When not to use a floating floor?

Author: Elnora Romaguera  |  Last update: Sunday, August 31, 2025

Floating engineered hardwood floors are great for residential spaces (where wheelchairs are not in the equation). We suggest being cautious when installing them in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements - any place where moisture is an issue but other than that they are great options for residential spaces!

What is the downside to floating floors?

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.

Can you put heavy furniture on floating floors?

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.

What happens when water gets under a floating floor?

If you allow water to sit underneath your floors for an extended period of time it will warp, cup, crown, buckle or destroy your floors. If you try to dry the floor with fans and dehumidifiers by blowing them across the floor you may overdry the top and not address the subfloor or concrete below the floor.

Should floating floors move when walking on them?

Will it hurt that part of the floor is floated by part of it is nailed. Any ideas would help. A: All floating floors will move some as they are not solidly anchored to the floor. Usually this movement is very subtle and difficult to feel unless you are specifically looking for it.

Floating Floors vs Glued Down | What's The Difference? | Parrys Carpets

Is it normal for a floating floor to bounce?

A floating floor can have a slight bounce or give underfoot, but it should not feel excessively bouncy or unstable.

How long does it take for a floating floor to settle?

After installing your floating vinyl planks, it's essential to give them time to acclimate to their new environment before putting any weight on them. This acclimation typically lasts 24-48 hours, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations.

What is the lifespan of a floating floor?

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.

How long does it take for mold to grow under laminate flooring?

It only takes as little as 24 hours for mold to start growing under wet laminate flooring, if the water is dirty, it has come from a dishwasher, outside groundwater, a toilet or dirty carpet it can start growing bacteria even quicker, in as little as 12 hours.

Do you put anything under a floating floor?

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.

Why can't you put cabinets on a floating floor?

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.

Can you put a refrigerator on vinyl plank flooring?

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.

What is the most durable floating floor?

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.

Do floating floors need a vapor barrier?

Additionally, if you're installing a floating floor (where the planks or tiles are not glued down), a separate underlayment with a built-in vapor barrier may be beneficial for added protection. At Havens Hardwood Floors, Inc., we always prioritize the long-term durability and performance of your flooring.

Why would a floating floor buckle?

When exposed to water or excessive humidity, laminate planks may absorb moisture, leading to swelling and subsequent lifting from the subfloor. Temperature variations also play a crucial role, as the natural expansion and contraction of laminate planks can result in buckling over time.

Is it better to float floors or glue down?

If you are trying to decide between the two, then for engineered wood flooring floating is usually the best option as you can install it quickly and don't have to worry about which glue to use and how long to wait for it to dry. If you are installing hardwood flooring then using glue may give you a more stable result.

What happens if water gets under laminate flooring?

If water gets under laminate flooring, it can cause the planks to swell, warp, or lift. In severe cases, the flooring may need to be replaced to prevent further damage.

Why do my laminate floors get dirty so fast?

Dirty hard surface floors are usually caused by the environment, an overuse of chemicals, and a large volume of traffic. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to keep your floor looking and feeling cleaner for longer.

Will a one-time water leak cause mold?

A single water leak can lead to mold growth if not fixed quickly. Mold loves moist places and can start growing in 24 to 48 hours. Even small water damage can cause mold to grow. It's key to fix water damage fast to lower the water leak mold risk.

What is the average price for floating floor?

The average cost of laminate flooring is about $3,000 with labor, or about $3 to $13 per square foot. Materials typically cost $1 to $5 per square foot.

Do floating floors move when you walk on them?

However, please note that there is a slight difference between a nailed hardwood floor and a floating one. You will always feel a certain amount of movement as you walk over a floating floor. You will get used to it and won't even feel it with time.

What's better, LVP or laminate?

Summary. LVP is the clear winner when it comes to overall color selection and lifetime waterproofing, whereas flood-rated Laminate offers better overall durability and pricing. The thickness of Laminate flooring reduces the need for sub-floor prep.

Why do floating floors fail?

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.

How long does it take to install 1000 sq ft of vinyl plank flooring?

A 1000-square-foot space will take around two to three days with a couple of people working on it. However, the timeframe can also depend on the space.

What happens if you don't acclimate vinyl plank flooring?

If the vinyl expands, the planks will push together, get stuck, or buckle, becoming uneven and making the floors uncomfortable to walk on. Plus, you could also void your warranty if you install before the acclimation process is complete.

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