If you’ve recently remodeled any part of your home or you’re in the process of planning a remodel to your home, you’ve probably heard the term “floating floor”. While it may sound like some sort of new interior design concept, it really just refers to how the floor is structured and installed. You may have a floating floor in your home right now and may not have even realized it. Floating floors have grown in popularity over recent years thanks to their affordability and also their ease of installation, but what exactly is a floating floor and what are the various types of floating floors?

What Is A Floating Floor?
In short, a floating floor is any floor that is not attached to the sub-floor. While many types of flooring are nailed or glued to the sub-floor, floating floors are simply laid on top of the sub-floor. With a floating floor, the flooring material locks together, creating a sturdy bond that is laid upon on the sub-floor without being attached the way hardwood flooring or carpeting is nailed or glued down.

What Are The Types of Floating Floors?
Floating floors can come in varying types of materials, each of which are installed by clicking together the pieces of the flooring products. The difference between these types of floating floors is how and of what the flooring is made. The three most common types of floating floors are:

1. Luxury Vinyl – Luxury vinyl flooring comes in two different types, known as luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT). In most cases, LVP imitates wood flooring while LVT imitates stone or ceramics. The top layer of vinyl, which gives the flooring it’s appearance, is laid atop a layer of padding. These planks or tiles are then snapped together, laid upon the sub-floor, and cut to precisely fit the space.

2. Engineered Wood – Engineered wood flooring is constructed by layering many layers of wood with a solid wood layer on top. The bottom layers usually consist of recycled or pressed wood, making it lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain. Installation of engineered wood is similar to luxury vinyl flooring, with the planks clicking together and being laid upon the sub-floor.

3. Laminate – One of the most popular types of floating flooring is laminate, which can come in wood-look or tile-look options. Just like luxury vinyl and engineered wood, laminate floating flooring is installed by clicking it together. Laminate is a top choice by many homeowners for its versatility and its affordability.

Floating floors are an appealing option to many homeowners thanks to their ease of installation and variety of available options. Here at Dan’s Wholesale Carpet & Flooring, we have a massive inventory of luxury vinyl, engineered wood, and laminate flooring products. So if you’re looking to upgrade your home’s flooring and think a floating floor may be right for you, give us a call or stop by one of our five northeast Ohio locations. And remember, nobody beats wholesale!