Installation
This style of flooring allows home owners to install hardwood where it may not have been possible before. This is because it does not require a special type of subfloor. Floating hardwood timber can be installed over vinyl and even ceramic flooring. It is even possible to install them over floors such as tile or laminate, but they cannot be installed over carpet. They even hold up better in areas with high humidity.
How it Works
Floating floors are similar to laminate and engineered floors. The center is constructed out of plywood and the outside layers are made up of a hardwood or hardwood veneer. The tongue and grove style can be glued or locked together and placed over foam padding. Floating floors are easy to install much like laminate floors but they maintain the look of a hardwood floor.
Refinishing
Another benefit of floating floors is that it can be refinished. Laminate floors cannot be refinished because the top layer is a sticker rather than actual wood. Floating floors have many of the same qualities of hardwood timber floors because they last for several years. In order for these floors to keep their appearance they must be properly maintained.
Keep in Mind
Even though floating floors cost less than hardwood floors, it is important to not go cheap. The cheap price will reflect a small top layer. A small top layer will not maintain as much wear and tear which will shorten the lifespan of the floor. Spending more initially on the floor will even save money in the long run. In most cases floors can expand or buckle. When installing these floors it is a good idea to leave room between the flooring and the walls. The space can later be covered by baseboards or trim. Leaving space between the floor and the wall will give a home owner piece of mind with the knowledge that their flooring will have a longer life span.
Garnett Wood Products provides hardwood timber products and manufactures a variety of crane mats, hardwood mats, timber mats, and other specialty wood products.