Blog Home > What Is a Floating Floor? Mar 09, 2020 The term “floating floor” refers to the construction of flooring material to lock together using a system similar to a puzzle piece where the material locks together creating a tight bond. With this tight bond, the floor is stable without any attachment to the sub-floor.

What are the problems with floating floors?

Four Floating Floor Problems – Since floating floors are just that – floating, problems can manifest themselves in four ways: chipping; warping & buckling; peaking; and mildew & mold growth.

Chipping

Since most floating floors are made from thinner materials, they tend to be less substantial flooring options and easily be chipped during installation when a tapping block and mallet are used. This can also result in dents and mars. Chips in floating floors can also be created by cleaning the floor with a beater-bar attachment on a vacuum cleaner.

Warping & Buckling

If floating floors are installed without a proper moisture barrier between it and the subsurface, accumulated moisture from water vapor or water damage can cause edge-warping or buckling. Surface water can also cause warping or buckling; water should never be used to clean a floating floor.

Peaking

The third of our floating floor problems, peaking occurs when two laminate floor boards are forced together by pressure, which causes them to peak at the seam or joint, resulting in a high spot in the flooring. This is generally caused by a lack of expansion space between the flooring and the surrounding walls and moldings.

Mildew & Mold

A strong musty odor is generally a giveaway that a floating floor is contaminated with mold or mildew, which generally arises from an excessively damp environment. Before installing a new floating floor, check for mold and mildew and eradicate it, and install a moisture barrier that will inhibit the growth of mildew and mold.

What does the term floating floor mean?

What are Floating Floors? – Floating floors are, just as the name implies, flooring that can literally be installed to float above the subfloor or substrate (or in some cases old flooring and old subflooring if it can’t be removed). This is quite a revolutionary idea in the flooring industry, up until the introduction of floating flooring, floors were installed using one of two (or sometimes a combination) of methods.

Is floating floor a good idea?

Considering Floating Hardwood Floors? – There’s a lot to think about when looking at the many different hardwood flooring options, but there is a lot going for floating wood floors, especially if you’re planning on installing them yourself. This type of flooring holds up exceptionally well and it goes down quickly and can be installed without too many special tools and equipment.

How long do floating floors last?

A floating floor with great materials, structure, and properly cared for may last anywhere from 40 to 80 years or even more. If you’re using thin and low-quality floorboard planks, expect a shorter floor lifespan.

How long does floating flooring last?

How Long Does Laminate Flooring Last? How long does laminate flooring last? Depending on the quality of the flooring, laminate flooring can last between 15 to 25 years on average, or longer.Choosing the right flooring for your home is about more than just aesthetics, it’s also about durability and strength.If you’ve ever asked, “how long does laminate flooring last?” the answer might surprise you, especially with the new products that are being manufactured today.Read on to learn more about laminate flooring and how long you should expect it to last in your home.

How do floating floors stay in place?

What is a floating floor, and is it still used in 2021? – A floating floor is a flooring installation that does not require the use of nails. Instead of nailing down wood planks, you attach them by snapping them together like a puzzle. So, the floor is more or less “floating” over the substrate rather than being firmly attached to it.

1. The floating floorboards make installation fast, simple, and efficient budget-wise.
2. This method works for various floor materials, from plywood to concrete, sheet vinyl or even porcelain tiles,
3. However, as you would imagine, a floating floor could feel a bit hollow under your feet if not installed correctly, or the subfloor is not prepared in advance.

Engineered wood flooring is one of the best available wood flooring materials installed as floating floors. Layers of wood veneer glued to layers of plywood are very stable and look like solid flooring, Historically, we would attach the floor to the subfloors.

What goes under floating floor?

What is laminate flooring underlayment? – Underlayment, or “padding” as it’s often called, is the spongy, closed-cell plastic foam sheet that comes in rolls. It is rolled out between the actual laminate flooring planks and the subfloor.Very often, particularly in a below-grade installation on a concrete basement floor, a vapor barrier is recommended in addition to the underlayment.

Why do houses have floating floors?

Floating floors are used most often in domestic buildings especially when retrofitting or refurbishing an existing building. This is because they are quick, lightweight and easy to install, thinner than screed options, with no wet trades and no drying-out time. They also allow for fast heating response times.

