Welcome to the Floating Floors Direct FAQ hub, your definitive resource for everything from laminate and vinyl to engineered timber floating floors. Here, you’ll find clear, step-by-step guidance on installation, essential supplies, and solutions to common issues like moisture or subfloor problems. This comprehensive guide is designed to answer every question, ensuring your project—from selection to long-term care—is a complete success.
We supply installation kits and are happy to advise you on the process, including where to begin. You can call Bill on his mobile (02) 9476 2915 at any time for guidance.
Stair nosings for use on stairs.
Scotia, which is the bevelled beading installed around the perimeter of a floor. If you prefer not to use scotia, we can remove and refit your skirting boards instead.
Trims. We stock a range of trims, including Universal Trims, Border Trims, and H-Trims. We can advise you on which trims your project requires. They are available in a variety of colours, including vinyl wraps to match your timber, as well as silver, bronze, champagne, and black.
Yes, our installers can do this for you. Some repainting may be required afterwards, which is not included in the service.
They are required at doorways and around the perimeter of the floor and are covered by skirting boards or scotia. If you’re unsure, bring in your plans and we can show you what to do.
Have you ever walked on a friend’s floor that seems very spongy and hollow, or even a bit like a trampoline? The number one rule is to level out your floor to avoid this. We sell all sorts of floor levelers that even first time DIY people can easily use. Unlike other companies, we include this in your quote if it is required so there are no surprise costs once installation begins.
This is one of the most common complaints and usually indicates the subfloor wasn’t properly leveled before installation. Floating floors require a flat surface within 1/8″ over 10 feet. Any dips or high spots will create hollow spaces that cause the bouncing sensation. Using quality underlay also helps minimise this issue.
Peaking occurs when floorboards push against each other and lift at the seams, creating high spots. This happens when there isn’t enough expansion space around the room’s perimeter. Never nail or glue moldings/scotia directly to the floating floor itself. They must be attached only to the wall. Ensure proper expansion gaps of at least 10-15mm around all walls and doorways.
Yes, in most cases floating floors can be installed over existing hard surfaces like tiles, vinyl, or even old timber floors, provided the existing floor is stable, level, and in good condition. This saves the cost and mess of removing the old flooring. However, floating floors cannot be installed over carpet (except industrial carpet in some cases).
Both methods work well, but each has distinct advantages depending on your situation. Floating installation using the click-lock system is faster and easier for DIY projects, can be removed and reused if needed, works over most types of subfloors, and is more forgiving of minor subfloor imperfections. When considering engineered wood flooring Sydney homeowners often prefer floating installation because it allows for easier future modifications. On the other hand, glue down installation provides a more stable feel underfoot, produces less hollow sound when walking, performs better in high-traffic commercial areas, can handle more uneven subfloors, and the adhesive itself provides an additional moisture barrier on concrete. For most residential applications, we generally recommend floating installation for engineered wood flooring Sydney projects, but contact Bill for specific advice tailored to your particular project and home environment.
Floating floors are designed to expand and contract with humidity changes. That’s why expansion gaps are essential. However, they should NOT be exposed to standing water or excessive moisture. Never use wet mopping as a cleaning method. For high-moisture areas like kitchens, choose waterproof options like hybrid or vinyl plank flooring.
No. The amount of water spillage and moisture will damage the floor. It is also very unhygienic.
Buckling is almost always caused by either moisture issues or lack of proper expansion space. The most common causes include water damage or excessive moisture from cleaning methods, failure to install a moisture barrier between the subfloor and flooring, insufficient expansion gaps that leave the floor nowhere to expand, high humidity levels without proper ventilation, and in the case of concrete subfloors, moisture rising from below. To prevent these issues, always use proper underlay with a moisture barrier, maintain adequate expansion gaps around the entire perimeter, never wet mop your floors, and ensure concrete subfloors are properly sealed before installation.
Yes! Most strata by-laws have acoustic requirements. Notify your strata corporation and provide their acoustic requirements to us. We can recommend appropriate products and underlays that meet those specifications. Many floating floors work excellently with acoustic underlay systems for soundproofing.
