Find Your Match: Floating Floorboards
Avoid all of the confusion and technical jargon, and find out which floating floor will work best to suit your home and lifestyle
Floating floorboards are a popular choice for the modern home and, according to major floor manufacturers, now make up almost 50 per cent of the total flooring market. Considering that the market includes carpet, tiles, stone, vinyl and even carpet tiles and polished concrete floors, it goes to show just how popular floating floors have become.
There are three important things to consider when choosing floating floorboards: 1. The product itself – you have the choice of laminate, bamboo, hardwood or vinyl planks; 2. The quality of the product, i.e. where it was made and how durable it is; and 3. the price that suits your budget. If you do your homework to find out which product is best suited to your home and know how much you have to spend, then the process of purchasing the flooring becomes a whole lot easier, allowing you to focus on colour and style rather than products and technical information.
There are three important things to consider when choosing floating floorboards: 1. The product itself – you have the choice of laminate, bamboo, hardwood or vinyl planks; 2. The quality of the product, i.e. where it was made and how durable it is; and 3. the price that suits your budget. If you do your homework to find out which product is best suited to your home and know how much you have to spend, then the process of purchasing the flooring becomes a whole lot easier, allowing you to focus on colour and style rather than products and technical information.
Floating floorboards have certainly come a long way since they were introduced in the late ’80s/early ’90s. I, personally, was not a big fan when they first entered the market, because they were generally a budget laminate product that looked and felt cheap. Plus, the locking systems were not fully engineered, and you needed to glue the boards together and then wipe away the excess, which was messy and often stained the boards if it wasn’t done correctly. This bad reputation stuck for a number of years, especially as far as carpenters and builders were concerned, but unstuck in more recent years. Now they are highly respected as quality solutions for timber flooring alternatives.
The best part about floating floorboards? You can install them yourself. These days, the click systems are exceptionally easy to use and once you have started and got a few boards down, it is very easy to find your rhythm and breeze through the job. It can get a little complicated when installing around doorways and introducing expansion joints, but nothing you won’t be able to work out easy enough. The bonus is that you don’t need too many tools either – you can just about get away with only having a tape measure and power saw.
If you are unsure whether you are capable of laying the floor yourself, rest assured each box comes with instructions, or you can simply ask the supplier for advice. Failing that, you can always pay an installer to do the job for you. The going rate is about $20 per square metre, however stairs and skirtings will be extra.
If you are unsure whether you are capable of laying the floor yourself, rest assured each box comes with instructions, or you can simply ask the supplier for advice. Failing that, you can always pay an installer to do the job for you. The going rate is about $20 per square metre, however stairs and skirtings will be extra.
THINKING PRODUCTS
There are four different product types of floating floors available on the market: laminate, bamboo, vinyl planks and engineered hardwood. Here is where it gets a little technical. Each product comes in different thicknesses, widths, lengths, patterns and colours, not to mention all the different brands and manufacturers to select from.
The important thing is not to get caught up in the technicalities but rather find out what product is best for your home and lifestyle. Firstly, what product do you like best? Most people tend to see a product on display or in someone’s home and decide that is the product they want. That’s ok, but you need to then find out whether that product will work for you. For example, are there children living in the house? Is the floor going to be laid in a high-traffic area? Will it be susceptible to scratches? What is the climate like and will that affect the floor? Is it in a wet area or likely to get wet on occasions? Here are the pros and cons of each.
There are four different product types of floating floors available on the market: laminate, bamboo, vinyl planks and engineered hardwood. Here is where it gets a little technical. Each product comes in different thicknesses, widths, lengths, patterns and colours, not to mention all the different brands and manufacturers to select from.
The important thing is not to get caught up in the technicalities but rather find out what product is best for your home and lifestyle. Firstly, what product do you like best? Most people tend to see a product on display or in someone’s home and decide that is the product they want. That’s ok, but you need to then find out whether that product will work for you. For example, are there children living in the house? Is the floor going to be laid in a high-traffic area? Will it be susceptible to scratches? What is the climate like and will that affect the floor? Is it in a wet area or likely to get wet on occasions? Here are the pros and cons of each.
Bamboo
Bamboo floors have exploded onto the market and now make up one third of the total floating flooring market. Bamboo is a highly-regarded hard floor with a loose-laid operation, and is generally engineered and manufactured in China, simply because of the abundant amount of bamboo that is grown there.
There are two types of bamboo flooring on the market today, and both products will require an underlay prior to laying. There are a few different types of underlay, which, in any case, are not expensive. The first is solid bamboo, which is made up of hundreds of bamboo strands that are glued together in a press, which creates the flat board. The board is a solid mass, meaning if you scratch the board, the colour below the top surface will always be the same, unlike laminates. The second type is engineered bamboo, which is made the same way except it is generally thinner and wider, and is then stuck to plywood. The reason for this is because of the amount of expansion and contraction bamboo has. The plywood allows the boards to be wider with less expansion and contraction.
Bamboo floors have exploded onto the market and now make up one third of the total floating flooring market. Bamboo is a highly-regarded hard floor with a loose-laid operation, and is generally engineered and manufactured in China, simply because of the abundant amount of bamboo that is grown there.
