What is a floating floor? I often get this question from clients because someone has told them they should. But they don’t understand what floating is.

Technically, a floating floor means that it is “floating” on top of the floor below it and is not directly secured to the floor (that is, no nails or glue). Instead, it is clamped or secured around the edges of the room – the base trim / shoe trim and transitions. This is often used if you are going over an existing floor or on concrete; More on this later. Now, because the floor is floating and not secured to the floor, there tends to be a little more movement on the floor; this is seen and heard especially on laminate flooring and is most noticeable if installed improperly.

Given the definition, there is many types of floating floors As you will see below, whenever someone tells me they want or think they need a floating floor, I need to dig a little deeper to make sure I understand their wants and needs because there are many types of floating floors. (Also, sometimes someone tells me that they need a floating floor and when I arrive at their house I discover that they do not need a floating floor).

1. Laminate flooring -Laminate floors are floating floors. The laminate is fake, it looks like hardwood but it isn’t, it’s a hardwood digital image and it fits. (There are also versions that look like tile) One of the advantages of laminate is that it is less expensive than hardwood, both in terms of material and workmanship and can often be laid over existing flooring without the need for break it. so this saves more money on labor.

2. Some engineered hardwoods are floating floors. Hardwoods can be installed in 3 ways: 1) nailing (if plywood is present), 2) gluing (engineering only), and 3) floating (engineering only). Some hardwoods are specially made to snap into place, just like laminate does (they are easier for DIYers, and some can be installed with radiant heat). You click them into place and once they clicked, they lock into place. The other option for engineered hardwood that cannot be clicked is to glue the joints of the hardwood. Either way, both options require an underlayment underneath the hardwood, just as you would use for a laminate.

3. Cork is a floating floor. They come in interlocking pieces (usually 1ft x 3ft) and fit together like laminate does.

Four. Some vinyls are floating floors. (but most are not). The vinyl is usually glued, but some of the newer fiberglass flooring that has some fiberglass and an extra foot cushion can be glued or floated. If they float, they are simply placed on the floor and set along the base molding or the base of the cove along the walls and cabinets.

So after all that, why would anyone want a floating floor? These are some of the reasons:

1. They want to save money by not breaking the bank. Instead, they just want to go above that.

2. They have asbestos tiles on the floor and it would be dangerous / illegal to remove them (or very expensive for a waste disposal company to come in and professionally remove them).

3. They have a floor where the glue does not adhere well (eg epoxy floor or floor with many ridges and not a flat surface.

4. They are laying hardwood over radiant heat (and therefore should avoid adhesives and nails).

These are some of the reasons why customers mistakenly THINK that they need a floating floor.

1. Does not have plywood or goes on a cement subfloor. This is the most common area of ​​confusion. While floating floors will definitely work on concrete, there is no need to make a floating floor. You can, but you also have the option to make an engineered hardwood and glue it together. So make sure you understand your goals and budget before you rule out options.

2. It is below ground level / in a basement. Floating floors can work in the basement, but other floors can work too, so this is where you need to understand the purpose of the room, humidity issues, and budget.

3. There is a humidity problem. Well, if there is a moisture problem, this should be a problem. be approached first. Or, if you are not making any changes, choose the appropriate flooring that works with moisture. Hardwood, laminate, and cork are no no’s if you have a moisture problem. Many customers mistakenly believe that laminate is waterproof, and I have news for you … it is not. It’s made with hardwood shavings, so if you’re concerned about hardwood and moisture, the same is true for laminate. If there is a moisture problem, consider using vinyl or tile.

4. They have a sloping or uneven floor. Hard surfaces generally don’t work well on uneven floors, regardless of whether it’s wood, laminate, or tile. It’s best to level them first, but preparing the floor will cost you more money. If budget is a concern with leveling, consider a more flexible surface like vinyl, carpet, or rubber.

I know there are many issues to consider and I guess that is why it is best to consult a professional. Each person’s situation and budget is different. Often times, I will limit myself to the 2-3 options that might work for my clients and price them and then let them decide what works best for their needs and budget. I will always add my 2 cents (or sometimes even a nickel).