Floating floors are a popular choice for homeowners who want to update their flooring without the hassle of glue, nails, or staples.
Floating floors are simply laid over an underlay (or subfloor in the case of hybrid floating flooring). An interlocking mechanism keeps the planks together to create a seamless surface.
Different types of floating floors are available, such as hybrid, laminate, and engineered timber flooring. Here are some easy ways to care for your floating floors, depending on the type you have.
Laminate Flooring
Affordable and versatile, laminate flooring is made of compressed wood fibres with a photographic layer on top that mimics the appearance of natural materials.
Here are the ways to care for your laminate flooring.
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and dirt.
- Use a damp mop with a mild cleaner occasionally. Do not allow excess cleaners to remain on the floor.
- Do not use abrasive and harsh cleaners, ammonia-based products, acrylic finishes, wax-based products, bleach, polishes, oil soap, or acidic materials such as vinegar on your laminate flooring.
- Wipe away spills and stains as soon as possible.
- Do not use a steam cleaner on laminate flooring.
- Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear.
- Place outside door mats on entrances to prevent dirt from being tracked onto the floor.
- Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to control the humidity level in your home.
- When moving heavy furniture or large appliances, protect your floor by placing a mat underneath and sliding smoothly over the floor.
Hybrid Flooring
Hybrid flooring is a rigid floating floor product with a multi-layered structure consisting of a protective layer, decorative layer, core, and backing. The core is made of a stone-PVC blend, making it durable and more water-resistant than other types of flooring.
Here are the care tips for hybrid flooring:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and dirt.
- Use a damp mop with a mild cleaner occasionally. Do not allow excess cleaners to remain on the floor.
- Wipe away spills and stains immediately.
- Do not use abrasive or harsh chemicals that can damage the surface.
- Use felt pads or furniture protectors under heavy or sharp objects.
- Do not use rubber-backed mats or rubber-tipped furniture to prevent discolouration.
- Use curtains or window treatments to minimise exposure to sunlight.
- Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear.
- Place outside doormats on entrances to prevent dirt from being tracked onto the floor.
Engineered Timber Flooring
Engineered timber flooring is composed of a natural timber veneer layered over a core of either plywood or HDF.
It boasts the beauty and warmth of solid wood but with added stability and resistance to moisture and temperature changes.
Depending on the thickness of the veneer, engineered timber flooring can be sanded and refinished multiple times.
To keep your engineered timber flooring looking its best, it is recommended to perform the following maintenance:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and dirt.
- Use a damp mop with a mild cleaner to wipe away spills and stains.
- Do not use a steam mop on engineered timber flooring. This can result in swelling or warping of the material. Likewise, do not use a wet mop to clean the flooring.
- Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear.
- Do not slide or roll heavy objects directly on the floor. When moving furniture or appliances, use a solid protective covering and gently walk the item across it. Carpet or cardboard is not adequate to prevent surface compression scratches.
Common Floating Floor Problems and How to Fix Them
Like any other type of flooring, they can also encounter some problems over time. Here are some of the most typical floating floor problems and how to fix them, depending on your type of floating floor.
Gapping
Gapping is when there are visible spaces between the planks of your floating floor. This can happen due to changes in temperature and humidity, which cause the planks to expand and contract.
Peaking
Peaking is when the edges of your planks push up against each other and form a peak or a ridge. This can happen due to insufficient expansion gaps, improper installation, or excessive moisture.
Here are some tips for preventing the gapping and peaking of floating floors:
- Ensure your subfloor is clean, dry, and level before installing your floating floor.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for acclimating, laying, and locking your planks.
- Leave enough expansion gaps around the perimeter of your floor and any fixed objects.
- Use spacers or transition strips to cover the expansion gaps and create a smooth transition between different rooms or flooring types.
Carpet One recommends installing floating floors professionally to prevent the problems mentioned above. Contact our experts from your local Carpet One store at 07 3725 8600 and ask about our total installed pricing.
Want to experience the easy-care, durability and style options of hybrid floors?
Scratching
Scratching is when the surface of your floating floor gets damaged by sharp or heavy objects, such as furniture, shoes, or pets. Scratching can affect the appearance and durability of your floor. To prevent scratching, you should:
- Use felt pads or furniture protectors under heavy or sharp objects to prevent dents and scratches.
- Use rugs or mats in high-traffic areas to reduce wear and tear.
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and dirt that can act as abrasives.
- Avoid dragging or sliding furniture or appliances across your floor.
Fading
Fading occurs when the colour of your floating floor changes over time due to exposure to sunlight, heat, or chemicals. Fading can affect the appearance and value of your floor. To prevent fading, you should:
- Use curtains or blinds to block direct sunlight from hitting your floor.
- Avoid placing rugs or mats that have rubber backing or dyes that can bleed onto your floor.
- Use a mild cleaner suitable for your type of floor, and avoid using abrasive or harsh chemicals that can damage the surface.
Floating floors are a great way to update your home without spending too much time or money on installation. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy them for years to come.
Ready to upgrade your home? Browse from our selection of floating floors or visit your local Carpet One store at Unit 3, 8 Ives St, Murarrie QLD 4172 .
Looking for a flooring option that will bring style and natural beauty into your home? Look no further than Hybrid flooring from your local Carpet One store! With the best features of different flooring types, this next-generation hybrid flooring is an excellent choice for Australian homes. Let our experts help you find the perfect hybrid flooring for your space and provide you with a detailed quote.