There are two types of bamboo flooring on the market today, and both products will require an underlay prior to laying. There are a few different types of underlay, which, in any case, are not expensive. The first is solid bamboo, which is made up of hundreds of bamboo strands that are glued together in a press, which creates the flat board. The board is a solid mass, meaning if you scratch the board, the colour below the top surface will always be the same, unlike laminates. The second type is engineered bamboo, which is made the same way except it is generally thinner and wider, and is then stuck to plywood. The reason for this is because of the amount of expansion and contraction bamboo has. The plywood allows the boards to be wider with less expansion and contraction.
PROS: Bamboo is easy to clean and maintain and is extremely hard and durable. It is also a fast-growing plant, so it provides a renewable source of flooring, making it more environmentally friendly. It comes in numerous sizes and colours, which means there are a variety of products available to suit most people’s style and budget. Bamboo is reasonably cheap when compared to engineered hardwood floors, making it a great choice if you are looking for hard floors on a tight budget.
CONS: It has been known to scratch easy, which is something to consider if you often move furniture around or if you have kids. More popular in dryer environments, bamboo also has the capability to hold up to 20 per cent of moisture content, which causes the board to naturally expand and contract more than ordinary timber would. This is not a major problem, it just means that expansion joints are vital when laying the boards down in large areas, and that you should avoid using bamboo in wet areas such as laundries or bathrooms.
More: Everything You Need to Know About Bamboo Flooring
CONS: It has been known to scratch easy, which is something to consider if you often move furniture around or if you have kids. More popular in dryer environments, bamboo also has the capability to hold up to 20 per cent of moisture content, which causes the board to naturally expand and contract more than ordinary timber would. This is not a major problem, it just means that expansion joints are vital when laying the boards down in large areas, and that you should avoid using bamboo in wet areas such as laundries or bathrooms.
More: Everything You Need to Know About Bamboo Flooring
Laminate
Laminate floors are basically photographed prints stuck to manufactured board such as MDF or HDF, otherwise know as custom wood, and then sealed with a protective coating. They are generally known for being a cheaper option for people wanting the timber look without spending the money. They are commonly used in rental properties, renovated properties about to sell or in family homes on a tight budget.
These days, the laminates are far better than ever before. The better quality products usually come out of Germany, because of their advanced engineering and locking systems, and their accurate representation of the timber look. If you are looking for something that is going to last longer in high-traffic areas, find a German-manufactured product that has a high-quality protective coating, because if you choose a low-quality coating and it wears out, all the boards may need to be replaced. A good-quality board that is used in the right location should not wear, fade or stain.
Laminate floors are basically photographed prints stuck to manufactured board such as MDF or HDF, otherwise know as custom wood, and then sealed with a protective coating. They are generally known for being a cheaper option for people wanting the timber look without spending the money. They are commonly used in rental properties, renovated properties about to sell or in family homes on a tight budget.
These days, the laminates are far better than ever before. The better quality products usually come out of Germany, because of their advanced engineering and locking systems, and their accurate representation of the timber look. If you are looking for something that is going to last longer in high-traffic areas, find a German-manufactured product that has a high-quality protective coating, because if you choose a low-quality coating and it wears out, all the boards may need to be replaced. A good-quality board that is used in the right location should not wear, fade or stain.
PROS: The value for money is great, and again, there are many different brands and manufacturers on the market with a variety of different sizes and colours to suit all budgets and styles. Laminate is very hardwearing and because it is made from a print that is protected by a coating, it shouldn’t fade or stain. It is also easy to clean and maintain, as long as you do not use water.
CONS: Because laminate products are made of MDF or custom wood, they are not at all water resistant. They act like a sponge and when they get wet, they swell and the strength disappears out of them. It is not recommended to use a wet mop when cleaning the boards but rather use a micro fibre-type product instead. Some spills may be ok, but if you experience a flood of some sort, the boards will be damaged and will need replacing. The other issue is that if a board is scratched, then the custom wood under the surface can be exposed and the scratch cannot be fixed or sanded out – and it will definitely not just blend in.
CONS: Because laminate products are made of MDF or custom wood, they are not at all water resistant. They act like a sponge and when they get wet, they swell and the strength disappears out of them. It is not recommended to use a wet mop when cleaning the boards but rather use a micro fibre-type product instead. Some spills may be ok, but if you experience a flood of some sort, the boards will be damaged and will need replacing. The other issue is that if a board is scratched, then the custom wood under the surface can be exposed and the scratch cannot be fixed or sanded out – and it will definitely not just blend in.
Engineered hardwood
Engineered hardwood flooring is real hardwood, normally about 5-8mm thick, that is stuck onto structural plywood, which acts like a veneer. This technology is unbelievably good considering the only other option if you want to use hardwood is to go down the path of laying traditional tongue-and-groove floorboards that require climatising, laying, sanding and polishing, which can take weeks to do and will leave your home looking like a construction site … oh, and did I mention the exuberant cost?
