One of the other advantages of floating engineered wood flooring is that if it expands and contracts, it's less likely to become damaged because it's not rubbing against nails or glue.
Glued is by far the best. It's rock solid and mimiccs the feel of true hardwood much better than floated which no matter what you do or how well it's installed will always feel a little soft or have some give. Nailed is good, but can still move a bit and you're on concrete so that's not an option. Glued is awesome.
- Durability: floating flooring is not as durable a solution as glue-down flooring; - Noisier inside the house: the way it is installed means that there is space between each layer, and because of this this this type of floor can cause more noise when you walk around inside the house.
If the subfloor isn't suitable for use of adhesives, then a floating floor might be the best option. If the room or environment is subjected to inconsistent temperatures or the substrate is uneven, a direct glue installation will be the best.
The floating floor method is the most common for engineered wood floors. The process involves inserting the tongue of one plank into the groove of another and locking them together. Floating floors require nothing more than the planks, and depending on your floor, some tongue and groove glue.
Nailing down your hardwood floors has a few pros, including its considered the most cost-effective method as well the fastest. One other pro of nailing vs gluing hardwood floors is that if one floorboard gets damaged, it can be easily replaced without affecting the beauty of your floors.
Talking about the best engineered hardwood flooring? There are some brands that stands out. Bruce, Armstrong, Shaw, Mohawk, Pergo, Mannington, and Mullican are a few best engineered hardwood flooring brands in the industry.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
LVT is a great floating floor choice because it offers durability, easy maintenance, and a variety of styles and colors. It also comes in different thicknesses, so it can be used in any room of your home. LVT is resistant to scratches and spills, making it an ideal choice for high traffic areas.
How does a floating floor stay in place? Floating floors connect at the seams using a tongue and groove or interlocking system. Once installed, the weight of the floating floor keeps the floor in place for years.
Floating floors are also more sensitive to humidity and moisture. If they are exposed in excess to moisture a floating floor can warp, Pitt, or even start growing mold. Floating floors should NOT be installed in commercial projects.
In short, yes you can refinish engineered hardwood flooring but there are things to consider are how many times has it been refinished and how thick your wear layer is.
If you install these floors using the floating method, you'll want to make sure you use an underlayment before you begin. This is because the floating method doesn't actually attach to the subfloor, and the small gap between the wood floor and the subfloor causes that distinct hollow sound.
Regular Maintenance
Some experts recommend using a microfibre mop on engineered wood floors to stay ultra-gentle, but using a regular mop is also fine, as long as it remains damp and not soaking wet.
Because vinyl is susceptible to changing temperatures, the floor will slightly shrink or contract when temperatures drop, and then expand when temperatures rise. This is slightly less common in sheet vinyl that is glued down, but it can be a challenge for vinyl tiles with a floating installation.
The choice between floating and glue-down installation for an engineered wood floor depends on various factors such as subfloor type, room dimensions, and personal preference. Floating installation offers easier DIY and allows for expansion, while glue-down provides a firmer feel and minimizes movement.
On average, laminate flooring can last 15 to 25 years with proper care and maintenance. However, some higher-quality laminate floors can last even longer, potentially up to 30 years.
Conclusion: What Flooring is Best Value for Money
For the best balance of affordability, durability, and looks, consider luxury vinyl plank (LVP).
With floating planks, it is possible that a plank could come loose if heavy furniture is moved across it frequently. Glue down vinyl flooring holds up wonderfully in heavy traffic, and in instances where furniture may be moved frequently across it.
Despite being pitched as a durable and DIY-friendly product, vinyl plank flooring can be hard to install and is not waterproof. It's important to note that vinyl plank flooring comes in a variety of installation options, with some being more DIY-friendly than others.
Both materials show good resistance to scratches and impacts. Vinyl flooring is more water-resistant and suitable for wet areas, while engineered wood flooring offers great stability and can be sanded to maintain its appearance over time.