- There are one-row, two-row and three-row floating floors. The rows are created by gluing anywhere from 17 to 35 strips of hardwood veneer laid out in a pattern to make one, two or three stripes. The difference between the types is purely decorative. There is no difference in strength.
- Floating floors are made from layers--veneers--of wood that are glued on both sides of an inner core of hardwood or plywood. The finish can be made of any type of hardwood. Floating floors are made in planks and put together using the traditional tongue-and-groove system. Floating floorboards come in a variety of widths. No one width is better than another. The choice is a matter of taste and style.
- Traditional wood flooring is installed by nailing, stapling or gluing it to a plywood subfloor. Floating floors are assembled by clicking the tongues into the grooves and allowing the floor to just sit on top of the subfloor. Once assembled, they lock in place to make a secure joint.
- All wood flooring has the same basic function: making a solid surface to walk on. But floating floors perform an additional and important function. Wood has a tendency to expand when humidity is high, and contract when humidity is low. This constant expansion and contraction will cause a separation between the boards of a traditionally installed floor. Allowing the floor to just lie--or float--on top allows the floor to expand and contract naturally, like it is one piece of wood. The joints between the boards will not open up, and the only place where movement will be noticed is around the edges--and that is covered by the baseboard.
- Floating floors are worth consideration for everyone, especially in areas where humidity can change in a short period (such as by the water, and in basements). They have a very long life expectancy of up to 80 years--much longer than you would expect a regular wood floor to last. They are also quick and easy to install.
