Considering Floating Floors?  Or simply would like to know more about them?

Whether you’re considering renovating your rec room; or you’re exploring a bigger remodeling job that may involve redoing the kitchen, bathroom, and most of the rest of the house, you might want to consider the “floating floor” option. Essentially, floating floors are engineered hardwood floors that are easier to install than traditional hardwood floors. These floors are popular with do-it-yourselfers.  Here’s a quick look at some of the pros and cons.

Pros

1. Great for do-it-yourselfers (DIY-ers)

Unlike traditional hardwood floors, which need to be nailed down according to a precise methodology, floating floors are much easier to install. Some floors come in pieces that you can fit together like a puzzle.  Others can simply be glued down.

2. Fits over a variety of surfaces – concrete, vinyl, plywood, etc.

If you don’t like the aesthetics of a room, you could rip up the floor and hire a contractor to put in a traditional hardwood floor.  Or – much easier – you could simply lay a floating floor over the original flooring, saving money and time.

3. So many options.

Floating floors come in so many types;  it’s difficult to summarize them all.  These include laminate flooring, long strip, individual planks, cork, linoleum, and even ceramic tile.

4. Environmentally friendly.

Your eco-consciousness can rest easy, since floating floors require less actual wood than traditional floors.

5. Cost efficient.

A floating floor can be much cheaper than the traditional hardwood floor option.

Cons

1. Changing temperatures and moisture levels can degrade or warp the floor.
Although floating floors are often the “floors of choice” for people who live in humid or moist climates, these floors can also buckle and break down if too many heat/temperature related contractions occur.

2. Floating floors can’t be sanded like traditional hardwood floors.

3. May not be as “aesthetically appealing” as traditional hardwood floors.

4. Installing floors might be difficult for beginning (and even moderately skilled) do-it-yourselfers.

If you’d like to learn more about the floating floor option, or if you need help with any kind of commercial or residential refinishing, installation, sanding, or care needs – including carpet care – connect with the professionals at Elegant Floors.  Learn more about our company at www.elegant-floors.com, or call us at 650-961-1339.