Do you plan to buy your floating floor from a well-known big-box store like Canac, or from a specialty store?
Just as you can buy shampoo at a chemist’s or hairdresser’s, the same applies to floating floors.
Obviously, each of these choices has its own unique advantages and considerations, which raises the fateful question: which one to choose?
- In this article, we explore the two possible avenues as well as the various criteria to consider in order to guide you towards the perfect solution.
Why install floating flooring?
Do you need convincing reasons to install floating floors? Here’s why this option is favored by many homeowners:
Easy to install
Floating floors are designed for fast, hassle-free installation. Thanks to its simple interlocking system, it can be installed without the use of glue or adhesives. This saves time and installation costs.
Durability
Floating floors are made from robust materials such as laminate, vinyl or wood composite. They are designed to resist daily wear and tear, scratches, stains and fading. This durability guarantees a long life for the flooring, even in high-traffic areas.
Aesthetic versatility
Floating floors offer a wide range of designs, patterns, colors and finishes. Whether you're looking for the natural look of wood, the elegance of tile or contemporary patterns, you'll easily find a floating floor to match your style and aesthetic.
Low-maintenance
Floating floors require minimal maintenance. They are stain-resistant and easy to clean. Regular sweeping and occasional wiping with a damp cloth are usually enough to keep them clean and in good condition.
Acoustic comfort
Floating floors offer excellent acoustic insulation. Their multi-layer construction reduces noise propagation, making them an ideal choice for spaces where silence and noise reduction are important, such as offices, bedrooms or relaxation areas.
Adaptability
Floating floors can be installed over a variety of subfloors, including concrete, wood and vinyl. This makes them suitable for a variety of environments, from homes and offices to stores and other commercial spaces.
Low cost
Compared with other floor coverings, such as solid parquet or tiles, floating floors are often more affordable in terms of purchase and installation costs. This makes them an economical option for those looking for attractive, durable flooring without compromising their budget.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of floating floors?
Before embarking on your renovation project, be sure to weigh up the pros and cons of this type of covering material.
Benefits
- Easy to install
- Aesthetics and choice
- Stain and wear resistance
- Easy maintenance
- Affordable cost
Disadvantages
- Water sensitivity
- Limited repairs
- Scratch sensitivity
- Less warm feeling
Installation and maintenance tips for floating floors
Are you wondering how to install a floating floor ? If you’d like to do the installation yourself, here are a few tips for a successful project:
INSTALLATION
Preparing the floating subfloor
- Make sure the subfloor is clean, dry and level before installing the floating floor.
- If necessary, carry out appropriate repairs or preparations to ensure a solid, even surface.
Acclimatization of materials
- Before installation, allow the floating floorboards to acclimatize to the room for at least 48 hours.
- This will allow the material to adapt to ambient conditions, reducing the risk of expansion or shrinkage after installation.
Correct installation
- Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the floating floor.
- Make sure you use the right cutting and installation tools, and follow the specific techniques recommended for interlocking boards and laying joints.
Leave room for expansion
- When installing, be sure to leave adequate expansion space around the perimeter of the room.
- This will allow the floor to expand or contract with variations in temperature and humidity, avoiding warping problems.
MAINTENANCE
Regular cleaning
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt, debris and dust particles.
- Use a damp cloth or slightly damp mop for more thorough cleaning.
- Avoid excessive use of water, as this can damage the floor.
Avoid scratches
- Place felt pads under furniture to prevent scratches when moving.
- Also avoid dragging heavy or sharp objects directly across the floor.
- Use mats or doormats at room entrances to collect dirt and prevent scratching.
Protect from liquids
- Avoid prolonged spillage of water or liquids on the floating floor, as this can cause damage.
- Wipe up spills immediately to prevent absorption into the material.
Avoid excessive sun exposure
- Protect floating floors from direct sunlight, as this can lead to discoloration or deterioration of the material.
- Use curtains, blinds or solar protection films to minimize exposure.
Damage repair
- For scratches or minor damage, you can use touch-up markers or repair products specially designed for floating floors.
- For more extensive damage, it may be necessary to replace the damaged boards.
Canac floating floors and large surfaces, an affordable option
Floating floors available from Canac and major retailers offer an affordable option for those looking to renovate or install new flooring.
Why are these floors considered an economical solution?
- Competitive prices
- Choice of affordable ranges
- Promotions and discounts
- Bulk options
- Accessibility
Here are some of the best-known names in Quebec:
Canac floating floor
Rona floating floor
BMR floating floor
Floating floor Home Depot
What are the differences between mass-market floating floors and those from specialist stores?
