Installing a pre-finished engineered floating floor

A major advantage of floating floors is that they can be installed over any existing flat surface - they just require a thin foam underlay to ensure a completely even level, and to prevent noise. A moisture barrier is also recommended. Many foam underlays these days double as a moisture barrier - ask your retailer for more information here.

When installing the floor, the timber planks will interlock with each other through a tongue and groove system. Alternatively, some engineered floors join through a click system (for example, Embelton Hardwood Plus floors click together using the patented Unilin click system).

Installation can be done in one of two ways. Both methods are fairly straightforward, but do require an experienced tradesman to do the job.

Secret nailing to the subfloor

Secret nailing can only be done when the subfloor is timber. Secret nailing is where the nails go through the "tongue" and are therefore not seen. This method holds the floor together a lot tighter. Secret nailing doesn't require glueing the two planks together, although some tradesmen will glue when they have secret nailed.

Floating on top of existing surface

This is the more common installation method and involves "floating" the floor - that is, not fastening or glueing it to the subfloor. This allows the floor to naturally expand and contract as one, reducing the likelihood of movement.

The planks are glued together in the tongue and groove and then floated on top of the existing the floor.

Care needs to be taken when doing edges, ensuring there are no gaps left between boards. There also needs to be a small "expansion gaps" between the wall and board, which can easily be covered by mouldings.

For further detailed information about laying a floating floor, download our Laying instructions for Floating Floors, which can be found here.

For information on maintaining an engineered or floating floor, visit our .show room or call 1800170252 or visit www.holistichomecentre.com.au