Rather than a specific type of floor, floating flooring is the installing method for a few different flooring types. Floating floor installation is when individual planks and boards are either snapped together or glued down onto a subfloor.
Examples of Floating Floors:
Laminate flooring- Laminate flooring can be glued down, and most of the time is installed as a floating floor.
Luxury vinyl flooring- Luxury vinyl flooring is installed by snapping together board by board, or by being glued to the subfloor.
Engineered flooring- Most engineered flooring is installed by being nailed down, or stapled down. However, in some instances it can be installed on a floating floor basis.
Pros/Cons of Floating Floors:
Pros:
Fits over different surfaces- floating floors can be put on a variety of different surfaces, it is important to make sure that the subfloor is a flat solid surface. Many options- Floating floors come in many different varieties and styles that can appeal to many different homeowners.
Easier to install- Laying floating floors can be done by adventurous DIY'ers, because the floors often fit together like puzzles, it allows the project to be done without too much professional intervention.
Cost efficient- Upon comparing different floor prices, floating floor choices are often much cheaper than hardwood floor options.
Cons:
Moisture and temperature change- For individuals living in moist and humid climates, floating floors could be difficult to live with as the floors could buckle, or warp over time.
Not as appealing as wood- Floating floor is often not as appealing at real hardwood floors due to their lack of natural elements.
Things to keep in mind:
1. Furniture fixtures, like cabinets or islands, should not be installed on top of a floating floor.
2. Floating floors are not always easy to install for DIY'ers.
3. The subfloor can vary, however the subfloor does require some prep.
4. Transitions and molding should never be nailed directly into the floor.
5. Floating floors need an expansion zone.