Laminate flooring or floating floor: what's the difference?

Laminate flooring refers to a type of covering composed of several layers, usually around a high-density fiberboard (HDF) core. The term "floating floor," on the other hand, primarily refers to an installation method where the planks are assembled without being directly attached to the subfloor. Thus, a laminate can be a floating floor.

This is why the two terms are so often used interchangeably.

In Quebec, when people talk about floating floors, they very often mean laminate flooring. In everyday language, this usage is perfectly understood. Technically, however, the two terms do not describe exactly the same thing.

So, laminate, floating, or even engineered wood: let's untangle all this.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is a covering composed of several layers pressed together. It generally has an HDF core, a printed decor reproducing the appearance of wood, and a transparent wear layer that protects its surface. Its construction provides stability, resistance, and ease of maintenance.

The visible surface is therefore not a layer of real wood.

Instead, it is a high-definition decorative image that can reproduce different species, colors, and characteristics of wood.

Current collections can reproduce oak, walnut, or different shades of natural wood with knots, grain, and variations between planks.

To this decorative layer is added a wear layer designed to protect the decor against daily wear and tear.

It is this entire construction that constitutes the laminate.

So, what is a floating floor?

The term "floating" primarily describes how the floor is installed. The planks interlock and rest on the subfloor, usually on an underlayment, without being nailed or glued directly to it. The covering thus forms a continuous surface that can move slightly with environmental variations.

There are generally three main methods: floating, glued, and nailed.

With a floating installation, the planks are assembled together, often using a click system.

With a glued installation, the covering is fixed to the substrate with an appropriate adhesive.

With a nailed installation, the planks are mechanically fixed to the subfloor, a method typically associated with certain hardwood floors.

Thus, saying "floating floor" does not necessarily tell us about the product's composition.

Are laminate and floating floors the same product then?

Not exactly. "Laminate" refers to the product, while "floating" refers to its installation method. However, since a very large proportion of laminate floors are installed using a floating method, the term "floating floor" has become commonly used to refer to laminate, particularly in Quebec.

It's mainly a matter of terminology.

A customer who comes into Plancher 2000 and asks to see "floating" is very often looking for our laminate collections.

There's no need to ban the expression. It's simply important to understand what it actually means when comparing different floor coverings.

And the term "laminated flooring"?

That's another term we hear regularly.

Laminated flooring is essentially another way to refer to laminate flooring, influenced notably by the English term laminate flooring.

In the Quebec market, you might therefore encounter the terms laminate, engineered wood, and floating to describe similar products.

To properly compare two floors, it's better to look at their composition and technical characteristics rather than relying solely on the name used.

Does laminate flooring imitate hardwood well?

Yes. Modern laminate floors can reproduce wood very realistically thanks to high-definition printing, surface textures, matte finishes, and pattern variations between planks. Higher quality collections can precisely replicate the grain, knots, and nuances of wood.

Technology has evolved tremendously.

The planks no longer necessarily feature a uniform decor that constantly repeats itself. Many collections offer variations to achieve a much more natural result once the floor is installed.

The width and length of the planks also contribute to the outcome.

Wider planks, combined with a matte finish and a natural oak decor, for example, can create a particularly contemporary aesthetic.

Real wood obviously remains a unique natural material. Laminate simply offers another way to achieve a wood-inspired aesthetic.

Laminate or vinyl flooring: what's the difference?

Both laminate and vinyl can reproduce the appearance of wood, but their construction is different. Laminate generally has an HDF wood fiber core, while vinyl is mainly composed of synthetic materials. Their behavior towards water, thickness, underfoot feel, and characteristics therefore vary.

It's not about determining which one is systematically better.

Some vinyl floors are particularly interesting when water resistance is a significant priority.

Laminate, on the other hand, offers a durable surface and a realism that can be remarkable depending on the collection chosen.

Budget, room, daily use, product specifications, and desired style must all factor into the decision.

Can laminate flooring be installed in a kitchen or bathroom?

It depends on the product. Some laminate floors today offer improved moisture resistance and can be suitable for certain rooms more exposed to water spills. However, it is always necessary to check the manufacturer's recommendations and warranty before installing laminate in a kitchen or bathroom.

Not all laminates offer the same protection against moisture.

A kitchen and a bathroom also present very different realities. A few occasional splashes in a kitchen do not necessarily represent the same level of exposure as an area immediately adjacent to a shower or bathtub.

The choice must therefore be made product by product and room by room.

Is laminate flooring as durable as vinyl?

Both categories can offer excellent daily resistance, but not necessarily in the same way.

The resistance of a laminate depends notably on the quality of its wear layer and its construction. For vinyl, the characteristics of the wear layer and the core also play an important role.

The right question is therefore not simply: "which is more resistant?"

Rather, you should ask what the floor will need to withstand: frequent traffic, water, pets, children, moving furniture, or other specific household constraints.

What thickness of laminate should you choose for homes with children or pets?

Thickness should not be the sole criterion when choosing laminate for a home with children or pets. A 12mm product might offer a more substantial underfoot feel, but surface resistance, core quality, assembly system, and product characteristics are equally important.

You'll find laminate floors in 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm, depending on the collections.

A thicker plank can contribute to certain product characteristics, but that doesn't automatically mean it will be more scratch-resistant.

In a very active household, it's therefore better to evaluate the product as a whole.

Laminate or floating: remember this above all

The distinction is ultimately much simpler than it seems.

Laminate is a type of flooring. Floating is an installation method.

Since laminate is very often installed as a floating floor, the two terms have come to be used almost interchangeably in common parlance.

When choosing your flooring, the important thing is to look beyond the term used: composition, moisture resistance, wear layer, thickness, installation system, warranty, and aesthetics are much better indicators for comparing products.

Are you shopping for laminate (floating) flooring? Discover our collection of floating floors or come compare different models and samples in-store at Plancher 2000 in Laval or Longueuil.