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Floating floors 101
Laminate is the classic example of a floating floor, but what does this term mean and why is it important to know when you are purchasing your new floor?
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What is a floating floor?
The term floating floor sounds almost ethereal, as if it were describing a walkway into the clouds, or perhaps a promenade leading out to sea. In fact, it is simply a way of describing any hard floor that is installed without being stuck to the existing floor or subfloor in your home. 

Laminate is the classic example of a floating floor, but what does this term mean and why is it important to know when you are purchasing your new floor?
 
In a floating floor application the planks or tiles are directly joined, usually with a click system. This construction gives the floor its structure, removing any need to adhere it to the subfloor. 

Preparation
Correctly preparing your subfloor before installing the floating floor remains crucial to the floor’s success and longevity. A combination of techniques including damp proof membranes, primers and levelling compounds known as screed, can all be employed where necessary to create the perfect surface for your floating floor. 

Switching off your underfloor heating a few days  before beginning your installation is an important step. Fully cooling off your subfloor will reduce the risk of excess heat adversely affecting any adhesives used during the installation process, or causing the floor to expand or contract during installation.

Installation
Nearly all plank or tile-based flooring is designed to be laid as a floating floor, with the exception of LVT products described as dryback or stick down that can only be installed using adhesives.  When planning a floating floor your fitter will also need to plan for an expansion gap around the edges of the room. 

Extra touches
Leaving an expansion gap (usually around 10mm but always check the manufacturer’s fitting instructions) between your floor and walls will allow the floor to expand and contract – a natural process that occurs during changes in the humidity and temperature. A skilled installer can hide the gap with either skirting board or beading to provide a professional finish. 

Although your new floating floor could be installed directly over a smooth subfloor, it is worth investing in a good quality underlay. This will provide acoustic dampening and improved thermal insulation. If you have underfloor heating choose a low-density underlay, which will provide you with much needed sound dampening while allowing the natural transference of heat through to your feet.

Final thoughts
Attempting the installation of a floating floor as a DIY project may seem like a good way of staying below budget, however, the benefits of using a highly skilled fitter far outweigh the costs. Not only do they have the skills to provide a professional finish and fit to the required BS 8203:2017 standards, they are also best placed to deal with any mishaps. 

Hopefully you now understand what a floating floor is. That means the next step is deciding on the requirements for your home. You could check out our blog posts about laminate and LVT, browse our website to order free flooring samples, or skip straight ahead to speaking to your local Lifestyle Floors retailer. 

Your local retailer will be able to answer questions about your flooring needs and help you get your new project underway. Use our retailer locater tool  to find your nearest showroom.
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At Lifestyle Floors, we understand the importance of choosing a floorcovering that is the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle. Our nationwide network of independent flooring retailers are on hand to offer you expert advice and support. To find your nearest independent retailer click here.
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At Lifestyle Floors, we understand the importance of choosing a floorcovering that is the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle. Our nationwide network of independent flooring retailers are on hand to offer you expert advice and support. To find your nearest independent retailer click here.
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