Can you put a refrigerator on a floating floor?

How Much Weight Can Vinyl Plank Flooring Withstand? – Elevate the aesthetic of your kitchen with luxurious vinyl plank flooring. Featuring Vesdura Vinyl Planks XL Ridge Collection in Plymouth SKU: A single vinyl plank can handle up to 500 pounds of weight. Of course, it’s important to note that most heavy furniture, like a refrigerator, is much larger than a single vinyl plank.

Do floating floors make noise?

Moisture & Movement – Edge-glued floating floors are typically engineered floors that are assembled with a bead of glue between the tongue and groove around the perimeter of each board. They are assembled over a 6-mil moisture barrier and a cushioned pad to reduce noise. Moisture testing your subfloor is key so you don’t install a floating floor where it will absorb too much moisture, expand and make noise. Photo courtesy Ron Call. We all know that we are supposed to leave expansion space when installing any wood floor, but, because of their monolithic nature, this is especially critical when installing floating floors.

• Due to potential changes in the environment, either in temperature or humidity, you must leave a proper expansion gap around the perimeter of the floor and around any vertical obstruction (kitchen islands, pillars, etc.) to allow for expansion and contraction.
• Because the floor acts as one large piece, T-moldings are required to separate adjacent areas.

This is because each room must be able to expand or contract without affecting other rooms. If a floating floor installed throughout an entire home were interconnected without T-moldings, what happened in the kitchen would affect what happened to the floor in the back bedrooms.

• RELATED: Understanding How to Measure Moisture Can Avert Job-Site Disasters If your glued-edge floating floor is making noise, one potential cause is that, due to moisture, the floor has expanded the maximum it can based on the expansion gap left during installation.
• At this point, the floor is locked in, hitting the walls or door jambs around the perimeter.

You may notice that the floor seems a little softer or bouncier compared to what is was right after installation. This is because the floor is still trying to expand and now has no place to go but up. What you are hearing is the bond between the glued boards breaking as you walk across the floor. If a subfloor like this one isn’t flattened and cleaned, the resulting movement can break the bonds between the boards. Before the floor gets that far gone, the good news is that repair is possible. You’ll need to remove the baseboards and moldings to find where the floor is hitting the walls or moldings and is locked in.

1. You will need to use a toekick saw to cut the floor back to allow for proper expansion.
2. Once you have made the cuts, the floor should drop back down almost immediately and should be fine.
3. Note that when this happens, it’s possible that the floor wasn’t acclimated properly prior to installation.
4. Or, it’s possible the floor was acclimated properly but the temperature and moisture changed too much after installation.

Be sure you educate customers about the importance of maintaining fairly consistent temperature and moisture in the home, and the fact that they should never completely turn off their heating or air-conditioning if they are leaving their home for extended periods of time. If debris like this is left on the floor, it can cause excess movement and noise when walked on. If the floor was acclimated properly and the conditions in the home have been fairly consistent since installation, it’s possible there is another source of moisture.

How soon can you walk on a floating floor?

How long do I have to wait to walk on my newly installed floors? Most likely, you’ll be anxious to walk on your new floor as soon as possible after it is installed. But depending on the you’ve chosen, you may be able to admire the floor only for a time! The flooring specialists at Completely Floored, a flooring retailer in Everett, Washington, can provide specific information about the product our team is installing.

1. But typical timeframes are available for each material.
2. Luxury vinyl If a new luxury vinyl floor floats above the subfloor because of its click and lock design, it can be walked on as soon as the installers leave.
3. Tiles or planks that are glued down, however, need time to set.
4. This process takes at least 48 hours.

Carpet and laminate Like luxury vinyl, carpet and laminate that is not glued to the subfloor can be walked on immediately. Brands that must be glued down are not ready for furniture for at least 24 hours. Some brands set quickly so they can be walked on right away.

1. Tile It’s necessary to stay off tile for at least three days after,
2. And it could take up to a week for the adhesive, grout, and sealer to dry thoroughly.
3. If a sealer has not been applied, mopping the floor with water every day will help the grout dry faster.
4. Unfinished hardwood You won’t be able to use a room for two weeks if you have unfinished hardwood boards installed.

