Installation Of A Floating Floor Explained
Posted on October 11, 2010 by GuestPoster ----- Advertisement
Most people like to look at hardwood floors because they look elegant, and add old style appeal to a room. Today’s technology has improved to the point where everyone can have a great looking wood floor a fraction of the cost of a hardwood floor. Most people will not be able to tell if it is hardwood or a floating floor. The important thing to remember is not to buy a laminate floor. Under no circumstances can a laminate floor pass for hardwood, but there are engineered floors with a thin layer of wood that are beautiful and can be installed by an amateur in a few hours.
How do you proceed to install a floating floor?
First you need to know that it is possible to install a floating floor over an existing floor that is no longer visually acceptable, but the floor should be clean and free of any lumps or bumps. If you need to level the floor do so before starting the installation. Also before starting you should buy a pull bar and some spacers. You can find these items together in a floor installer kit for around $10.00.
Floating floor materials can be purchased in local home stores, some hardware stores and of course many online retailers sell them. There is a large variety of color and design choices as well as prices fit for any budget. The installation process is the same whether you use engineered floors or laminate floors. Only the finish product will look different and of course the amount you will be affected.
If the subfloor or the floor on which you will do the installation is in rough conditions you might consider laying a foam underlayment to protect your new floor.
Before you are ready to install you must (and this is important) leave the slats in their package in the room for at least 24 hours. This will allow the materials to acclimate to the room temperature and humidity.
Time to begin installation. Start alongside a wall, using the spacers between the wall and the floor. You will need to add spacers to all sides of the room as your work progresses. Depending on the type of floor material you bought the snapping method of the slats might be different but the general installation process is the same. Once the first row is laid down snap the second row into place following instructions from the manufacturer. Use a mallet to ensure that the slats are properly fitted. You will need to use the pull bar to install the last row.
When all the slats are in place you can remove the spacers and glue or nail the moldings back in place. Do not attach the floor to the wall in any way as it need room for expansion.