Engineered hardwood flooring is real hardwood, normally about 5-8mm thick, that is stuck onto structural plywood, which acts like a veneer. This technology is unbelievably good considering the only other option if you want to use hardwood is to go down the path of laying traditional tongue-and-groove floorboards that require climatising, laying, sanding and polishing, which can take weeks to do and will leave your home looking like a construction site … oh, and did I mention the exuberant cost?
PROS: Engineered hardwood floors can be installed and walked on on the same day. The cost comparison to real boards is not even close, and the time and effort required doesn’t compare. In fact, without sounding bias towards engineered hardwood flooring, there are not too many cons. The flooring should be treated just like a traditional hardwood floor. It is capable of being scratched, but like a traditional floor, it can be sanded and re-polished at least once during its lifetime, and in some cases, depending on the product, it can be sanded a second time. Because the veneer is real timber, if it is scratched, the colour will not change like a laminate or vinyl plank.
One of the biggest bonuses with engineered hardwood floor is that there is a huge range of different species of timber to choose from, including local species such as jarrah, blackbutt and spotted gum, as well as exotic species such as merbau, kempas and iroko, not to mention all the American species of oak. They also come natural, stained or smoked, and wide boards are available with beveled edges or round edges, depending on the look you want. You can also purchase boards with a distressed surface to achieve a used, worn-in floor look right from the beginning.
CONS: The only issue with this product is the cost compared to other products on the market. It is the most expensive product when compared to bamboo, laminate or vinyl planks. However, when you compare it to traditional hardwood boards, it suddenly appears like a much more economical option. Put simply, you get what you pay for, and in this case, just being able to install a hardwood floor and walk on it the same day pays dividends.
One of the biggest bonuses with engineered hardwood floor is that there is a huge range of different species of timber to choose from, including local species such as jarrah, blackbutt and spotted gum, as well as exotic species such as merbau, kempas and iroko, not to mention all the American species of oak. They also come natural, stained or smoked, and wide boards are available with beveled edges or round edges, depending on the look you want. You can also purchase boards with a distressed surface to achieve a used, worn-in floor look right from the beginning.
CONS: The only issue with this product is the cost compared to other products on the market. It is the most expensive product when compared to bamboo, laminate or vinyl planks. However, when you compare it to traditional hardwood boards, it suddenly appears like a much more economical option. Put simply, you get what you pay for, and in this case, just being able to install a hardwood floor and walk on it the same day pays dividends.
Vinyl planks
Vinyl planks are a great option if you are considering a timber-look floor but do not want to have to treat the floor like it is timber – it seems strange, but it is possible with vinyl planks. I am always surprised at how good and accurate vinyl planks actually look like real timber these days.
Vinyl planks are a great option if you are considering a timber-look floor but do not want to have to treat the floor like it is timber – it seems strange, but it is possible with vinyl planks. I am always surprised at how good and accurate vinyl planks actually look like real timber these days.
PROS: Vinyl planks are flexible, extremely durable, quiet under foot and water resistant, which means you can use them in your bathroom or laundry, and unlike the other floating floors, mopping is totally fine. They are very easy to install and do not require any underlay like the other products do, either. In residential use, they do not require glue, however, in commercial applications, most builders like to glue them down for extra piece of mind. Because they are flexible, they will hug the contours of your floor, which can be both good and bad at the same time – good if the floor is not level, and bad … well, I’ll explain that next. Again, it comes in many different sizes and colours to suit all different styles, so if you are after a long-lasting product that is hardwearing and resistant to scratching, then vinyl is a serious contender.
CONS: The flexibility of the board is not ideal if there are imperfections in the sub floor, because you will feel that underfoot and, in extreme cases, the board will raise and be visible. If there are imperfections, the floor will need to be skimmed with a self-levelling cement prior to installing.
The cost of vinyl is middle of the road. It is not cheap by any means, but it is nowhere near as expensive as engineered hardwood either.
CONS: The flexibility of the board is not ideal if there are imperfections in the sub floor, because you will feel that underfoot and, in extreme cases, the board will raise and be visible. If there are imperfections, the floor will need to be skimmed with a self-levelling cement prior to installing.
The cost of vinyl is middle of the road. It is not cheap by any means, but it is nowhere near as expensive as engineered hardwood either.
Knowing the pros and cons of each product should help with making a decision on which product is right for you and your home. And in case you need more reason to using any type of floating floorboard in your home, here is a round up of the key advantages:
Which floating floorboards do you swear by? Tell us in the Comments.
MORE
Choose the Right Hard Flooring for Your Open-Plan Living Area
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10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Home’s Original Floorboards
- Easy to install yourself
- Less mess and saves time
- Cheaper than traditional timber floors
- Easier to source a wide range of timber species than traditional floors
- No need to deal with sanders and polishing
- Can walk on floor same day
- Plenty of products to suit all styles and budgets
- Come with good long-term warranties and guarantees
Which floating floorboards do you swear by? Tell us in the Comments.
MORE
Choose the Right Hard Flooring for Your Open-Plan Living Area
Underrated, Alternative and Affordable Hard-Flooring Options
10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Home’s Original Floorboards