It takes one week to sand, stain, and seal the boards, and then it takes one week for the floor to acclimate to its surroundings. Prefinished boards can be walked on immediately. Completely Floored offers flooring installations in Everett, Washington. Our installation services are also available in nearby communities, including Marysville, Lake Stevens, Monroe, Arlington, and Mt.

Does a floating floor feel solid?

Comfort and Convenience – Because the materials simply lay on the subfloor and are rather thin, floating floors typically feel somewhat hollow and are sometimes loud underfoot—especially laminates. This problem can be minimized by installation of a good-quality foam underlayment.

What is better floating floor or glued?

Recommended Room – It’s also crucial to consider which room in the house the floors are installed in. Some of the important factors to consider are the load, foot traffic, warmth, and moisture levels in a room. Glue-down floors are better for rooms with heavy load and foot traffic because they’re more stable.

On the other hand, floating floors have more room for warping and buckling that are triggered by changing temperature and moisture levels in the room. Vinyl floors and tiles are some of the best materials to install in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. They’re both durable and moisture resistant.

However, it’s also important to remember that vinyl floors and tiles require different installation techniques. Vinyl floors should be installed using the floating technique, while tiles need to be glued down with mortar. Another thing to consider is the size of the room.

Can floating floors be removed?

STEP 5 – To remove the laminate floor itself, slide the “J” end of the flat bar into the gap between the wall and the first row of planks to pry up the first one about 45 degrees. Floating laminate planks will separate from those adjacent as you bend it up.

Do all floating floors need underlayment?

With the rise in DIY flooring installations, one question that we seem to be receiving more often lately is whether floating floors need underlay, The answer will vary depending on the material used for the floor and the way that the boards are constructed, but, as a general rule, both laminate and engineered timber floating floors do need some form of underlay to have optimal functionality and longevity.

Is floating floor waterproof?

We refer to laminate flooring as a moisture-resistant product. It’s not waterproof. That doesn’t mean it’s not suitable to use in kitchens though. Our 12mm high density fibre (HDF) flooring, for example is perfectly fine in a kitchen because there is no element of heat and humidity changes in a kitchen compared to that of a laundry.

Do floating floors need to be glued down?

What is Floating Vinyl Installation? – There are two types of floating vinyl installations: loose lay vinyl and click vinyl flooring. The term ‘floating’ is derived from the fact that this type of flooring requires little to no adhesives and can be either installed directly over the subfloor or using a cushion barrier system.

• Loose lay vinyl: As the name suggests, loose lay vinyl is simply installed over the top of a subfloor. This floating flooring option is great for those who are looking for a quick install with a beautiful finish. Installation steps may vary between products, manufacturers and installer, but will typically involve planks/tiles glued down around the perimeter first before the rest is then laid loosely.
• Click vinyl: Has become extremely popular in both commercial and residential areas for being easy to install. Simply click and snap vinyl planks or tiles into place using a click-lock system which has been integrated into the flooring product.

Thanks to modern advancements in vinyl flooring technology, such as moisture resistance and UV stability, floating vinyl has regained its popularity in recent years. It’s also much easier to install and replace, best of all it does not require the use of adhesives.

Does floating floor go under toilet?

If you’re installing a new floor, pedestal sink, and toilet, you should install the laminate flooring first so it’s under the sink and toilet. Because laminate flooring floats above the sub-floor on top of underlayment, it will expand and contract slightly with the temperature and humidity of the room.

Is a floating floor better than nailed?

Glueing vs. Float vs. Nail Down Flooring Installation – Which Is the Best Method? The longevity of your hardwood flooring depends on how it has been installed. Glueing, nailing and floating are some of the popular methods of flooring installation. The species of hardwood, the design of the floorboards, thickness, subfloor, appearance and durability are certain factors which should together influence your decision.

