The installation of a floating floor consists of interlocking the planks, usually using a click-lock method, without directly attaching them to the subfloor. However, successful installation requires good subfloor preparation, an appropriate underlayment, and adherence to the expansion gaps recommended by the manufacturer.

Accessible, versatile, and available in a wide variety of finishes, floating flooring has become a particularly popular option for construction and renovation projects. New generations of floating floors can realistically reproduce the appearance of wood, while generally offering a more affordable solution.

But before choosing a product, several questions arise: how do you install a floating floor? What thickness should you choose? Is an underlayment necessary? Can it be installed over existing flooring? And how many years can it actually last?

Here's what you need to know before starting your project.

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 How to install a floating floor step by step?

To install a floating floor, you must first prepare and clean the subfloor, install the required underlayment, plan the layout of the planks, and then assemble them using their click-lock system. You must also provide for the expansion gaps recommended by the manufacturer around walls and obstacles.

Even if the principle seems relatively simple, the quality of the installation will directly influence the appearance, stability, and lifespan of the floor.

1. Acclimate the flooring

Before installation, always check the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the acclimation of the floating floor.

The boxes must be stored according to the product instructions in the environment where the floor will be installed. Requirements may vary depending on the type of flooring and manufacturer: therefore, it is best not to apply a universal acclimation period to all products.

2. Prepare the subfloor

Subfloor preparation is one of the most important steps.

The surface must be clean, dry, stable, and sufficiently level to meet the prescribed tolerances of the manufacturer. Significant irregularities can create movement under the planks, cause noise, or affect the joints over time.

Before starting, it is therefore necessary to remove debris and correct surface problems as needed.

3. Install the underlayment

Depending on the selected product, an acoustic underlayment can be installed between the subfloor and the flooring.

Its role may include improving underfoot comfort, reducing noise transmission, and, depending on the system chosen, offering certain additional properties adapted to the installation.

However, some floating floors already have an integrated underlayment. Therefore, you should always check the product specifications before adding a second one.

4. Plan the layout of the planks

Before starting the installation, take the time to measure the room and plan the orientation of the planks.

This step particularly helps to avoid ending up with an extremely narrow row along a wall and to achieve a more visually balanced result.

It is also recommended to vary planks from different boxes to naturally distribute shades and patterns throughout the room.

5. Install the first rows

Most current products use a click-lock installation method. The planks interlock without being directly fastened to the subfloor.

The first row must be particularly straight as it will serve as a reference for the rest of the installation.

Spacers are used to maintain the required expansion gap between the floor and the walls.

6. Continue installing the flooring

Subsequent rows are assembled in compliance with the manufacturer's locking system. End joints should generally be staggered from one row to the next according to product requirements.

Once the floor is installed, the spacers can be removed and the baseboards or moldings installed to conceal the perimeter gaps without blocking the natural movement of the floor.

What tools are needed to install a floating floor yourself?

The tools needed to install a floating floor generally include a tape measure, a pencil, a square, spacers, a tapping block, a pull bar, and a cutting tool suited to the product. However, the exact tools may vary depending on the manufacturer's installation system.

For a typical residential project, you might need:

• ●      a tape measure;
• ●      a pencil;
• ●      a square;
• ●      a level or straightedge;
• ●      spacers;
• ●      a tapping block;
• ●      a pull bar;
• ●      an appropriate mallet;
• ●      a saw or cutting tool compatible with the flooring;
• ●      protective equipment.

The click system does not necessarily mean that no skill is required. Cuts around door frames, transitions between rooms, and subfloor preparation can all make installation more complex.

For a professional result, Plancher 2000 also offers a floor installation service.

What thickness to choose for a floating floor: 8 mm or 12 mm?

There is no single ideal floating floor thickness for all projects. An 8 mm model can be perfectly suitable for certain residential spaces, while a 12 mm floating floor can offer a more substantial feel underfoot. However, the overall quality of the product remains more important than its thickness alone.

This is an important distinction: thicker does not automatically mean better.

To compare two products, also look at:

• ●      the quality and density of the construction;
• ●      wear resistance;
• ●      the locking system;
• ●      the surface properties;
• ●      the underlayment, when integrated;
• ●      the manufacturer's warranty;
• ●      the recommended conditions of use.

A 12 mm floating floor can be interesting when seeking a more robust feel underfoot, but a good quality 8 mm product can be an excellent choice in the right context.

Our advisors can help you compare the technical characteristics of different models rather than basing your decision solely on their thickness.

Can a floating floor be installed over existing ceramic tiles or wood?

Yes, it is sometimes possible to install a floating floor over existing ceramic tiles or a wood floor, provided the surface is stable, clean, dry, and sufficiently level. However, it is necessary to check the manufacturer's requirements and height constraints before keeping the existing flooring.

