The Benefits of Floating Floors: Is This Installation Method Right for You?
Choosing the right flooring method for your Orange County home is a key part of crafting your space. Floating floors are a stylish, versatile, and affordable option that’s great for homeowners and renters. We’ll explore the top benefits of floating floor installation, various flooring methods, and stunning floating floor options available near you.
What Is a Floating Floor?
A floating floor is an installation technique that doesn’t require glue or nails. Instead, the floor pieces interlock and “float” on top of the subfloor. Floating floors can be installed over any type of subfloor, including tile and concrete.
The most common types of floating floors are luxury vinyl and laminate flooring. These materials are lightweight, durable, and affordable. However, they typically offer fewer refinishing options compared to traditional flooring methods.
Top Benefits of Choosing a Floating Floor System
Read on to discover some of the top benefits of floating floors.
Easy to Install
Many homeowners choose floating floors because they’re easier to install than most other flooring methods. They require minimal prep work, and the pre-made interlocking sides are typically straightforward to install, even for those without extensive experience with flooring.
Affordable
Most floating floors are made from vinyl or laminate, making them more affordable than materials like hardwood or tile.
Easy to Repair
If a section of your floating floor becomes scratched or damaged, you can remove just that section, rather than having to replace a whole area of floor.
Removability
Floating floors rest on top of your subfloor, meaning they don’t have any real impact on the layer below. This makes them one of the best flooring options for rental properties. If you change your mind or plan to move, it’s fairly easy to take out the floating floor. You can even bring the flooring to your new home.
Floating vs. Glued or Nailed Installation Methods
Floating floors are popular due to their ease of installation, affordability, and flexibility. However, they may not be the best solution for every home. The right type of flooring installation method depends on your home’s needs and the style of flooring you prefer.
Floating Method
This method utilizes interlocking pieces to sit on top of your subfloor. It’s a good option if you want affordability and flexibility, or if you want to install your own floor.
Glued Method
The glue method is typically the most long-lasting way to install a floor. It’s more expensive and labor-intensive but delivers longevity as well as some noise and moisture insulation. It’s used for a variety of flooring types, including hardwood and tile, and is typically performed by professional floor installation companies.
Nailed Method
The nailed method uses nails to secure your flooring to a wooden subfloor. It’s popular if you’re looking for an affordable and durable way to install hardwood flooring. It ensures that the floorboards are securely fastened to the subfloor, allowing for greater flexibility during refinishing compared to a floating floor.
What Flooring Types Can Be Installed as Floating Floors?
At Hernandez Wholesale Flooring, we carry a variety of flooring types that can be installed as floating floors. The two most popular options for this method are laminate and luxury vinyl.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is stylish, durable, and affordable, making it a popular choice for many spaces. It has a core of wood byproducts covered by a decorative printed layer. This flooring type mimics the look of natural wood and is available in a wide range of colors and finishes to complement any home. We offer laminate floating floors that are scratch-resistant, fade-resistant, and water-resistant, providing a long-lasting style.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl flooring shares similarities with laminate in terms of durability and versatility, but it offers a slightly different appearance and texture. It’s made from layered PVC vinyl, finished with a decorative layer that can resemble wood, tile, or stone. Vinyl floating floor installation is highly durable and water-resistant, making it a great choice for busy spaces like hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms.
When Floating Floors Make the Most Sense
Floating floors may be a great choice for your home if you’re looking for some of these qualities.
You Want to Install Them Yourself
Floating floors are the easiest flooring method to install yourself. If you’re interested in learning about floor installation or simply want an affordable installation option, these types can usually be installed by most homeowners.
You’re Looking for a Quick-Repair Option
If your family has pets, kids, or other busy team members, you may want a flooring solution that offers easy repair options. Whether there’s a little water damage or a scratch in the hallway, it’s easy to remove a floorboard from a floating floor and swap it out for a new one.
You May want to Remove them Later
Renting, selling, or just not sure about your flooring style? These floors are great if you want a beautiful flooring option now, but you think you may change your mind later. Floating floors are the easiest method to remove, and the removal process won’t damage the subfloor.
Can You Install Floating Floors Yourself?
If you’re comfortable with some DIY, floating floors can be a great project to install yourself. The click-and-lock style is straightforward and easy to use and comes in a range of sizes to suit your home.
However, it may be helpful to hire professional flooring installation near you if you’re not comfortable with installing the floors yourself or if your space is an unusual shape. In many cases, the flooring pieces won’t fit the exact dimensions of every room, so you’ll need to cut them to fit into corners, hallways, and other areas. Calling a flooring services pro can help ensure the flooring fits perfectly in the space, without wasting extra flooring pieces from improper cuts.
Visit Hernandez Wholesale Flooring for Expert Advice and Installation
Looking for a professional flooring showroom near you? At Hernandez Wholesale Flooring, we offer premium flooring direct to the public. From luxury vinyl and laminate floating floors to traditional installation methods, we offer a wide variety of stylish and durable home flooring options. In addition to floor materials, we also install your flooring for a professional finish. Contact us today to find the perfect floor for your Orange County home.