The floating floors offered by supermarkets and specialist stores can differ in terms of quality, choice and service.
Here are some common distinctions between these two options:
Superstore
- More economical options with inferior materials.
- More limited selection of standard models.
- More general customer service offering, with less specialized expertise.
- More competitive prices due to their purchasing power and economies of scale.
- Promotional offers, bulk sales or frequent discounts.
- Standard return policies and limited service options.
Specialist store
- Wider selection of premium brands and products.
- Floating floors made from higher-quality materials for greater durability.
- Greater variety of styles, patterns and finishes.
- Exclusive collections and top-of-the-range options available.
- Renowned for offering more personalized customer service and expert advice.
- Slightly higher prices due to superior quality of materials and services.
- Extended warranty offers, professional installation services and more comprehensive after-sales services.
- More flexible return policies and customized solutions to meet specific customer needs.
Obviously, this is a generalization, and certain exceptions may apply.
However, it’s important to take these differences into account when choosing between a mass-market floating floor and one from a specialist store. Assess your needs, your budget, your aesthetic preferences and the quality required to find the best option for your floating floor requirements.
What are the advantages of buying a floating floor from a specialist store?
While flooring products may be the ideal solution for you, flooring from specialty retailers offers distinct advantages.
- Specialized expertise
- Wide selection of top-quality products
- Customization options
- Additional services
- Advice on installation and maintenance
These advantages help ensure that you choose the right floating floor to meet your needs, style and expectations in terms of durability and performance.
How do you choose the perfect floating floor for your project?
To choose the perfect floating floor for your work, here are a few key points to consider:
- Budget
- Style
- Material
- Quality
- Wear resistance
- Humidity level
- Installation
- Warranty
- After-sales service
- Value for money
Don’t hesitate to consult the experts for further advice and personalized recommendations.
How to install a floating floor?
Would you like to install your own floating floor? Then follow these steps:
Step 1: Remove existing baseboard
If your living room has a wood or ceramic baseboard, you’ll need to remove it before you start installing the floating floor.
Step 2: Insulation installation
Before laying the thermal acoustic insulation on the floor, we recommend that you clean the surface where you are going to lay the floating floor. Once dry, place the roll on the floor and, using a precision knife, cut the length you need.
Step 3: Laying the first boards
The boards are already prepared with grooves for easy installation. There’s no need to nail them to the floor or glue them together. To install them, simply join the boards together.
So, once you’ve laid the insulation, you can start laying the boards, starting in one corner of the room.
Important: Think carefully about how you want to install your floating floor. It can be laid lengthwise or widthwise in your room. Whatever orientation you choose, make sure you keep it the same for all the other rooms in your home. This will ensure uniformity and aesthetic appeal.
Step 4: Cutting the boards
When cutting boards, we strongly recommend wearing protective gloves and goggles.
Tips for installing floating floors like a professional
To install your floating floor like a professional, the trick is not to place all the boards glued to the wall one after the other. Instead, we recommend staggering them in a ladder.
Installing the ladder-shaped floating floor will allow you to :
- – A much more aesthetic result
- – Save on materials. The boards you cut can be used to start the next game.
As you can see, installing a floating floor isn’t all that complicated. Simply follow the steps outlined above.
But if you don’t dare, don’t worry, Soumissions Plancher can help you find the best specialists in floating floor installation. They’ll be able to advise you on the different types of floating floors available.
What is floor insulation?
Insulating floor bases are essential materials for good thermal and acoustic insulation. They also have a levelling and moisture protection function. They are installed directly on the floor, before the floating floor is laid.
There are different types of insulation, depending on the characteristics of the floor to be laid (whether laminate or wood) and the existing floor. If the floor is likely to be damp, we recommend installing an anti-moisture layer. Under a laminate floor, we recommend you install a thermal-acoustic insulation base. This will also prevent small unevenness.
Why have a professional install your floating floor?
Are you a do-it-yourselfer, or do you fall into the category of those who should abstain? For many homeowners, taking advantage of the expertise of a floor covering specialist is certainly a good decision.
Expertise and experience
Time-saving
Specialized equipment
Quality guarantee
Preventing future problems
Insurance and liability
Get 3 free floating floor installation quotes!
If you’re considering installing a floating floor, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the opportunity to get three free quotes for the service.
This option will allow you to evaluate different floating floor installation professionals, get accurate cost estimates and compare services.
- Fill out the Flooring Quotes form to explore service offerings from qualified professionals. This listing service is free, efficient and with no obligation on your part.
By calling on competent professionals, you can benefit from professional installation and a satisfactory end result.
Get yourfree quotes nowand begin your flooring project with confidence and peace of mind.