This is one of the potential advantages of floating installation in certain renovation projects: it is not always necessary to completely remove the old flooring.

But several checks must be made.

On ceramic tiles, for example, the tiles must be securely fixed and the surface must meet the required flatness tolerances.

On an existing wooden floor, it is especially important to check its stability and correct any existing movement or problems before covering the surface.

It is also important to consider the increase in the total height of the floor. Doors, transitions, stairs, appliances, and other fixed elements may be affected by the addition of the new flooring and its underlayment.

How long does a well-maintained floating floor last?

The lifespan of a floating floor depends on its quality, level of use, quality of installation, and maintenance. A good quality product, properly installed and used in a suitable environment, can maintain a beautiful appearance for many years.

However, it would be misleading to assign a precise lifespan to all floating floors.

A floor installed in a seldom-used bedroom will obviously not be subjected to the same stresses as a floor located in a busy entryway or family living area.

To maximize its lifespan:

• ●      regularly remove dust, sand, and small abrasive particles;
• ●      quickly clean up spills;
• ●      use cleaning products compatible with the flooring;
• ●      install protective felt pads under furniture;
• ●      avoid dragging heavy objects across the floor;
• ●      follow the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations.

The quality of the installation also plays an important role. An inadequate subfloor or poor management of expansion gaps can lead to problems that have nothing to do with the resistance of the flooring itself.

What mistakes should be avoided when installing a floating floor?

Many of the problems encountered after installing a laminate floating floor do not necessarily come from the product itself, but rather from the preparation or installation.

Neglecting the flatness of the subfloor

A floating floor does not simply hide all imperfections underneath. Significant dips or bumps can cause movement and put additional pressure on the joints.

Forgetting expansion gaps

A floating floor must be able to move slightly with changes in ambient conditions. The lack of sufficient space around walls and fixed elements can cause tension or lifting of the flooring.

Installing an unsuitable underlayment

Not all underlayments perform exactly the same functions. And if the floor already has an integrated underlayment, adding another without checking the manufacturer's recommendations can be inappropriate.

Starting without planning the rows

Poor planning can result in a very narrow last row or an unnatural joint layout. A few minutes of calculation before installation can make a big difference to the final result.

Not following the manufacturer's instructions

Locking systems, acclimatization requirements, expansion gaps, and installation methods can vary from product to product.

The technical data sheet of the chosen flooring therefore remains the main reference for its installation.

Laminate floating floor or engineered wood floating floor: what's the difference?

The terms used to describe flooring can sometimes be confusing.

A floating floor primarily refers to an installation method where the planks are joined together without being directly fastened to the subfloor. In common parlance in Quebec, the term is often used to refer to laminate flooring.

Laminate reproduces the appearance of wood thanks to its construction and decorative layer, but its surface is not made of a real wood layer like that of engineered wood.

This is why it is important to look at the actual composition of the product rather than relying solely on the terms used to describe it.

Frequently asked questions about floating floor installation

Is an underlayment always necessary for a floating floor?

No. Some floors already have an integrated underlayment, while others require the installation of a separate acoustic underlayment. The type of subfloor and the manufacturer's requirements must also be considered. Therefore, product specifications must be checked before installation.

Is a 12 mm floating floor better than an 8 mm one?

Not necessarily. A 12 mm floating floor may offer a more substantial feel underfoot, but thickness is only one criterion among many. Construction quality, surface resistance, click system, and warranty are also important.

Can a floating floor be installed by oneself?

Yes, the click system makes several floating floors accessible to experienced DIYers. However, subfloor preparation, cuts, transitions, and expansion gaps must be done correctly. Professional installation may be preferable for more complex configurations.

Can a floating floor be installed directly on concrete?

Some floating floors can be installed on a concrete slab when conditions and the installation system allow it. The flatness and moisture of the substrate must be checked, and the components required by the manufacturer must be used.

Which direction should the planks be installed?

The direction of the planks depends notably on the room configuration and the desired visual effect. In an open area, the goal is often to create continuity between spaces. However, installation constraints and manufacturer's recommendations must be considered before determining the final orientation.

Choosing your floor carefully before thinking about installation

A good floating floor installation begins long before the first plank. The product must first be suitable for the room, the subfloor, the level of use, and the project constraints.

Thickness, click system, underlayment, wear resistance, and installation recommendations must be considered together.

A well-chosen product, installed on a properly prepared surface and maintained according to the manufacturer's recommendations, will retain its appearance and performance much longer.

Are you planning a floating floor project? Discover our selection of floating floors or come meet our advisors in Laval and Longueuil to compare different products and find the one that suits your project.