Picture this: The flooring in your home has seen better days. What once used to be beautiful flooring is now a scuffed, chipped, and faded shell of what used to be. When you decide it’s time to upgrade your space, you may come across the term “floating floor.” If you are a little confused on what it means, don’t worry – you’ve come to the right place. This guide will explain what a floating floor is, what techniques are used to install it, as well as its pros and cons. If you are considering getting a floating floor, read this first!

What Is a Floating Floor?

A floating floor is a term less used to describe a type of floor and more so used to describe the way that it is installed. Floating floors can be installed on top of other flooring without you having to put anything underneath them. With this kind of installation, there will be a small layer of air in between the floor and what’s underneath – this is where the name “floating floor” comes from. If you’d prefer to have your floor more permanently attached to the ground, floating floors can be glued and/or nailed down. Floating floors are typically made out of laminate with notched edges that allow the floor tiles to click into one another like puzzle pieces. Most floating floors are made to look like wood but some come in a tile or carpeted material. There’s a floating floor for every want and need.

Benefits of Floating Floors

Versatile, easily installed, and affordable, floating floors are a perfect solution.

Durable: Though floating floors are made out of inexpensive materials such as resin and plywood, the cost does not affect the quality; floating flooring is just as durable as any other laminate flooring.

Affordable: The best part about floating floors is the price! They are a fraction of the price of solid wood, tile, and carpet floors. What you save on materials can be put toward labor costs. Floating floors are a cost-effective way to breathe new life into a tired space.

Easy to Install: If you are handy, you'll likely be able to DIY your own floating floor installation. Floating floors are also perfect for accidents or those who like to frequently switch up their home's look because they can easily be replaced and re-used.

Customizable: Since floating floors can be DIY, that makes them super easy to personalize. Select two different floating floors for a mix-and-match look. Choose flooring with different colors to create intricate patterns or outline the borders of a room. The options are endless!

Types of Floating Floors

With a wide range of options, it’s easy to find the perfect flooring for you.

Hardwood: Floating flooring made out of hardwood is perfect if you want that traditional hardwood flooring look and feel but prefer an easier installation process. It’s water-resistant but not waterproof. Hardwood floating flooring is more expensive than laminate and vinyl because it’s made from solid wood, but it’s worth it if you have a specific type of wood in mind or if you’re partially redoing an already existing floor.

Vinyl: Vinyl flooring, though fabricated out of synthetic materials, is made to look natural, with a design printed onto a layer that shines beneath a protective top layer of resin. It’s perfect for long-term wear and tear and can even be used in areas that stay wet for long periods of time. This is great for bathrooms, leaky basements, and even outdoor spaces! Vinyl is more cost-effective than hardwood and laminate flooring. It’s a great option for those on a tight budget.