- Durability:
On the downside, however, floating floors are prone to faster wear than its counterpart. Floating floors generally incorporate thinner materials that cannot be sanded — often leading to a shorter lifespan.
With proper care, they can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. Solid hardwood floors, however, can last longer, often exceeding 60 years or more, with proper hardwood floor maintenance.
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.
Generally you do not want heavy objects installed on top of a floating floor. This defeats the floors capability to expand and contract with environmental changes. Cabinets go down, floor comes up to within whatever the manufacturers required edge gap is, trim covers the gap.
Floating Floor
Never install cabinets on top of floating flooring. Based on seasonal changes in humidity, the flooring material needs to expand and contract. If that can't happen, the weight of the cabinets can cause the flooring to buckle and damage the flooring's locking systems.
Since most furniture will not go under just one plank, it is perfectly safe for bulky furniture and refrigerators to go on vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring will not be damaged or cracked by home appliances' weight due to its strong durability.
Floating Floors
This flexing of the floated flooring can lead to gaps opening, and over a period of time the surface veneer may split or delaminate, or the tongue may eventually break. Very minor vertical movement is sometimes unavoidable in floating floors and does not usually affect the performance of the floor.
Because of the way it is installed there isn't a hollow sound when walking across the floor or a spongy feel, this is something that can be an issue with floating floors if they aren't installed perfectly and with optimal conditions.
Laminate flooring is designed to last and has extremely low maintenance. One of the most durable flooring options, laminate is scratch-resistant, spill-resistant and offers acoustical properties to soften each step. Laminate also comes in an extensive variety of colors and patterns to suit every taste and decor style.
In most cases, you can confidently walk on your floating vinyl plank flooring 24-48 hours after installation once the planks have had time to acclimate and settle.
Dirt: No. Engineered wood: Not recommended under floating floors. Hardwood: Yes.
When liquid spills on laminate flooring, it can quickly seep into the seams and edges, reaching the core and potentially causing swelling, warping, or even mould growth.
A floating floor can have a slight bounce or give underfoot, but it should not feel excessively bouncy or unstable.
Floating engineered wood floors are more vulnerable to moisture and humidity fluctuations compared to solid wood. This sensitivity can cause warping or swelling, especially in humid conditions or in rooms like kitchens and bathrooms.
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.
Cost of Floating Floors
Nationally, the average costs for floating flooring materials plus labor are: Laminate flooring: $2.70 - $10 per square foot; cost varies depending on type and finish. Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF): About $7 per square foot. Engineered hardwood: $5 to $8 per square foot (average-grade product)
Changes in temperature and humidity can affect vinyl plank flooring. While it is more resilient than natural wood, extreme fluctuations can still impact its performance. Maintaining a consistent indoor climate will help prevent the planks from moving or settling over time.
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.
Buckling & Warping
Excessive moisture in the subfloor often causes the floor wood to buckle and warp. Even high humidity in the air can cause the same. For this reason, it is essential not to wet mop a floating floor. The primary key to this is prevention.
The floor of the floating board is simply 'floating' on the bottom floor. They have no tape or glue on the back. This makes it very easy to install this type of floor. It can be a project that you do yourself.
Can you Install Cabinets on Top of a Floating Floor? Generally speaking, while you can do it, you should avoid putting a floating floor under cabinets. Floating floors are not designed to hold the extra weight of cabinets, and over time they can damage the floor and cause more issues in the long run.
Yes, mold can grow under vinyl flooring if moisture becomes trapped underneath the flooring material. Vinyl flooring is not a breathable material, which means that moisture cannot escape through the flooring.