How Does a Floating Floor Work?

Floating floors are becoming more popular because of their numerous benefits. They’re aesthetically pleasing, easy to install and inexpensive. If you’re considering a floating floor for your home, read on to learn more about why this might be such a great choice.

How a floating floor works

Floating floors lock together using a system that’s reminiscent of puzzle pieces. The floorboards connect together to create a tight bond and a stable floor that isn’t attached to the subfloor.

To the naked eye, flooring appears to be a single sheet, but the reality is that flooring is made up of three layers: the top layer of flooring material, the subfloor and the network of joists beneath it.

In traditional flooring, the materials are glued or nailed to the subfloor. A floating floor, on the other hand, is installed without any attaching material on top of the subfloor.

Cost

One of the leading reasons floating floors have become popular is that they’re less expensive than traditional floors. For starters, they’re much easier to install and replace. That’s because they’re simply placed on top of the subfloor—they don’t need to be adhered to it on installation or torn out during removal. If you’re handy, you may even be able to install the floor yourself.

What this means is that you save money when you first purchase the floors, and save again if you decide to renovate in the future or if water damage affects your floors. This is part of the reason why floating floors have become popular for basements, kitchens and bathrooms. These areas are renovated most often, and also most likely to suffer from water damage, making this easy-to-install option a no-brainer.

Floating floor choices

You have several main choices of materials if you’re considering a floating floor, including:

• Engineered wood: This type of flooring is constructed using several layers of wood that’s finished with a solid wood layer on top. This results in a lightweight and durable product.
• Vinyl: Homeowners love vinyl, especially in areas where there are a lot of messes, such as the kitchen. That’s because vinyl is inexpensive and easy to clean. Today’s vinyl is aesthetically pleasing as well, and can be made to look like wood, stone and other materials.
• Laminate: This durable flooring is available in tile and wood looks. It’s most often connected via a click-and-lock system.
• Cork: This is another popular option for floating floors that offers an interesting appearance and low maintenance. That said, cork is less durable over the long run than other types of flooring.

Which flooring material you choose will depend on your budget, your needs and your home’s style. Whichever you choose, know that a floating floor is a great option due to its lower cost and ease of installation.

Are you looking for the leading flooring contractors? Get in touch with the experts at All American Carpet Inc. today. We’re your destination for flooring of all types, from tile to carpet to hardwood and more. We serve commercial and residential customers alike. Come to our showroom today, or give us a call to get a free quote!

Categorised in: Flooring