A floating hardwood, vinyl plank or laminate means that the actual flooring material is not attached to the subfloor, but is attached to itself and simply rests on the floor. The boards or planks are either locked together with a snap lock system or glued together at the tongue and grooved sides and ends. They are then either installed over a felt, foam, 6 mm plastic or a combination of other products to keep your product off the actual subfloor which helps protect and insulate it from moisture and some of the sound vibration that you may hear.
Characteristics of a floating floor installation:
Movement
Floating floors are not attached therefore can move slightly up and down or feel like they are moving around. We do everything in our power to provide a smooth flat surface, but no sub-floor is perfectly flat and you should expect to feel some movement. Please read our floor prep page for more detail on preparing your subflooring.
Sound
Because the flooring is not glued down this can create a more hollow sound which is normal and varies depending on the thickness and type of product that you select.
Trim Pieces
Most floating floors will require trim moldings at any ending edges to doorways and to other hard surface transitions to allow for this movement. These transition pieces overlap the flooring and are typically made in the same color or sometimes out of the actual flooring product to blend closely in color with the flooring. Please note that sometimes these moldings are made from the manufacturer or at another vendor and can have slight color variation that is out of our control.
Maintenance
To maintain a floating floor do not use excessive amounts of water. I know the vinyl planks say they are waterproof, but please be careful as we have seen large amounts of water go through the corner seams and under the floor. Please use the recommended cleaners that are listed in the care and maintenance brochures of the manufacturer and on our website.
Please understand that these are normal characteristics and not a defect in your flooring or in the installation of a floating floor. Please sign to acknowledge that you have read and understand this information before purchasing your floating flooring. A signed deposit check represents your acknowledgement.