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Floating Floor
When the floor system does not require nailing or gluing to the sub-floor, it is called a floating floor because it "floats" over it. Although floating floor refers to the system, it has become synonymous to laminate flooring.
Materials Used As A Floating Floor
- Laminate flooring
- Engineered wood flooring
- Cork flooring
The composite core of a floating cork flooring is usually with a cork backing of about 1/8 to 1/4" and a top cork finish layer of about 1/4" to 3/16". In most cases, it has a urethane or varnish wear layer on top and often available in planks 3' long and 12" wide. Cork can withstand pressure from high heels and heavy furniture as well as being hypoallergenic and a sound absorber. It is comfortable to stand on and easy to maintain. Scratches can be smoothed out by applying floor polish.
- Bamboo flooring
- Linoleum flooring
Floating linoleum flooring is ideal for use in the kitchen and bathroom. It consists of a composite core with a linoleum top layer and available in 1'x3' planks.
- Easy to install
- Can be installed over any flat and secure surface
- The floor boards are connected to each other instead of the sub-floor. Since they act as one unit, any movement of the floor is shown only along the edges of the room which is hidden by the baseboard or 3/4" round molding on top.
- A floating floor can be installed over surfaces with slightly higher moisture content but is not recommended in areas exposed to wetness such as kitchen, bathroom or near exterior doors.
Advantages of A Floating Floor
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