Discover the essential criteria for selecting the perfect flooring for your space. Aesthetic, durability,...
Floating Flooring / Engineered Wood Flooring
Floating Flooring / Engineered Wood Flooring
Floating flooring, also known as engineered wood flooring, is an ideal solution for those who want an aesthetic, practical, and durable floor covering. Thanks to its structure made of several layers of wood, it offers enhanced dimensional stability and adapts to various types of interiors. Easy to install, it can be laid without glue or glued, depending on the needs. This type of flooring also has many advantages, such as a warm feel to the touch and long-lasting durability, while being compatible with low-temperature underfloor heating systems.
Definition of Floating Flooring / Engineered Wood Flooring
Floating flooring, also called engineered wood flooring, consists of several layers of wood that reinforce its dimensional stability. It includes a wear layer made of noble wood (between 2.5 mm and 6 mm thick), a middle layer (or core), usually multi-layered or slatted, often made from softwood, and a backing layer to ensure the stability of the planks. The quality of the middle layer is crucial for good stability. Therefore, it is recommended to choose floating flooring with a slatted core rather than one made of particleboard or MDF, which tends to warp over time.
Different Installation Methods for Floating Flooring
Floating flooring can be installed in two ways:
Floating Installation: Simple and fast, this method requires no glue. The planks lock or click together.
Glued Installation: The engineered wood flooring can be fully glued down, like solid wood flooring, offering better walking comfort. This method is also recommended if you have low-temperature underfloor heating.
Advantages of Floating Flooring
Floating flooring is an excellent alternative if you cannot install solid wood flooring or if you're a renter. It offers a warm feel to the touch, unlike laminate floors. It has a long lifespan and can be easily renovated after a few years of use. Simply sand the surface and then varnish or oil it according to the desired finish. The total thickness of engineered wood flooring ranges from 10 mm to 22 mm. Additionally, it is particularly suitable for low-temperature underfloor heating systems.