Apples & Apples
March 24, 2022
Are all Floating Floors the same? The short answer to this question is no! Some people refer to all flooring that is not glued down as “floating floors”. Many assume
Are all Floating Floors the same?
The short answer to this question is no!
Some people refer to all flooring that is not glued down as “floating floors”. Many assume floating floors are all laminate and never timber. PFC installs both timber and laminate using the floating installation process.
Timber “floating floors”
To stop any confusion many in the flooring industry refer to timber floating floors as Engineered timber floors. These can be installed as a floating floor.
Again not all engineered floors are made to equal standards. Customers come to our showroom and ask about the cost of an “average floor”? We pride ourselves on being better than average, therefore we use better than average products.
Q. Are all Brands of Floating floors the same?
A. No, like anything else you purchase, there can be big differences in quality.
We recommend that an engineered floor has a minimum of 3mm wear layer (the thickness of the solid timber top).
Most of our floors have a 4mm or 6mm wear layer.
These floors can be sanded & polished 2 to 3 times with a light buff and top coats as many times as needed.
Engineered timber floors can last up to a lifetime. Like all timber floors, they do require care and maintenance
Benefits of a floating engineered timber floor available at Parquetry Flooring Company
- The best floating floors have a Lifespan anywhere from 35 to over 80 years.
- Using a floating floor allows you to have a timber floor at an economical price.
- Floating engineered timber floors are built to better withstand higher than normal humid regions of the country.
- Floating timber floors allow you to float your new floor over wood subfloors, concrete slabs and other, well-secured types of floor coverings.
- Floating timber floors are very easy and fast to install.
- Engineered Floating floors are usually less expensive than a high-end solid timber floors.
- PFC supply Floating floors can be sanded and refinished to near new again if needed.
- Hardwood flooring may increase the value of your home.
- Hardwood flooring does not cause allergies.
Consider these things when comparing prices or quotes
- How thick is the wear layer?
- Can these floors be sanded and polished in the future?
- Does the underlay have acoustic qualities as well as a moisture barrier?
- Can these floors be installed upstairs and/or in apartments?
- How long will my floors last?
- How thick are the boards?
- Is this product readily available?
- Are the floor technicians experienced?
Laminate “floating floors”
Let’s discuss Laminate
Laminate very simply is a picture of timber that is stuck to a sub-board. Companies use various techniques and sometimes you can pick the pattern or the repeat.
Not all Laminate is alike either, however, the Laminate flooring that we supply and install is a type of floating floor. We supply and install a range called OakLeaf wide plank Laminate. If you look at Oakleaf Laminate it is very hard to find the pattern, making it appear more like the timber it is representing.
It is “floated” – meaning without glue and requires a minimum of a 2mm acoustic underlay.