Floating flooring, also known as laminate flooring, is a very popular type of flooring that, due to its simple installation and advantages of use, has become the preferred choice for many indoor environments, such as living rooms, bedrooms, offices and much more. If you're interested in using this type of flooring in your home or office, this comprehensive guide will help you understand everything about floating floors.
What is a floating floor?
Floating floors are a type of flooring that does not require the use of mortar or glue to be fixed to the floor. Instead, it is installed by means of a fitting system over an acoustic blanket and another existing floor or over the concrete floor, which makes the floor "float" over the old one.
This unique feature makes floating floors a great option for internal environments, especially for those who want to renovate their home or office in a practical and economical way. It is also suitable for rented properties, as it can be installed over the previous floor without causing damage.
It is important to emphasise that floating floors should not be confused with raised floors, which are used mainly in offices to allow electrical installations and the like to pass through.
Advantages of floating floors
1. simple installation
One of the main advantages of floating floors is the ease of installation. As there is no need for mortar or glue, installation is quick and easy, which reduces time and labour costs, with the advantage that there is no production of construction waste, such as rubble, which makes the process even more practical.
2. Finishing
Another advantage of floating floors is the finish. It is available in a wide variety of models and shades, including options that imitate the appearance of wood, which allows you to choose a finish that suits the style of your home or office, and thus create a cosy and pleasant environment.
3. Thermoacoustic insulation
Floating floors also offer thermo-acoustic insulation, which means they help maintain the room temperature and reduce the propagation of noise. This feature is especially important in environments with a lot of movement, such as offices and living rooms. In addition, some types of floating floor, such as laminate, require the application of an acoustic blanket, which further improves sound insulation.
4. Durability
Floating floors are known for their high durability. Resistant to scratches, stains and impacts, it's a great choice for high-traffic environments such as living rooms and corridors. What's more, with proper care and maintenance, floating floors can last for many years.
5. Easy maintenance
Maintaining floating floors is simple and easy. Regular mopping with a clean, damp cloth is all it takes to keep it clean. Unlike other floors, floating floors should not be waxed or polished. What's more, it doesn't trap dust, which is a significant advantage for people with allergies.
Discover our range of flooring for your project here.
Disadvantages of floating floors
1. Low resistance to humidity
Floating floors should not be installed in humid environments, such as bathrooms and kitchens, due to their low resistance to humidity. Direct contact with excess water can damage the flooring, which can cause deformation of the tiles and the surface, which is why it is important to choose a type of flooring that is suitable for these environments.
2.Low resistance to abrasive products
Floating floors have a low resistance to abrasive products, which means they can scratch more easily than other types of flooring. It is therefore important to avoid using abrasive products when cleaning floating floors and to opt for specific recommended products.
Types of floating floors
There are two main types of floating floors available on the market: vinyl flooring and laminate flooring. Let's find out a little more about each one:
Vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring is composed of vinyl chloride (PVC) and can be found in different patterns that imitate the appearance of wood, burnt cement or other materials. They are available in two types of installation: LVT vinyl flooring, which can be glued or clicked, and SPC vinyl flooring, with a Double Click system.
Vinyl flooring offers high resistance and durability, as well as good acoustic and thermal performance, and is a great choice for various indoor environments, including children's rooms, due to its soft and comfortable finish.
Vinyl flooring can be laid over ceramic tiles and burnt cement, as long as the surfaces are waterproofed, adjusted and levelled before installation.
Laminate flooring
Laminate floors are made from wood plywood, usually HDF (High Density Fiberboard), which is a high-density wood panel, and are known for their high-quality finish and the possibility of being installed quickly and easily, without the need for a lot of work.
Like vinyl flooring, laminate flooring is available in a variety of patterns, particularly those inspired by the appearance of wood. They also offer thermal comfort and are easy to clean. An additional thermal blanket is required for installation, which also guarantees greater thermal comfort.
Where to use floating floors
Floating floors can be used in practically any interior environment, such as living rooms, bedrooms or offices, and are an excellent option for those who want to renovate the floor of their home or office in a practical and economical way. It can be installed over the previous floor, without the need to remove or damage the existing floor.
How much does a floating floor cost?
The price of floating floors can vary depending on the material, the size of the tile and the type of finish selected. When compared to other types of coverings, such as ceramic tiles, floating floors tend to be more affordable, as well as offering additional advantages, such as ease of installation and maintenance.
At Beiraportal's online shop, you'll find a wide range of floating floors at competitive prices. Make sure you choose the floor that best meets your needs and make an estimate that takes into account the area required for installation plus an additional 2 to 5% for any cuts required in the tiles, depending on the layout of the space where it will be installed.
How to install floating floors
Installing a floating floor is relatively simple, but it does require some care to ensure a perfect result. See below for the basic installation steps:
1. Preparation
Make sure the base is clean, dry and levelled. If there are any irregularities, apply a levelling compound to the affected areas. It is also advisable to waterproof the subfloor if you detect any potential water or damp spots to avoid damaging the floor to be laid.
2. Materials needed
Before starting the installation, make sure you have all the necessary materials, such as a tape measure, square, adhesive tape, x-ratio, stop block, rubber mallet, circular saw, acoustic blanket, headless nails, pencil, 1.5 cm floor spacers, skirting board and skirting board glue.
3. Floor installation
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the floating floor. Generally, the process involves positioning the blanket indicated on the base, attaching the floor spacers along the wall and installing the wooden planks one by one, fitting them correctly. Finally, remove the spacers and fix the skirting boards to the wall.
How to clean floating floors
Floating floors are easy to maintain and clean. Just use a clean, damp cloth for daily cleaning. Avoid using abrasive products, waxing machines, sandpaper, silicone or wax-based products and sharp materials. If heavier cleaning is required, use water with a non-abrasive disinfectant.
Conclusion
Floating floors, also known as laminate floors, are a practical, economical and versatile option for indoor environments. Its ease of installation, variety of patterns and durability make it a choice for many renovation or construction projects.
Beiraportal offers a wide range of floating floors, with competitive prices and guaranteed quality. Take a look at all our options and find the perfect floating floor for your project.
