How to Install Floating Flooring

Imagine flooring that is versatile, stylish, and easy to install. Floating flooring offers a DIY-friendly option for home improvement enthusiasts wanting to elevate their space. Keep reading to discover how to install a floating floor.

 

What Is a Floating Floor?

Floating flooring refers to a type of flooring installation method rather than a specific flooring material. The term "floating" describes the way the floor is laid, as it is not directly attached to the subfloor or underlying structure. The flooring is interconnected and installed on top of an underlayment. As the floor is installed, the weight of the boards plays a role in its stability, so you don't have to worry about shifting boards.

 

Floating installation is a popular option for engineered hardwood. You'll find a variety of styles and textures that support the locking mechanism.

 

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What Are the Benefits of Floating Flooring?

A major pro of the engineered hardwood floating floor is its intuitive installation, meaning it's the most DIY-friendly installation type. With this technique, you can install the boards without nails or adhesives. This makes it an option for flooring enthusiasts who want to save on installation costs, but we do recommend consulting with our professional independent contractors first.

 

If you plan on taking on a floating floor, consult your Warranty, Installation, and Care (WIC) guide to ensure your floors are installed properly.

 

Solid Hardwood 'Floating' Floors

While a true floating floor isn't possible with solid hardwoods, floating-style sold hardwood flooring can be edge-glued in with the appropriate adhesives. Consult your product's WIC guide for more information. While this job is manageable for the savvy DIYer, we recommend consulting with professional independent contractors.

 

Whether you install solid or engineered, removing the flooring is straightforward, too. And, if you ever want to replace your floating flooring in the future, all you have to do is pick up the boards—no special tools are required.

What Is Click-Lock Flooring?

Click-lock flooring is a type of floating installation method. The boards are pieced together using a locking structure. The installation is similar to assembling puzzle pieces, and it delivers the same versatility, DIY-friendliness, and aesthetic appeal as other floating flooring types.

 

How to Install Floating Flooring

We recommend hiring a professional to install your new floors, but you can take the DIY approach by following these tips on how to install engineered floating flooring.

 

Take Measurements

Measure the length and width of the room to determine the square footage needed for your flooring. Once you've got the right measurements, add 10-15% extra to account for cutting and another 5% if you plan to install it on a diagonal.

 

Prepare the Subfloor

Make sure your subfloor is clean and flat. If your subfloor is wood, check for squeaks and screw down loose sections. For a concrete subfloor, grind down high spots and fill low areas with cement.

 

Install a Moisture Barrier

A moisture vapor barrier ensures your floors can endure moist conditions. Engineered hardwood boards require a poly or underlayment with a moisture barrier or roll-on moisture barrier. To find out which moisture mitigation procedure is ideal for your floors, check your WIC guide.

 

Acclimate Your New Floors

Before installing the new wood floors, you'll need to allow them to acclimate to your room's temperature and humidity. This is a necessary step that helps prevent warping and cupping.

 

Moisture Testing

Use a meter that is species/material adjustable, such as a Ligno-scanner SDM or mini-Ligno DX/C moisture meter. See your product's WIC for complete details.

 

Create Space

Wood boards naturally expand and contract in response to changes in the room's temperature and humidity. So, creating space for expansion is essential. Check with the floor's WIC guide to help determine the proper space required for expansion. After installation, install baseboards or trim to cover the expansion space.

 

Stagger the Flooring

To minimize repetitive patterns and create a visually appealing look, stagger the ends of the boards. There are a few ways you can stagger the boards during installation. For example, you might cut the first board of each row to different lengths or use different lengths from the packaging. 

 

Floating Flooring FAQ

 

How much does it cost to install click-lock flooring?

The cost of new click-lock flooring will depend on various factors, including the wood species, the project size, and the type of subfloor preparation required. The cost also depends on whether you prefer to DIY it or hire a professional installation team. For the best results, we recommend hiring professional independent contractors to help you tackle the task. They will know all the nuts and bolts on how to install engineered hardwood click flooring.

 

Can you float solid hardwood flooring?

Floating installation is not advised for solid hardwood flooring. Since solid hardwood has a different composition than engineered boards, they are secured using nail-down or glue-down methods. This technique ensures that the solid boards stay in place with no issues.

 

What is the best click-lock engineered wood flooring?

We'll let you be the judge of the best engineered wood floors for your space. With our collection, you have various styles to choose from. From exotic species imported from all over the world to classic domestic types from here in North America, you'll find something that suits your tastes.

 

Can floating floors be installed in bathrooms or kitchens?

Yes, you can install floating floors in bathrooms and kitchens. The engineered boards fare well in splash zones and areas prone to moisture. However, they're not impervious to water. To maintain the floor's splendor, promptly wipe up spills. Invest in our AquaSeal collection for water-resistant flooring.

 

Design the Perfect Space

Let floating floors provide the foundation for your next home décor project. Explore our collection of floors that help bring your vision to life.