Is your old floor tired and stained? Looking for an inexpensive and modern solution that’s easy on the eye?

One of the benefits of a floating floor system is that it is possible to install these products on practically any surface making this system a very popular option for both professional flooring installers and the typical handyman or woman.

Floating floor systems remove the headaches caused by the more conventional flooring options. There is usually far less floor preparation involved, faster turn around time from the start to completion of your flooring project, is less labour intensive, saves the hassle of having to install batons or masonite, does not cause height or trip hazards when connecting to other floor coverings such as carpet, and can often save you up to 50% of cost compared to conventional flooring alternatives.

Vinyl floating floors have become increasingly popular for many reasons. It’s versatile and long lasting characteristics make this product and easy choice for many flooring applications. The development of vinyl flooring within both the domestic and commercial markets now offers an extensive array of sheets, tiles, planks and are commonly available in modern and traditional styles, colours and patterns.

Installation of Your Vinyl Floating Floor

Estimating the correct required amount of materials is crucial. If you over estimate, you waste money, if you under estimate you can always purchase the amount that fell short however you run the risk of mixing two different dye batches together and creating a colour variation. Draw yourself a basic sketch of the area, measure the width and length of each room or section. For example, the kitchen might be 4 meters x 3 meters totaling 12 square meters. Repeat this for each room, total up the square meters for each room/section, then add 10% to the total to give you your final estimate of the required flooring materials.

Generally speaking, floating floors are adaptable. In most cases you can successfully install your new floor directly over the top of the existing vinyl, timber, or concrete floor. The nature of the floating floor system will disguise most minor abnormalities with regards to your existing floor. However always eliminate any bumps or large cracks before the installation.
Check for moisture. If you are unable to access a moisture meter, use a small section of the vinyl floating floor and place it in the appropriate area for at least 24 hours so you can detect moisture problems. As a precaution, always loose lay a plastic barrier directly to the existing floor.

Now, it’s time to lay the flooring. After you lay the plastic moisture sheets, commence installation of the underlay foam. Prior to laying the floating floor, we recommend to leave half an inch gap from the wall. Use spacers to maintain expansion consistency. This is one of the most crucial factors and is necessary in case the floating floor swells. Commence laying the floor from the farthest distance point of the doorway. Make sure the floor groove side faces the wall. Apply small amounts of wood glue in the panel grooves tapping gently with your rubber mallet. For large open spaces, ensure to allow for expansion provisions every 30 linear feet. Apply an industry standard joint sealant. This same sealant should be applied to connecting wet areas.

Prevent any foot traffic for at least 24 hours after installation.

Matt Fuller provides article services for carpet Brisbane and has been involved in the carpet and flooring industry for ten years.