When choosing new flooring for your home there are multiple aspects to consider. Every room has different needs, so this needs to be taken into account, as well as the aesthetic value. When selecting a flooring option think carefully about the following:
Budget
Comfort
Sustainability
Style
What the room is used for
Floating Floors
Floating floors may sound unusual however they are actually a common installation method. A floating floor is not a specific material used for flooring; rather they are a modern way of mounting wooden and even tile flooring. This process involves the wooden planks being attached by glue or by snapping them together like a giant jigsaw puzzle – as opposed to nailing them down to the substrates (the floor below) as in the past.
How Do They Work?
It may seem that this type of flooring may not be as stable as its older counterpart; however floating floors are made to stay perfectly in place thanks to many factors. Firstly the boards are engineered to be stable thanks to their shape; seamlessly joined together sometimes with the assistance of glue. Secondly, an underlay is placed down beforehand that controls the friction and movement. Next the shape of the room helps to keep them affixed, as they go wall to wall filling the entire space. Finally although they can feel light, when all in place the overall weight of the planks keeps them firmly locked down.
Things to Consider
If you are thinking about installing floating floors, you will need to weigh up the following benefits and drawbacks:
Advantages
Price: Floating floors are a much cheaper than installing solid wooden flooring.
Time: They can be quickly and easily fitted.
Flexibility: They can be used in rooms where installing hardwood flooring may be difficult; for example if the substrate is not fully level. They can also be installed directly onto concrete floors – making them perfect for basements.
Changing Conditions: By using this process of installation, the floor is able to expand and move with the changes in humidity and temperature.
Width: Because it is thinner, it can match existing floor levels easily.
DIY: As this installation method requires very few specialist tools, you may be able to fit it yourself.
Disadvantages
Strength: Although this method does create strong flooring, it is not as solid as more traditional installations as the material is not as thick.
Value: If you choose to sell your home, floating floors do not have as high a resell as their hardwood counterpart.
Expansion/Contraction: If the room’s conditions change a great deal frequently, the floor can eventually become damaged.
Refurbishment: This type of flooring is unfortunately not able to be sanded and then refinished.
