Floating flooring, also known as laminate flooring, is a very popular type of flooring that—thanks to its simple installation and practical benefits—has become the preferred choice for many indoor spaces, such as living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and more. If you’re interested in using this type of flooring at home or in the office, this comprehensive guide will help you understand everything about floating flooring.
What is a floating floor?
A floating floor is a type of flooring that does not require mortar or adhesive to be installed on the subfloor. Instead, it is installed using a click-lock system over an acoustic underlayment and an existing floor or directly over a concrete subfloor, which causes the flooring to “float” above the old surface.
This unique feature makes floating flooring a great option for indoor spaces, especially for those who want to renovate their home or office in a practical and cost-effective way. In addition, it is also suitable for rental properties, since it can be installed over the existing floor without causing damage.
It is important to note that floating floors should not be confused with raised floors, which are used primarily in offices to allow for the installation of electrical wiring and similar systems.
Advantages of Floating Flooring
1. Easy installation
One of the main advantages of floating flooring is how easy it is to install. Since no mortar or adhesive is required, installation is quick and easy, which reduces both time and labor costs. Additionally, there is no construction waste, such as debris, making the process even more practical.
2. Finish
Another advantage of floating flooring is its finish. It comes in a wide variety of styles and shades, including options that mimic the look of wood, allowing you to choose a finish that complements the style of your home or office and, in this way, create a cozy and pleasant atmosphere.
3. Thermal and acoustic insulation
Floating flooring also provides thermal and acoustic insulation, which means it helps maintain room temperature and reduce noise transmission. This feature is especially important in high-traffic areas, such as offices and living rooms. In addition, some types of floating floors, such as laminate flooring, require the installation of an acoustic underlayment, which further improves sound insulation.
4. Durability
Laminate flooring is known for its high durability. It is resistant to scratches, stains, and impacts, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, such as living rooms and hallways. In addition, with proper care and maintenance With proper care, a floating floor can last for many years.
5. Easy maintenance
Maintaining a floating floor is simple and easy. All it takes is regular cleaning with a clean, damp cloth to keep it clean. Unlike other types of flooring, floating floors should not be waxed or polished. In addition, they do not trap dust, which is a significant advantage for people with allergies.
Explore our range of flooring options for your project here.
Disadvantages of floating floors
1. Low moisture resistance
Floating flooring should not be installed in damp areas, such as bathrooms and kitchens, due to its low resistance to moisture. Direct contact with excessive amounts of water can damage the flooring, which may cause warping of the planks and the surface; for this reason, it is important to choose a type of flooring suitable for these areas.
2. Low resistance to abrasive products
Laminate flooring has low resistance to abrasive products, which means it can scratch more easily than other types of flooring. Therefore, it is important to avoid using abrasive products when cleaning laminate flooring and to opt for specific, recommended products instead.
Types of floating floors
There are two main types of floating floors available on the market: vinyl flooring and laminate flooring. Let's learn a little more about each of them:
Vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and comes in a variety of patterns that mimic the look of wood, weathered concrete, or other materials. They are available in two installation types: LVT vinyl flooring, which can be glued or clicked into place, and SPC vinyl flooring, featuring the Double Click system.
Vinyl flooring offers high strength and durability, as well as good acoustic and thermal performance, making it an excellent choice for a variety of indoor spaces, including children's bedrooms, thanks to its soft and comfortable finish.
Vinyl flooring can be installed over ceramic tile and fired concrete, provided that the surfaces are waterproofed, prepared, and leveled before installation.
Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is made from wood-based panels, typically HDF (High-Density Fiberboard), and is known for its high-quality finish and the fact that it can be installed quickly and easily, without requiring much work.
Like vinyl flooring, laminate flooring is available in a variety of patterns, particularly those inspired by the look of wood. Laminate flooring also offers thermal comfort and is easy to clean. Installation requires an additional thermal underlay, which also ensures greater thermal comfort.
Where to Use Floating Flooring
Laminate flooring can be used in virtually any indoor space, such as living rooms, bedrooms, or offices, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to renovate the flooring in their home or office in a practical and cost-effective way. It can be installed over the existing floor without the need to remove or damage it.
How much does floating flooring cost?
The price of floating flooring can vary depending on the material, the size of the pieces, and the type of finish selected. When compared to other types of flooring, such as ceramic tile, floating flooring tends to be more affordable, in addition to offering additional advantages, such as ease of installation and maintenance.
At the Beiraportal online store, you’ll find a wide variety of floating floors at competitive prices. Be sure to choose the flooring that best meets your needs and prepare a budget that takes into account the area required for installation, plus an additional 2 to 5% to account for any necessary cuts to the planks, depending on the layout of the space where it will be installed.
How to Install a Floating Floor
Installing a floating floor is relatively simple, but it requires some care to ensure a perfect result. Below is a basic step-by-step guide to installation:
1. Preparation
Make sure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. If there are any uneven areas, apply a leveling compound to the affected areas. In addition, it is recommended that you waterproof the subfloor if you detect any potential sources of water or moisture to prevent damage to the flooring to be installed.
2. Materials Needed
Before you begin installation, make sure you have all the necessary materials, such as a measuring tape, a square, masking tape, a utility knife, a tapping block, a rubber mallet, a circular saw, acoustic underlayment, headless nails, a pencil, 1.5 cm floor spacers, baseboards, and baseboard adhesive.
3. Floor Installation
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the floating floor. Generally, the process involves placing the specified underlayment on the subfloor, securing the floor spacers along the wall, and installing the wooden planks one by one, making sure they fit properly. Finally, remove the spacers and attach the baseboards to the wall.
How to Clean a Floating Floor
Maintaining and cleaning a floating floor is simple. Just use a clean, damp cloth for daily cleaning. Avoid using abrasive products, floor polishers, sandpaper, silicone- or wax-based products, or sharp objects. If more thorough cleaning is needed, use water with a non-abrasive disinfectant.
Conclusion
Floating flooring, also known as laminate flooring, is a practical, economical, and versatile option for indoor spaces. Its ease of installation, variety of patterns, and durability make it a popular choice for many renovation or construction projects.
Beiraportal offers a wide variety of floating floors at competitive prices and with guaranteed quality. Browse all our options and find the perfect floating floor for your project.
