tell me about floating hardwood floors

G M
by G M
  3 answers
  • 3po3 3po3 on Dec 30, 2011
    Not sure what you want to know, but floating wood floors are typically not true hardwood. Rather, they are engineered wood or laminate. The new types look like hardwood and are fairly durable. They are also an easy DIY install. Many just click together, and require little more than a mallet, pull-bar and chop saw. However, they definitely have their drawbacks. They are typically a thin veneer of wood over other material, meaning that chips and deep scratches can be more difficult to repair. Also, they don't have the resale value or lifetime of durability of true hardwood.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jan 03, 2012
    Steve pretty much hit the high points....This type of flooring (engineered) is often used in an "on slab" configuration. The Foam underlayment acts as a nice VB (vapor Barrier) and the installs are pretty simple. From a durability stand point they do not even come close to a real hardwood floor in its ability to be refinished over and over. The pic below is an engineered floor I did last year...I no longer do laminates as I feel they do not provide the long term results my client really want. Engineered is a big step up...but can still sound a bit hollow under foot in some installs
  • G M G M on Jan 08, 2012
    Thanks for the info. We are going to continue to look at more options.