Can a Hardwood Floor Be Floated?

Installing new hardwood flooring can make a huge difference in the look and feel of a space. Not only does hardwood flooring boost the aesthetic appeal of a home, it can also boost its value and functionality. To enjoy all the benefits of your new hardwood floor, it’s important to start with effective installation. So, can a hardwood floor be floated in Santa Cruz, CA? Keep reading to find out the answer.

What is floor floating?

Floor floating is an installation technique in which flooring is installed over a subfloor or other layer without the use of nails or adhesives. This technique is often used with engineered hardwood floors that are designed with jigsaw-like ends that fit together like a puzzle. The floating technique cuts down on installation time and reduces the amount of materials required to get a floor installed. However, it doesn’t work for all types of hardwood flooring.

A lot of Santa Cruz, CA homeowners who are considering an investment in hardwood flooring ask, “Can a hardwood floor be floated?” The answer is usually “no,” at least where authentic hardwood is concerned. While engineered or modified hardwood flooring can be installed with the snap and lock technique and float above the subfloor without any nails or adhesives being used to keep it in place, traditional hardwood must be secured to the subfloor somehow.

Floating vs. traditional hardwood floors

While floating hardwood floors and traditional hardwood floors both offer great aesthetic appeal and can boost your home’s value, they also have some key differences that should be taken into account:

• Value add: Investing in new flooring almost always increases your home’s value, but traditional hardwood flooring offers more bang for your buck. Because of its authentic appeal and thickness, traditional hardwood flooring is more highly sought after by potential buyers, and it will add more value to your home.
• Lifespan: Traditional hardwood flooring can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan. Depending on the type of engineered flooring you choose, it might be possible to refinish it once or twice, but no more than that. For that reason, traditional hardwood flooring will last a lot longer and won’t require replacement as soon. In fact, traditional hardwood flooring can last for 100 years or longer when it’s cared for properly.
• Expansion and contraction: Engineered hardwood is much less susceptible to expansion and contraction because of its layered design and protective coatings. It isn’t as susceptible to damage from temperature and humidity fluctuations.

Hardwood floor selection

If you’re thinking about getting your home outfitted with new hardwood flooring, reach out to The Wholesale House. We offer the best selection of flooring with options to meet the unique needs, preferences and budgets of all our customers. We are a family-owned store with a commitment to the quality of our services and the satisfaction of the customers in our community. No matter what you’re looking for, our team is here to help you find the perfect products for your project. Call us today to get started with a consultation.

Categorised in: Hardwood Flooring

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