Main Kinds of Floating Floors
Floating floors have become an increasingly popular flooring choice for homes and offices in recent years. Their ease of installation and ability to be placed over existing floors make them a convenient and affordable option. But with several types of floating floors on the market, it can be tricky to understand the key differences.
Broadly speaking, there are three main categories of floating flooring: laminate, vinyl, and engineered wood. Each has their own benefits and ideal use cases. By learning about the materials, installation, and performance of each type, you can make an informed decision for your space.
Types of Floating Floors by Material
The core materials which make up floating floorboards and flooring dictate many factors like durability, water resistance, and maintenance needs. Here are some of the most common types categorized by their composition.
Laminate Floating Floors
Laminate floors consist of four layers fused together under heat and pressure. The top layer is a clear melamine resin, underneath is a design layer simulating materials like wood or tile. The core layer is high density fiberboard (HDF), and the bottom is a melamine backing.
Pros of laminate floors are affordability and realistic wood looks. They also have good AC ratings for durability and impact resistance. Laminate requires minimal maintenance besides occasional damp mopping.
The tradeoffs are that laminate is prone to water damage and can scratch more easily compared to natural materials. Overly wet flooring conditions should be avoided.
Vinyl Floating Floors
Vinyl is one of the most waterproof floating floor options. There are two main types: luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and composite vinyl tiles (CVT).
LVP consists of four layers. The top layer is a clear vinyl film for protection and Realistic visuals. The design layer is a high resolution print. A stone plastic composite (SPC) or wood plastic composite core adds rigidity. The bottom balances acoustic and moisture barrier properties.
CVT floors are similar but have an extra fibreglass layer for increased durability. CVTs have a classic square tile look rather than plank aesthetics.
Vinyl resists moisture, stains, and scratches better than laminate or timber. It's ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements prone to spills. Drawbacks are that vinyl can dent from heavy impacts.
Engineered Wood Floating Floors
Engineered timber floorboards have a top layer of solid wood, usually oak, maple, or exotic species. This sits over a plywood core made from birch or eucalyptus. The bottom is a melamine or cork backing.
The thick top veneer allows refinishing compared to laminate or vinyl. The multi-ply core is dimensionally stable. Engineered wood has natural beauty and feels more premium underfoot.
Downsides are a higher price point than other floating floor types. The solid wood layer is still prone to moisture damage in wet areas or leaks.
Floating Floor Installation Methods
Floating floors get their name from the fact they are not nailed or glued down during installation. Instead, they connect together with various locking mechanisms. This speeds up installation versus traditional flooring.
Glue Down
Glue down floating floors attach using a thin bead of adhesive between planks rather than the subfloor. The glue holds floorboards together but allows removal later if needed.
Properly applied glue keeps flooring stable but avoids moisture issues of full spread gluing. Spacers temporarily hold planks correctly spaced until the adhesive sets.
Click Lock
Click or snap together is the most popular floating floor installation method. Planks feature tongue and groove edges that lock together snugly with an audible click.
This creates tight seams while still allowing some flex and contraction. Click lock flooring installs rapidly without glue cleanup. Some systems angle in planks versus tapping flat.
Loose Lay
Loose lay vinyl plank systems feature an attached foam underlay for cushioning. Planks have interlocking edges but minimal vertical lock. Floors can be walked on immediately with no adhesive.
The system allows very quick DIY installation. But loose lay works best in smaller spaces since planks can drift over time without a permanent lock.
Snap Together
Snap together floating floors use a folded edge that inserts into the plank below. Some leverage friction while others have a locking tab for a tighter fit.
No glue or tapping is required, saving time. But snaps have less horizontal stability than click systems and may separate more easily.
Benefits of Floating Flooring
There are many advantages to floating flooring that explain its popularity in modern homes and interiors .
Easy Installation
Floating floorboards install quickly thanks to snap together and click lock mechanisms. Planks go down rapidly without waiting for adhesive to cure or nailing into a subfloor.
This allows DIY installation for significant cost savings versus paying professional installers . Homeowners can transform rooms over a weekend.
No Gluing to Subfloor
The lack of glue bonds to the substrate means floating floors won't damage surfaces below when removed. Traditional glued down hardwood can tear up particleboard or plywood when taken out.
Floaters preserve substrates for replacement flooring . Homeowners can swap products more easily to refresh worn areas.
Can Go Over Existing Flooring
Since floating planks are not secured to the subfloor, they can be installed directly over previous surfaces like sheet vinyl, linoleum, or tile.
This avoids tearing up and disposal of the old floor. It also prevents exposure to hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint.
Ideal for Concrete Subfloors
Concrete slabs are prone to moisture issues which can damage glued down wood or warp solid boards. Floating floors are less affected since they don't adhere to the slab.
Floating installation avoids trapping moisture below, making it an ideal solution for basements , garages, and condos with concrete substrates.
Minimize Noise Transfer
Unwanted sound transmitting between floors is a common multifamily dwelling problem. Floating floors include underlayments that provide acoustic insulation when layered.
Proper underlay selection optimizes the noise reduction properties. Floating floors should significantly decrease footfall sound.
Hide Minor Subfloor Imperfections
Small cracks, holes, and uneven areas become troublesome when installing fixed floors like tile or sheet goods. But floating floors can absorb small defects.
Their flexibility forgives bumps and divots of up to 2mm. This allows installation over most existing hard surfaces without extensive patching.
Considerations for Floating Floors
There are also some limitations to keep in mind with floating flooring . Being aware of these helps ensure proper product selection.
Not for Bathrooms or Wet Areas
Excessive moisture is floating floors' Achilles heel. Planks can swell, warp, or disintegrate from too much water exposure. Only waterproof vinyl flooring should go in baths or laundry rooms.