosen has been developed with floating fitting in mind. If you are in any doubt, don’t be shy in asking your flooring supplier who will be able to guide you.
There are several advantages of choosing the floating method to fit your floor. These include its:
Suitability to areas that have subfloor moisture issues
Any areas of the home whereby your subfloor might have moisture problems, floating fitting is a great solution. Why? Because it allows you to introduce an appropriate moisture barrier between your subfloor and your flooring boards, which means that any moisture rising from your subfloor has less chance of damaging your new flooring.
Ability to adapt in rooms where moisture and temperature changes are significant
Because in a floating installation, your boards are attached to each other and not to the subfloor, they are perfectly suited to adapt to the expansion and contraction that occurs when temperatures and moisture levels rise and fall. This helps significantly reduce the risk of cupping and bowing, and the subsequent problems that can cause.
Speed and ease of installation
With a floating method of installation, you’ve no need to worry about applying a full floor of bonding agent or adhesive as you would in a glue down method of installation. Neither do you need to give thought to whether to nail or staple. With the need to only insert one board into the other, even the most inexperienced DIY-er can achieve good results with the floating method.
Adaptability. The floating fitting or installation method can work well irrespective of the make up of your subfloor, even over existing flooring. Often when you’re installing a new flooring option, there’s much concern around your subfloor. The great news about the floating method of installation is that it can be used over pretty much any surface that’s sufficiently level. Material such as plywood, concrete, sheet vinyl and even some low pile carpets lend themselves perfectly to this installation option.
So, as you’ll see a floating floor has a huge number of advantages, but don’t forget when you’re fitting your floor to allow for the requisite expansion gap, otherwise you could come up against difficulties at some point in the future.
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FAQ
What is a floating floor?
A floating floor is a floor that isn’t fixed in any way to the subfloor. Instead, the floor relies completely on the boards being fixed together and using their weight to stay in place and provide the desired and necessary stability.
Can a floating floor installation work with engineered wood flooring?
Yes, a floating installation works particularly well with engineered wood flooring. However, it’s essential to ensure that the flooring chosen has been developed with floating fitting in mind.
What are the advantages of a floating floor installation?
Advantages of a floating floor include its suitability for areas with subfloor moisture issues, adaptability in rooms where moisture and temperature changes are significant, speed and ease of installation, and the ability to work well over virtually any sufficiently level surface.
Can a floating floor be installed over existing flooring?
Yes, a floating floor can be installed over pretty much any surface that’s sufficiently level. This includes material such as plywood, concrete, sheet vinyl, and even some low pile carpets.
What should be considered when installing a floating floor?
When fitting a floating floor, it’s important to allow for the requisite expansion gap to prevent difficulties in the future due to temperature and moisture changes.