Sweep, vacuum or dry mop is all that is required. We also sell a range of cleaning products. Steam mops are only to be used on some types of flooring as this could not only damage your floor but also void your warranty. Check with Bill for the best way to clean your specific floor.
On some of the floors, this is okay. Speak to Bill about the best flooring option for you because steam mops are only suitable for certain products. Using them on incompatible floors will void your warranty and can cause damage.
The answer depends on the type of flooring you choose. Timber flooring may fade or change color with prolonged direct sunlight exposure, while laminate is UV stable and will not fade at all. Bamboo flooring can fade depending on the quality of the finish applied. Hybrid and vinyl flooring are generally UV stable and resist fading well. Cork flooring may lighten somewhat with sun exposure over time. If you have rooms with intense direct sunlight, consider using curtains or UV-protective window films to protect your investment.
Gaps between planks can develop for several reasons. Seasonal humidity changes cause normal expansion and contraction of the flooring material. Sometimes floors are installed in very dry conditions without proper acclimatization to the home environment. Damaged locking mechanisms or moisture damage can also create gaps. Small seasonal gaps of 1-2mm are completely normal and nothing to worry about. However, larger gaps may require board replacement to fix properly. The key to prevention is allowing your floor to acclimatize to your home’s conditions for at least 48 hours before installation begins.
The lifespan of floating floors varies depending on the material chosen and how well they’re maintained. Timber or engineered timber floors can last 20 to 40 years or more with proper care. Laminate flooring typically lasts 15 to 25 years depending on quality and thickness. Bamboo floors last 20 to 30 years when you choose quality products. Hybrid and vinyl floors generally last 15 to 25 years. Cork flooring has the widest range at 10 to 30 years depending on use and maintenance. Carpet typically lasts 7 to 15 years. Quality products from reputable suppliers like those we stock will always last longer than cheap imports.
The ability to refinish depends entirely on the flooring type. Engineered timber can be refinished if the wear layer is thick enough, usually 3-4mm or more, and can typically be sanded once or twice during its lifetime. Laminate flooring cannot be refinished at all and damaged sections must be replaced. Bamboo offers limited refinishing possibilities depending on the thickness of the product. Hybrid and vinyl flooring cannot be refinished. Cork flooring can be resealed but cannot be sanded like timber. This is precisely why quality matters when making your selection, so choose products with thicker wear layers for greater longevity and refinishing options.
Yes, certain floating floors are excellent for high-traffic areas. Laminate flooring is particularly well-suited for heavy traffic and is very scratch-resistant. Hybrid flooring performs exceptionally well in both commercial settings and busy family homes. Quality engineered timber handles traffic well when it has a proper finish applied. The key is avoiding cheaper products in high-traffic areas as they will show wear much faster than quality alternatives.
Yes, but use furniture pads/protectors under all furniture legs to distribute weight and prevent denting or scratching. Heavy appliances (refrigerators, dishwashers) can sit on floating floors, but use protective mats where possible.
Install floating floors AFTER cabinets. Never install cabinets on top of floating floors – they need freedom to expand/contract and cabinets will restrict this movement, potentially causing damage. The floor should float under toe kicks with proper expansion gaps.
Almost always yes, underlay is essential for floating floor installation. Underlay provides multiple critical functions including moisture barrier protection to prevent damage from below, sound dampening that reduces hollow sounds and footfall noise, smoothing of minor subfloor imperfections, thermal insulation for comfort, and improved comfort underfoot. Some products come with pre-attached underlay built in. You should always use the manufacturer-recommended underlay type for your specific flooring to ensure optimal performance and maintain your warranty.
Floating floors are NOT forgiving of uneven subfloors. The subfloor must be level within 1/8″ (3mm) over 10 feet. We sell floor leveling compounds that even first-time DIYers can use. We include leveling requirements in your quote because proper preparation prevents 90% of floating floor problems.
Several factors can cause squeaking or noise in floating floors. The most common cause is a subfloor that isn’t level. Other culprits include poor quality or insufficient underlay, debris trapped under the floor during installation, moisture causing boards to rub together, locking mechanisms that aren’t fully engaged during installation, and natural temperature or humidity changes. The solutions include using quality acoustic underlay during installation, ensuring the subfloor is perfectly clean and level before you begin, and making absolutely sure all boards are fully clicked together with their locking mechanisms properly engaged.