Nail-down

This is the commonest method of installing a hardwood floor. If you have wooden or plywood subfloor, the floorboards are directly nailed on it by this method. The method of nailing is called “blindly nailed” where the nail is angled at 45 degrees and nailed through the “tongue”. Some advantages of this method:

It is the cheapest and the fastest method of installation It is suitable for both hardwood and engineered hardwood floorboards The floorboards will be firmly set against the sub-floor

On the other hand, some major drawbacks of this method are:

The nails can become loose during the seasonal expansion and contraction of the floorboards. If you do not have a wooden subfloor, this method of installation cannot be employed. Another concern that many homeowners have is the creaky noise of the hardwood floor on wooden subfloor which is common when you use the nail-down But it can be overcome using an underlayment of 15lb. Felt paper or red rosin between the floorboards and the wood subfloor.

Glue-down

Glueing down the floorboards is the most permanent and stable method of installing hardwood. It is also the most expensive and labour-intensive. There are several advantages to choosing this method of installation:

The glue used for flooring installation has an elastic quality and hence allows the floorboards to expand and contract naturally with the changing seasons. High-quality glue often has additional features of sound and moisture insulation. The flooring will be stable which in turn adds to the longevity of the floor.

On the downside,

The process is messy and is best to leave it to the flooring professionals. A significant amount of drying time has to given depending on the type of glue used and hence you cannot immediately start walking on the floor. Removing the floorboards will be difficult later if you ever consider replacing the floorboards.

Understanding the glues, their feature and usage will help you to determine the right choice for your project.

Floating

The floorboards are neither glued or nailed to the subfloor but connected together by their special tongue and groove design and floated on it. Only a little amount of glue is used at the connectors and the end joints to impart stability to the floor without fastening the floorboards to the subfloor. You can enjoy certain advantages by choosing floorboards which fit using the floating method:

It is ideal for installation over subfloors which cannot be removed easily. It is a versatile method and hence problematic subfloors that have radiant heat will not affect the installation adversely. You can lay a moisture barrier between the floorboards and the subfloor easily when you are choosing this method. It is an easy installation method and hence requires less time and labour. Chances of damage due to expansion and contraction is minimal since the floorboards do not strain against the nail or the glue.

However, this method has some disadvantages as well that you must be aware of:

The humidity level has to be stable enough to employ this method of floor installation. The “run-length” of the floor is limited if the humidity is not stable enough all-year long. For hardwood, the run limit is 15 meters wide and 25 meters long.

Important factors that influence the choice Some important factors to consider while determining the right method of hardwood flooring installation are:

Aesthetics

There is a subtle difference in appearance, feel and sound depending on the method of installation you have chosen. For example, with the floating method of installation, one can opt for transition moulding or T-mouldings for various doorways and hallways. However, many customers do not like these mouldings and prefer the look of the free-flowing floor more.

Cost

The budget you have for the installation should be considered when you are opting for any of the above-mentioned methods. Cost estimation depends mostly on the labour and the time required to finish the project. The price of the materials and the flooring tools required also influences the cost.

Subfloor

Certain subfloors can accommodate any installation method but often it can also be the reason behind your choice getting limited. Nailing down is not possible on any subfloor apart from plywood or wood. If you have a tile or concrete subfloor, you can float the floorboards but not nail them.

Type of house

There are certain rules and restrictions associated with various different home types- particularly if you are living in a condo or apartment or any kind of housing complex. Regulations related to soundproofing and official approvals should be abided by which prolong the process while limiting your options.

Should a floating floor be nailed?

Since laminate flooring is a floating floor, it is not meant to be attached to the subfloor by nails or glue. The floor needs to be able to expand and contract with temperature changes and therefore must freely lay on the underlayment or subfloor.

Is it better to glue or float wood floors?

Recommended Room – It’s also crucial to consider which room in the house the floors are installed in. Some of the important factors to consider are the load, foot traffic, warmth, and moisture levels in a room. Glue-down floors are better for rooms with heavy load and foot traffic because they’re more stable.

On the other hand, floating floors have more room for warping and buckling that are triggered by changing temperature and moisture levels in the room. Vinyl floors and tiles are some of the best materials to install in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. They’re both durable and moisture resistant.

However, it’s also important to remember that vinyl floors and tiles require different installation techniques. Vinyl floors should be installed using the floating technique, while tiles need to be glued down with mortar. Another thing to consider is the size of the room.

