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    Your Guide to Floating Floorboards

    Find out all you need to know about floating floorboards. From product features down to installation we've got you covered.

    What are Floating Floors?

    A floating floor is a flooring system that is installed without nails or glue fixing the boards directly to the subfloor. Instead, the flooring planks click or lock together and sit securely in place over an underlay.

    Originally developed for laminate flooring, floating floor installation is now commonly used for hybrid flooring and engineered timber flooring. It offers a practical and efficient installation method while allowing the floor to naturally expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity.

    Types of Floating Floors

    Several types of flooring can be installed using the floating floor method, where the boards click or lock together rather than being glued or nailed directly to the subfloor. Common types of floating floors include hybrid flooring, laminate flooring, engineered timber flooring and bamboo flooring.

    While these flooring options can all be installed as floating floors, their installation methods, underlay requirements and costs can vary depending on the flooring type, product construction and subfloor conditions.

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    Floating Vs. Glue Down Flooring

    When comparing floating vs. glue down flooring, both installation methods offer distinct advantages depending on the flooring type, subfloor and requirements of your space. Floating floors are installed by locking the boards together over an underlay, while glue down flooring is adhered directly to the subfloor.

    For timber flooring in particular, factors such as installation cost, stability, acoustic performance, comfort underfoot and future repairs can influence which method is best. Understanding the differences between floating and glue down flooring can help you choose the right installation method for your home.

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    Cleaning Floating Floors

    Cleaning and maintaining floating floors is simple with the right care routine. Hybrid and laminate floating floors are easy to clean and maintain, with regular vacuuming or sweeping and prompt cleaning of spills helping prevent dirt, stains and scratches. Engineered timber flooring requires a little more care and suitable timber floor cleaning products to protect its natural finish and keep it looking its best.

    Cleaning Guide

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    FAQ

    Still have questions? Visit our Floating Floors FAQ page here, or contact us on 1800 718 427.

    Can my floors be floated on top of ceramic tiles?

    Yes! Hybrid, laminate and timber flooring can be floated directly over ceramic tiles. It’s crucial that the tiles are clean, smooth and level, however, there should be no greater than 3mm deviation over 3m of floor. A levelling agent may be required to ready the surface for install.

    Can floated floors be pulled up and replaced if necessary?

    Yes, one of the big advantages of floating floors is that boards can be pulled up and replaced or even re-used elsewhere if required. Read our step-by-step guide on removing floated floorboards here.

    Do floating floors move?

    Yes. A floating floor is known as a raft, which will expand and contract with the rooms temperature and humidity. This why its important to ensure appropriate expansion gaps are present around each room’s perimeter. An expansion of 8-10mm is recommended for floated floors.