What is a floating floor?
Floating flooring is a type of floor covering that is not fixed to the subfloor, but is laid on a subfloor and its individual parts are connected to each other. This method of installation allows the floor to 'float' above the subfloor, allowing it to move freely and adapt to changes in temperature and humidity. Floating floors are popular for their ease of installation and ability to adapt to different conditions.
Types of floating floors
There are several main types of floating floors, each of which has its own specific features and advantages:
- Laminate flooring: made of laminate material with a decorative layer that imitates wood, stone or other surfaces. They are affordable and scratch-resistant.
- Wood laminate flooring: consists of several layers of wood with a hardwood top layer. They combine the aesthetics of solid wood with better stability.
- Vinyl flooring: flexible and waterproof, suitable for wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. They provide a soft and quiet surface.
- Cork flooring: made from natural cork, it provides a warm and soft surface, is environmentally friendly and has excellent insulating properties.
According to statistics, laminate flooring accounts for approximately 60% of the floating flooring market in Europe, with wood laminate flooring taking up around 25%, vinyl flooring 10% and cork flooring 5%.
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Factors influencing the price of laying a floating floor
The price of laying a floating floor is influenced by several factors:
- Type of material: laminate flooring is usually cheaper to install than wood laminate flooring or vinyl.
- Condition of the substrate: If the subfloor is uneven or damaged, preparing it can increase the overall cost.
- Complexity of installation: simple patterns are cheaper to install than complicated patterns like herringbone.
- Room size: Larger rooms usually mean lower costs per square metre because the fixed costs are spread over a larger area.
Comparison with other types of flooring
Preparation:
- Removing the old surface: remove the old floor, carpet or linoleum. Make sure the subfloor is clean, dry and level. Level the subfloor if necessary.
- Laying the vapour barrier: place a vapour barrier on the subfloor to prevent moisture from penetrating the floor.
- Laying the backing: place the backing on the vapour barrier film. The pad helps to smooth out minor unevenness of the subfloor and dampens the noise of footsteps.
- Acclimatisation of the material: leave the floor parts in the room for at least 48 hours to adjust to the temperature and humidity.
Laying of panels:
- Start in the corner of the room: lay the first row of floor slats with an expansion joint between the wall and the floor. The expansion joint allows the floor to expand and contract depending on temperature and humidity.
- Laying the first row: Start laying the first row of the floor along the longest wall, leaving an expansion gap (approx. 10 mm) between the wall and the floor.
- Joining parts: join the parts using the click system, following the correct pattern and direction.
- Click clack: click clack the panel locks so that they fit tightly together.
- Finishing the rows: continue laying the next rows, making sure that the parts are properly joined and that the expansion gaps are maintained.
- Fitting the skirting boards: once the installation is complete, fix the skirting boards along the walls to cover expansion gaps and give the floor a clean look.
- Cleaning and maintenance: After installation, clean the floor thoroughly and maintain it regularly according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
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Appropriate procedures:
- Read the instructions of the manufacturer of your floating floor before you start laying.
- Make sure the substrate is clean, dry and level.
- Use a good quality underlay that is suitable for the type of floating floor you are using.
- When laying the panels, make sure that they fit tightly together.
- Do not leave any gaps between the panels.
- Use expansion joints around walls and obstructions.
- Fit the skirting boards and seal the expansion joints with acrylic sealant.
Tips:
- Allow the panels to acclimatise in the room for at least 24 hours before laying the floating floor.
- Use a laminate saw when cutting panels.
- Wear gloves to lift and carry the panels to prevent damage to the surface.
- Do not walk on the panels while they are being laid.
- Once the installation is complete, allow the floor to cure for 24 hours before walking on it or placing furniture on it.
Advantages of floating floors:
- Simple and quick assembly
- Wide range of colours, patterns and materials
- Wear and scratch resistance
- Easy maintenance
- Suitable for underfloor heating
Disadvantages of floating floors:
- Can be more expensive than conventional flooring
- Not suitable for wet areas
- Susceptible to water damage
- Not as durable as tiles or wooden flooring
Laminate floating floor: Benefits and uses
Laminate floating flooring is a popular choice for flooring due to its many benefits. It's durable, affordable and easy to install. Laminate flooring is also available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can choose one that perfectly complements your home.
Advantages of laminate floating flooring:
- Durability:Laminate flooring is resistant to scratches, wear, impact and fading. It is also resistant to moisture, making it ideal for areas with high humidity such as kitchens and bathrooms.
- Affordable: laminate flooring is cheaper than other types of hardwood flooring such as parquet or stone.
- Easy to install: laminate flooring is relatively easy and quick to install. You can install it yourself or hire a professional.
- Variety: laminate flooring is available in a wide range of colours, patterns and textures. You can choose a floor that mimics the look of wood, stone tiles or even concrete.
- Low maintenance: laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain. Just vacuum it regularly and wipe it occasionally with a damp cloth.
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The use of laminate floating flooring:
Laminate flooring is a versatile floor covering that can be used in a variety of rooms in the home, including:
- Living room: laminate flooring is a great choice for living rooms because it is hard-wearing and easy to clean.
- Bedroom: Laminate flooring is also a good choice for bedrooms because it is warm and comfortable underfoot.
- Kitchen: Laminate flooring is moisture resistant, making it ideal for kitchens. It is also stain resistant and easy to clean.
