Floating wood floors offer an easy and versatile solution for any hard surface installation, using simple click-lock or tongue-and-groove systems. Unlike traditional flooring, floating floors are not bound to the subfloor, allowing them to expand as a single piece rather than individual boards. This makes them an ideal choice for areas with higher humidity, such as basements. Since floating wood floors expand and contract as one unit, the risk of cupping or gaps between boards is significantly reduced. However, it’s important to leave space along the walls to allow for expansion, which can then be covered with baseboards.
Click-lock floating wood floors are much easier to repair if a specific area is damaged. For example, in the event of a dishwasher flood, you can simply unclick the flooring up to the damaged section, replace the affected boards, and then reassemble the floor. This makes repairs much simpler than with traditional flooring.
Another benefit of floating wood floors is that they can be installed directly over ceramic tile or other hard surfaces. This eliminates the need to tear out and dispose of your old flooring, saving you both time and effort.
Floating engineered wood floors have grown in popularity due to their easy installation and structural stability. They are compatible with radiant heat systems and can be installed over concrete basement subfloors. Typically, these floors are installed over an underlayment, such as foam or cork, which serves as a moisture and sound barrier.
European-style floating wood floors often feature a 3-ply design: a hardwood wear layer, a middle core of lumber, and a balanced base veneer. Floors with a 3 to 4 mm (1/8″ to 3/16″) wear layer are considered high quality for several reasons. The thick wear layer can be sanded and refinished several times, helping the floor maintain a fresh appearance. Additionally, the weight of the hardwood prevents the “bounce effect,” providing a firmer feel underfoot.
While most engineered floating wood floors use a click-lock system for easy installation, some still use a tongue-and-groove design that requires edge glue. Each design has its advantages: DIYers and builders often prefer the click-lock system for its simplicity, while contractors may favor the tongue-and-groove method, as it allows for nail-down and glue-down installation.
If you’re considering laminate flooring because it’s easy to install and has similar wood grains, remember that floating wood floors are made from real wood, which offers all the benefits of hardwood floors. One of the key advantages is that real hardwood is naturally warmer underfoot. Additionally, floating wood floors with thicker wear layers can be refinished multiple times, giving them a longer lifespan. With proper care, quality floating wood floors can last 40 to 50 years, making them a durable and worthwhile investment for your home.
Recap:
- Not all floating engineered wood floors are made equal. Total thickness and wear layer (top hardwood part) make a huge difference in the performance and life span of your installed floor.
- All wood products will have some expansions and contractions during season change.
- 1/8″ or thicker wear layer and 1/2” and thicker total make wood floors with optimal floating weight.
- European-styled 3-ply floating wood floors provide good stability.
- Make sure your sub-floor is leveled within 3/16” for every 10 sqft before installation. The most common cause of hollow sounds and noises is from low spots on your subfloor.
- A good 1/8″ acoustical underlayment, such as Acousti-Cork or Floor Muffler, will improve your floating wood floor’s performance and improve sound barrier quality.
- The bigger the area you are covering, the thicker floating floors it requires.
For more information about how to choose your next floating wood floor and maintenance tips, please feel free to contact us at 952-994-9696 or email: [email protected].