16 September 2022

What is a floating floor?

A “floating floor”, sometimes called click flooring, click and lock, or loose-lay, is a type of flooring that isn’t fixed or bonded to the subfloor.

Whereas most other floor coverings are glued down or nailed down, a floating floor rests on top of the subfloor or underlay.  Floating floors are made up of individual planks or tiles that can be interlocked – a bit like fixing puzzle pieces together.

This installation method can be faster and easier than traditional glue-down or nail-down methods and presents a less permanent solution.  There are three types of floors commonly available as floating: laminate, luxury vinyl tile floor (LVT) and engineered wood.

What are the advantages of a floating floor?

As with most flooring types, floating floors are available in various colours, styles and finishes. But it’s not just versatility that makes floating flooring a great option – there are plenty of other benefits too.

Easier installation

Floating flooring is designed for easy installation, making it a good choice for DIY enthusiasts. No nails, no glue – just click and lock your planks into place. You won’t even need any special tools.

Ready to walk on immediately

Because floating flooring doesn’t require any glue to fix it down and doesn’t need to be finished with lacquer, oil or varnish, you can walk on it pretty much as soon as it’s laid. No waiting for adhesives or lacquers to dry.

Can be installed on top of existing floors

Floating floors can be fitted over many existing floor coverings – tiles or hardwood, for example. This means they are ideal if you need a temporary solution to a problem. If your stone tiles are cracked or your hardwood floor is in disrepair, you can install a floating floor on top until you are ready to repair the floor below.

And if your existing floor tiles contain asbestos, a floating floor over the top can keep them encapsulated and can be easily removed and replaced without disturbing the asbestos.

Cost-effective

Floating floors can be a cost-effective investment as you don’t have to fork out for adhesives, nails or any special tools.  Depending on what type of flooring is already in place, you might also be able to save on the cost of removing old floor coverings.

Plus, installation costs will be lower – especially if you opt for the DIY route. But if you aren’t confident installing your new floating floor yourself, you’ll still save on installation costs since fitting a floating floor isn’t as time-consuming as other installations.

Easy to repair, replace, remove and reuse

Floating floors aren’t fitted to the subfloor, so planks can be easily replaced if they get damaged. You’d still need to take out all the planks between the wall and your damaged plank, but this is far easier than prising up planks or tiles that have been nailed down or glued to the floor below.

If you decide to replace the entire floor, removing a floating floor is much easier than removing stone, tile or natural wood. And if you move house, you can take your floating floor with you. As long as you are careful not to damage the click and lock system when you lift the floor, you can click it back together in your new home.

What are the disadvantages of a floating floor?

Before you rush out to buy a floating floor, it’s important to note that there are some disadvantages.

It can be loud underfoot

Because floating floors aren’t fixed, you have a thin layer of air between your subfloor and floor. That layer of air can amplify sounds like footsteps. If you want to minimise noise caused by children jumping around and playing, then a floating floor might not be the best option.

Might feel springy and unstable

Another disadvantage of the floor not being fixed down is it can feel springy underfoot. Not too much of a problem if your subfloor is pretty even, but if you have dips in the floor below, your planks might feel unstable.

Underlay is almost always required

Underlay is almost always required with floating floors. It can help reduce the noise and springiness and provide extra insulation. However, we’re putting it under disadvantages as it’s something you’ll need to factor into the cost.

Shorter lifespan

Floating floors aren’t as stable as other floors as they are not fixed down. Wearing high heels on your floor or rolling your chair backwards and forward will take a toll on a floating floor faster than with other floor coverings.

Any extreme or frequent changes in moisture or temperature will cause your planks to expand and contract, which will damage the planks over time.  And floating floors can’t be sanded down or refinished like real wood, meaning once the planks are damaged, they’ll need replacing.

If you’re looking for a longer-lasting floor covering, consider a glue-down product instead.

Things to consider with a floating floor

As well as weighing up all the advantages and disadvantages of a floating floor, there are other points to consider.

Subfloor preparation

While floating floors can be installed over most existing floors, the condition of the subfloor or existing covering will impact the quality of the installation. Bumps and dips can prevent planks from locking together correctly, causing imperfections in your floor and impacting the effectiveness of the waterproof seal.

If you’re considering a floating floor, ensure your subfloor is clean and level and choose an adequate underlay.

Temperature, humidity and moisture

If excessive moisture comes up from your subfloor, that moisture will accumulate in the space between the subfloor and the floating floor. This can cause mould or mildew, as well as warping of the planks.

Floating floors also contract and expand as temperature and humidity fluctuate. This can cause damage to the planks over time.

If your subfloor is prone to moisture or you are laying your new floor in an environment where temperature, moisture, and humidity levels are unstable, get expert advice or consider an alternative floor covering.

Installation

The condition of your subfloor, the underlay you use, and the quality of installation can all affect the look and longevity of your floor. If planks aren’t connected properly, they will be more prone to damage, and moisture will likely seep between cracks into the space below, causing mould.

If you aren’t confident with DIY, invest in professional installation. A flooring expert will be able to ensure your subfloor is properly prepared, your underlay is fitted correctly, and your floating floor is installed to a high standard. Your floor will look better and last longer.

Why choose Beyond Flooring for professional installation?

At Beyond Flooring, our mission is to enhance your home or business with expertly fitted flooring. We only use quality products and offer a two-year warranty on all domestic projects.

We can help you select the right products and ensure they’re fitted to the highest standard. And we’re not limited to floating floors – we can install glue-down and nail-down flooring too for our customers across Yorkshire.

If you need a little inspiration, check out our customer gallery, or visit our showroom. Our friendly team are always happy to help you select the perfect flooring for your home.