- Bathroom: laminate flooring is moisture resistant, so it is ideal for bathrooms. However, it's important to choose laminate flooring that is specifically labeled as water-resistant.
- Hallway: laminate flooring is hard-wearing and easy to clean, making it a great choice for hallways.
- Basement: laminate flooring is moisture-resistant, making it ideal for basements. However, it is important to choose a laminate floor that is specifically labeled as water resistant.
Conclusion
Laminate floating flooring is a great choice for those looking for a durable, affordable and easy to install floor covering. It's also available in a wide range of colours and designs, so you can choose the one that perfectly complements your home.
Vinyl flooring in the apartment and bathroom: the pros and cons
Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for apartments and bathrooms due to its many benefits. It is durable, easy to maintain and available in a wide range of colors, patterns and styles.
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Advantages of vinyl flooring:
- Durability:Vinyl flooring is wear, scratch and impact resistant. It is also suitable for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and hallways.
- Water repellent: Vinyl flooring is water repellent and moisture resistant, making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
- Easy maintenance: Vinyl flooring is easy to clean and maintain. Just sweep or vacuum and mop with water and detergent if necessary.
- Versatility: vinyl flooring is available in a wide range of colours, patterns and styles, so you can choose the ones that suit your taste and interior design. It imitates wood, stone, tile and other materials.
- Relatively low price: vinyl flooring is cheaper than tile or wood flooring.
Disadvantages of vinyl flooring:
- Not eco-friendly: Vinyl flooring is made from synthetic materials that are not environmentally friendly.
- Prone to dents: vinyl flooring can be susceptible to dents from heavy furniture or sharp objects.
- Thermal expansion: vinyl flooring can expand and contract depending on temperature, which can lead to waviness or delamination.
- Not suitable for underfloor heating: vinyl flooring is not ideal for underfloor heating as it can hinder heat transfer.
Suitability of vinyl flooring in the bathroom:
Vinyl flooring is generally suitable for the bathroom if you choose a type with low water absorption and high moisture resistance. It is important that the flooring is installed correctly and that all joints and corners are sealed to prevent water from seeping under the floor.
Tips for choosing vinyl flooring:
- When choosing vinyl flooring, consider the type of room in which the floor will be laid and the level of load.
- Choose a type of vinyl flooring with low water absorption and high moisture resistance if you want to lay it in the bathroom.
- Ensure that the floor is installed correctly and that all joints and corners are sealed.
- Clean and maintain the floor regularly to prolong its life.
Conclusion:Vinyl flooring is a great choice for apartments and bathrooms due to its many benefits such as durability, water repellency, easy maintenance and versatility. It is important to choose the type of vinyl flooring that is appropriate for the type of room and install it correctly to prevent damage.
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Wooden floating floor: Beauty and functionality for your home
Wood laminate flooring is a popular choice for its beauty, durability and natural look. It adds a cosy and elegant character to the interior, while being practical and easy to maintain.
Advantages of wooden laminate flooring:
- Natural look: wood floating flooring brings the beauty and warmth of natural wood into your home. With a variety of wood species and finishes, you can choose a floor that perfectly matches your taste and interior style.
- Durability: wooden floating flooring is resistant to wear, scratches and impact. It is also suitable for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and hallways.
- Thermal insulation: wood is a natural insulator, so wooden floating floors help to keep the heat in the room and reduce the noise from footsteps.
- Easy maintenance: Wooden floating floors are easy to clean and maintain. Just sweep or vacuum it and, if necessary, mop it with water and a wood floor cleaner.
- Versatility: wood laminate flooring is available in a wide range of colours, patterns and styles, so you can choose the ones that suit your taste and décor. It imitates different types of wood such as oak, beech, maple and exotic woods.
- Relatively easy to install: wooden floating floors are relatively easy to install, even by yourself, if you have the basic skills and tools.
Disadvantages of wooden laminate flooring:
- Higher price: wooden floating flooring is more expensive than conventional types of floating flooring, such as vinyl flooring.
- Moisture susceptibility: wood is sensitive to moisture, so wooden floating floors are not ideal for wet areas such as bathrooms.
- Water damage: wooden floating floors can be damaged by water if large amounts of water are spilled on them.
- Prone to dents: wooden floating floors can be prone to dents from heavy furniture or sharp objects.
- Thermal expansion: wood can expand and contract depending on temperature, which can lead to waviness or delamination of the floor.
Suitability of wooden laminate flooring for the apartment:
Wooden floating flooring is a great choice for your home if you are looking for a beautiful, durable and practical floor. However, it's important to choose a type of flooring with low water absorption and high moisture resistance, and to make sure that the flooring is installed correctly and that water is prevented from seeping underneath.
Tips for selecting and maintaining wooden floating floors:
- When choosing a wooden laminate floor, consider the type of room in which the floor will be laid and the load level.
- Choose a floor type with low water absorption and high moisture resistance if you want to install it in a room with higher humidity.
- Ensure that the floor is installed correctly and that all joints and corners are sealed.
- Regularly clean and maintain the floor according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use cleaners designed for wood floors and avoid harsh chemicals.
- Protect the floor from excessive moisture and direct sunlight.
Key thoughts in conclusion
Installing a floating floor is a great way to enhance the look of your floor and give your interior a modern and elegant look. By following the right procedures and tips, you can lay your floating floor yourself and save money on the work of a professional.