Is a floating floor better than nailed?

Glueing vs. Float vs. Nail Down Flooring Installation – Which Is the Best Method? The longevity of your hardwood flooring depends on how it has been installed. Glueing, nailing and floating are some of the popular methods of flooring installation. The species of hardwood, the design of the floorboards, thickness, subfloor, appearance and durability are certain factors which should together influence your decision.

Nail-down

This is the commonest method of installing a hardwood floor. If you have wooden or plywood subfloor, the floorboards are directly nailed on it by this method. The method of nailing is called “blindly nailed” where the nail is angled at 45 degrees and nailed through the “tongue”. Some advantages of this method:

It is the cheapest and the fastest method of installation It is suitable for both hardwood and engineered hardwood floorboards The floorboards will be firmly set against the sub-floor

On the other hand, some major drawbacks of this method are:

The nails can become loose during the seasonal expansion and contraction of the floorboards. If you do not have a wooden subfloor, this method of installation cannot be employed. Another concern that many homeowners have is the creaky noise of the hardwood floor on wooden subfloor which is common when you use the nail-down But it can be overcome using an underlayment of 15lb. Felt paper or red rosin between the floorboards and the wood subfloor.

Glue-down

Glueing down the floorboards is the most permanent and stable method of installing hardwood. It is also the most expensive and labour-intensive. There are several advantages to choosing this method of installation:

The glue used for flooring installation has an elastic quality and hence allows the floorboards to expand and contract naturally with the changing seasons. High-quality glue often has additional features of sound and moisture insulation. The flooring will be stable which in turn adds to the longevity of the floor.

On the downside,

The process is messy and is best to leave it to the flooring professionals. A significant amount of drying time has to given depending on the type of glue used and hence you cannot immediately start walking on the floor. Removing the floorboards will be difficult later if you ever consider replacing the floorboards.

Understanding the glues, their feature and usage will help you to determine the right choice for your project.

Floating

The floorboards are neither glued or nailed to the subfloor but connected together by their special tongue and groove design and floated on it. Only a little amount of glue is used at the connectors and the end joints to impart stability to the floor without fastening the floorboards to the subfloor. You can enjoy certain advantages by choosing floorboards which fit using the floating method:

It is ideal for installation over subfloors which cannot be removed easily. It is a versatile method and hence problematic subfloors that have radiant heat will not affect the installation adversely. You can lay a moisture barrier between the floorboards and the subfloor easily when you are choosing this method. It is an easy installation method and hence requires less time and labour. Chances of damage due to expansion and contraction is minimal since the floorboards do not strain against the nail or the glue.

However, this method has some disadvantages as well that you must be aware of:

The humidity level has to be stable enough to employ this method of floor installation. The “run-length” of the floor is limited if the humidity is not stable enough all-year long. For hardwood, the run limit is 15 meters wide and 25 meters long.

Important factors that influence the choice Some important factors to consider while determining the right method of hardwood flooring installation are:

Aesthetics

There is a subtle difference in appearance, feel and sound depending on the method of installation you have chosen. For example, with the floating method of installation, one can opt for transition moulding or T-mouldings for various doorways and hallways. However, many customers do not like these mouldings and prefer the look of the free-flowing floor more.

Cost

The budget you have for the installation should be considered when you are opting for any of the above-mentioned methods. Cost estimation depends mostly on the labour and the time required to finish the project. The price of the materials and the flooring tools required also influences the cost.

Subfloor

Certain subfloors can accommodate any installation method but often it can also be the reason behind your choice getting limited. Nailing down is not possible on any subfloor apart from plywood or wood. If you have a tile or concrete subfloor, you can float the floorboards but not nail them.

Type of house

There are certain rules and restrictions associated with various different home types- particularly if you are living in a condo or apartment or any kind of housing complex. Regulations related to soundproofing and official approvals should be abided by which prolong the process while limiting your options.

What holds a floating floor in place?

What is a Floating Floor? – A floating floor is a type of flooring installation system where the flooring is not secured to the subfloor by means of glue, nails, or staples. It actually lays on top of the subfloor and each panel or plank is secured to each other by a locking system or adhesive and simply “floats” on top of the subfloor.