Faster to install - because installation is relatively quick, you can return to normal activities in the room more quickly. Less prep work – you can use floating vinyl flooring over existing flooring, whether vinyl, tile, or hardwood, as long as the existing base is relatively stable.
Vinyl plank flooring is a popular choice for both residential and commercial properties because it is waterproof, incredibly durable, and designed to offer the look of natural wood at a fraction of the cost.
What are the problems with floating floors? Floating floors can be susceptible to moisture and humidity, which can cause warping or buckling. They also tend to be more prone to gaps between planks due to their lack of attachment.
Most homeowners prefer floating floors because they're thicker, more stable, and durable compared to glue-down options. Floating vinyl floors are also easier to install because they have interlocking mechanisms that you can clip together.
If you want a simple and easy floor installation floating floors are a good option. If you have a difficult subfloor to work with, floating floors are your best bet. If you want a more realistic sounding floor, glue down hardwood flooring options are best.
Floating flooring is popular with homeowners and trade professionals, but they both love it for some of the same reasons: No subfloor required reducing installation time and subfloor costs. Can be installed at, above, or below grade – not possible with traditional solid flooring. Very Affordable.
Pros and Cons of Floating Wood Flooring
Floating engineered hardwood floors are quick and easy to install, and you don't have to deal with messy glues or inconvenient drying periods. However, floating floors aren't always as stable as their glued counterparts.
Vinyl plank flooring is engineered to be installed in one of two methods: glue-down or floating. For a Do-It-Yourselfer, floating or click-lock vinyl flooring is often an easier method, as there is no adhesive or mess to deal with.
Laminate flooring provides exceptional durability at a much lower cost compared to hardwood floors. If you need a flooring option that can withstand an active lifestyle and is effortless to clean, then laminate flooring could be the perfect solution for you.
Click-together flooring works like the name suggests. These vinyl planks sport interlocking grooves that snap tightly into place. Once the whole floor is snapped together, it floats on top of the subfloor.
But, it can also be one of the big disadvantages of floating floors if you live somewhere that experiences extremely high humidity. This is also due to the space between the floor and subfloor. If a lot of moisture accumulates in there, it may contribute to warping, pitting, or mold growth.
Aside from discoloration in the flooring installation, damage from water can cause planks to become loose. Over time, warping and buckling is an issue as well, due to excess moisture.
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. Therefore, we recommend that you install the cabinets before the floating floor.
LVT will never look “cheap” — it will make your life easier and enhance the look and comfort of your home.
While luxury vinyl flooring has come a long way from its creation and has increased in durability and visual appeal, unfortunately vinyl may decrease your resale value in the long run. It's important to recognize that while you may spend less on vinyl vs.
Floating systems are a flooring type that clicks together and doesn't require adhesive. Fortunately, with this type of flooring, there's no waiting period. Once the floors are installed, you can place your furniture immediately.
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.
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.
Usually nailing is the cheapest method but the subfloor is limited to wood. The floating method is affordable because it does not require too much labour, materials or time to be executed. Glueing is the most expensive and the rate is determined based on the glue type and the total square footage.
Vinyl flooring installation typically takes between 1-2 days to complete. Some types of vinyl flooring, such as plank and tile, need a few days to acclimate to the temperature and humidity in your home prior to the installation. This process prevents expanding and contracting after the flooring is installed.
While costs are similar, the value of premium vinyl far exceeds that of laminate based on quality and value. Unlike laminate, premium vinyl is durable and stable, resistant to moisture and climate, and is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is restricted to light traffic and low moisture applications.
Because the flooring isn't attached to the sub-floor, it can move slightly when walking over it. However this is often tiny movements, caused by the underlay compressing underfoot. A hollow or echoed sound can sometimes occur when walking over a floating floor.
Floating floors can feel warm underfoot, depending on the type of flooring material and the underlayment used. Some types of floating floors, such as cork or bamboo, may have natural insulating properties that can help retain heat and create a warmer feeling in a room.
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.