What you should know about “floating”.
Laminate floors are installed using a “floating floor system” in which
a padded underlayment sits between the subfloor and the laminate planks.
The planks sit directly on the underlayment and are not anchored to the sublfoor
on the bottom but rather anchored by the edges.
When walked upon this type of installation can produce a hollow sound and have a
slight give.
Slight ridging or peaking where planks are joined together may also occur. This
is considered normal and nothing for you to be concerned about.
Some laminate floors lock together without the use of adhesive on the sides of the
planks. These are glueless installations.
Glueless laminate floors have planks that simply interlock together. These floors
make for easy repair if that is ever necessary for you down the road.
Get on top of the bottom line. Know the entire cost of ownership.
The “cost per square foot” of your laminate floor is just one component
of the entire project cost. To ensure there are no surprises, and the laminate you
select fits within your overall project budget, be sure to ask us to calculate the
total cost of your floor covering project.
Here’s a list of potential additional expenses you may incur:
- Furniture removal/replacement.
- Demolition/disposal of old floor covering. Depending on the existing floor covering,
this can be an expensive item; also, be sure to include the cost to dispose of the
old floor covering.
- Subfloor preparation. Depending on the condition of the subfloor, it may require
additional work.
- Product delivery.
- Laminate installation. Determine the cost per square foot to install it.
- Materials required to complete the installation. Your new laminate floor may require
additional materials to install it properly.
Be sure to also consult the manufacturer’s warranty and care guide for directions
on how frequently the floor should be cleaned and the cost to clean it.
There’s a lot to know and keep in mind before buying a laminate floor, but
it’s well worth the effort. If you’re a smart and knowledgeable shopper
it will show where it counts – in a beautiful, durable and easy to care for
floor.