Use acoustic underlay designed for sound reduction. Some products specifically designed for units have excellent acoustic ratings. Check your strata requirements and let us recommend products that meet or exceed those standards.
With floating floors, yes, this is actually one of the major advantages of the floating floor system. Damaged planks can be unclicked and replaced without affecting the surrounding boards, making repairs straightforward and cost-effective. When you need timber floor repair, floating installations are significantly easier to work with than traditional nailed floors. In contrast, glued floors are much more difficult to repair, often requiring professional assistance and potentially damaging surrounding planks in the process. This easy repairability makes floating floors an ideal choice for homes with children or pets where occasional damage is more likely to occur. For those seeking engineered wood flooring Sydney suppliers understand that timber floor repair simplicity is a key selling point for busy families who want beautiful floors without the hassle of complicated maintenance.
Water damage is one of the biggest risks for floating floors, and the impact varies by flooring type. Timber, bamboo, and laminate flooring can swell, buckle, or warp when exposed to water, and this damage is often irreversible. Hybrid and vinyl flooring with waterproof cores are protected against water damage and can handle moisture much better. Cork flooring can absorb moisture and degrade over time when exposed to water. Prevention is absolutely key to avoiding costly repairs. So, clean up any spills immediately, never use wet mopping as a cleaning method, ensure a proper moisture barrier is installed during installation, and don’t install water-sensitive flooring types in bathrooms or other wet areas.
To put it simply, you get what you pay for. Problems that may occur with cheaper products on the market include de-lamination, buckling, excessive swelling, joins falling apart and dangerous gas emissions of formaldehyde (bamboo floors). Any warranty is often a PO Box in another country, so customers find they have no recourse. Floating Floors Direct does not stock these cheap floors because it is not the business we are after. We pride ourselves on satisfied customers and are not going anywhere, so it is not in our best interests to sell a product we cannot guarantee.
All products carry different warranties, ranging from 8 years to Lifetime. Our installers also back their work with a warranty.
Generally yes, floating floors are more cost-effective for several reasons. The faster installation process means lower labor costs overall. Many floating floors can be installed as DIY projects, eliminating professional installation fees. There’s often no need to remove existing floors in many cases, which saves time and money. Finally, floating floor installation requires less specialized tools compared to traditional nailing methods. However, it’s important to remember that quality matters more than installation method when considering long-term value and durability.
The impact on property value depends largely on the quality and type of flooring installed. Quality engineered timber is viewed very similarly to solid timber by buyers and appraisers while premium laminate and hybrid flooring adds moderate value. Carpet provides neutral to slight positive value depending on its quality and condition. However, cheap products may not add any value at all and could actually deter potential buyers who see them as something they’ll need to replace. We only stock quality products that will maintain or increase your property value over time.
Quality floating floors from reputable suppliers meet strict Australian standards and are completely safe for your home. However, you need to be very careful about where you source your flooring. Cheap imported floors, especially bamboo and laminate, can emit dangerous levels of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Many of these products come with PO Box warranties in other countries, leaving Australian customers with no recourse if problems arise. This is why we only stock tested, certified products from reputable suppliers that meet all Australian standards and come with proper Australian warranties you can rely on.
The best flooring options for homes with pets are hybrid flooring, which is both waterproof and scratch-resistant, laminate flooring for its scratch-resistance and easy cleaning, and quality vinyl plank. You’ll want to avoid carpet in pet homes as it harbors odors and stains easily, as well as soft timber species that scratch more easily. In general, all hard floating floors are significantly more hygienic than carpet for homes with pets, as they don’t trap pet dander, hair, or odors in the same way carpet does.
Yes. Most strata by-laws have an acoustic requirement so all you need to do is notify your strata corporation of your intention to install a floating floor. They will provide you with their requirements which you bring in to us. Choose your floor, and leave the rest to us.
