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    Types of Floating Floors

    Learn about the different types of floating flooring as well as their advantages and disadvantages

    Hybrid Flooring

    Hybrid flooring is an innovative flooring solution made from multiple materials tightly compressed into durable, waterproof layers. Designed to create next generation timber look planks, hybrid flooring combines the natural look and feel of real timber with the strength, stability and easy maintenance of modern flooring technology, making it a popular choice for busy Australian homes.

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    Laminate Flooring

    Laminate flooring is a durable and budget friendly alternative to traditional timber flooring, designed to recreate the natural look and feel of real hardwood. Combining realistic timber designs with a hardwearing, easy to maintain surface, laminate flooring is an affordable timber look flooring choice for busy Australian homes.

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    Serene master bedroom with Sorrento timber flooring, creating a soft and warm atmosphere for relaxation.

    Engineered Timber Flooring

    Engineered timber flooring combines the natural beauty and warmth of real timber with a practical, versatile construction. It can be installed as a floating floor over acoustic underlay, providing a quick and cost effective installation option while delivering the authentic look and feel of real timber flooring for Australian homes.

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      How are they floated?

      Here we outline the different types of floating installations.

      Hybrid Vs. Laminate

      Hybrid vs. Laminate - Which one comes out on top?

      Both Hybrid and Laminate flooring share many similarities, but it is important to understand how they differ also in order to find out what is right for you.

      Scratch Resistance

      Both Laminate and Hybrid flooring have incredible scratch resistant properties.

      Water Resistance

      Laminate is water resistant, but not waterproof, unlike hybrid flooring which is 100% waterproof. Hybrid can be installed, without worry, in any area of the home.

      Price

      Laminate is cheaper than hybrid flooring. Visit our price guide here.

      Cleaning & Maintenance

      Both hybrid flooring and laminate are easy to maintain & clean. Hybrid however can we wet mopped without worry, wet mopping is not recommended for laminate. Visit our hybrid cleaning guide here.

      Floor Profile

      Hybrid & Laminate flooring both have a micro-bevel profile.

      Installation

      Both hybrid & laminate flooring are designed for easy DIY, floating installation. However Laminate floorboards require up to one week's acclimatisation in areas that are particularly humid, cold, wet, hot or dry. Visit our Hybrid installation page here.

      Floating Vs. Glue Down

      Now we understand the different types of floating floors, lets discover the advantage (and disadvantages) of floating over glue down installation.

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      FAQ

      Still have questions? Visit our full Floating Floors FAQ page here, or contact us at 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.