Yes, floating floors can be installed on stairs, but there are several important considerations. Not all floating floor types are ideal for stair applications. In most cases, the flooring will need to be glued rather than truly floating, which defeats the purpose of a floating floor system. Scotia and nosings must be very carefully installed for safety. Some floating floors can be slippery on stairs, which is an important consideration if you have young children or elderly family members in the home. It is important to contact Bill for specific product recommendations that are suitable for stair installations in your situation.
Yes, floating floors can definitely be used in commercial applications, particularly laminate flooring with a commercial wear rating, hybrid flooring with a high-quality wear layer, and commercial-grade vinyl products. However, high-traffic commercial spaces such as retail stores or busy restaurants may benefit from glue-down installation methods instead, as the adhesive provides extra stability and support that keeps the flooring firmly in place under constant heavy use. The choice between floating and glue-down often comes down to the expected traffic levels and type of commercial use.
We are an established company that specialises in floating floors. We have been in business for a number of years, and the majority of our customers are by word of mouth or repeat business. We offer friendly, reliable services and only sell stock from reputable suppliers. Our team is composed of experienced tradesmen whose knowledge comes from on-the-job training and ATFA courses. We also offer step-by-step guidance for DIY projects so there is no obligation to have us install your floor.
A Floating Floor is a floor that sits on an underlay over an existing floor. It is not fixed, just floats. Your furniture, skirting boards or scotia hold it in place which is why it is important to start with a level subfloor. The advantage of a Floating Floor is it can be pulled apart. If any damage occurs, you simply pull it apart, replace the affected boards and then put it back together again.
Timber and Bamboo Floating Floors give you the real thing in an easy to install and care for product. Laminate Floating Floors give you the look without the maintenance. They all give you a hard floor that is child, pet, and visitor friendly.
Floating installation is faster and easier to complete, can be removed and repaired more easily if needed, works over most types of subfloors, but may have a slight hollow sound if not installed correctly and requires a very level subfloor to work properly. Glued-down installation creates a more permanent floor that feels more solid underfoot with a quieter walking surface. It performs better on very uneven subfloors but is difficult to remove or repair and comes with more expensive labor costs. The choice between the two methods depends on your specific situation, budget, and long-term plans for the space.
When comparing hybrid vs laminate flooring, there are several important factors to consider for your home or business. Laminate flooring is the more affordable option and has been a trusted choice for decades. It offers excellent scratch resistance, making it ideal for busy households, and comes in an extensive range of styles and finishes to suit any décor. However, laminate is not waterproof, which means it’s not suitable for wet areas like bathrooms, laundries, or areas prone to moisture exposure. The key difference when evaluating hybrid flooring vs laminate is the waterproof core technology. Hybrid flooring features a 100% waterproof rigid core (usually stone plastic composite or wood plastic composite) that makes it suitable for installation in bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas where laminate would fail. This waterproof capability is the primary reason many homeowners now choose hybrid over traditional laminate.
When deciding between hybrid vs laminate flooring, you’ll also need to consider durability and cost. Hybrid flooring is extremely durable and can handle high traffic, heavy furniture, and even commercial applications, but it does come at a higher price point than laminate. Both options offer limited refinishing or repair capabilities once damaged, so choosing quality products from the start is essential. The installation process for both hybrid flooring vs laminate is similar, as both use click-lock floating systems that are DIY-friendly. The final decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs: if you’re on a tighter budget and the flooring won’t be exposed to moisture, laminate is an excellent choice. However, if you need waterproof protection for wet areas or want maximum durability and peace of mind against spills and moisture, hybrid flooring is worth the additional investment. Contact Bill to discuss which option best suits your project requirements and budget.
Immediately. As there is no glue, nothing needs to dry. As soon as it is installed, you can move your furniture into place and enjoy your new floor.
For DIY installation, an average-sized room typically takes one to two days to complete. Professional installers can usually finish an average room in just a few hours to one day. For a whole house installation, expect the process to take two to five days depending on the size of your home and complexity of the layout. One of the best features of floating floors is that they can be walked on immediately after installation since there’s no glue or adhesive that needs drying time.
Yes! Flooring should sit in the room where it will be installed for 48 hours minimum to adjust to temperature and humidity. This prevents warping, gaps, or buckling after installation.
