An appealing alternative to traditional wood floor covering, floating (or laminate) floor covering is becoming very popular. The slats are made from particle board panel and covered with an imitation wood veneer, protected by an aluminum oxide finish that helps ensure resistance to wear.

Use
Floating floors are recommended for the following rooms

Bedroom Dining room Living room Office

Corridors Kitchen Basement

Floating floors are not recommended for use in humid locations.

Advantages

• Very durable
• Resists scratches, scuffs, chemicals and stains
• Easy maintenance and care
• Easy installation

Considerations

• Cannot be refinished
• Water can cause permanent damage.

Dimensions
Floating floor slats measure between 3 and 8 inches in width and 24 and 54 inches in length. Varying in thickness from 7 to 15 mm, floating floors can be easily installed over another floor covering.

Several finishes and colours are available on the market

• Red oak
• Maple
• Ash
• Beech
• Wild cherry
• Ceramic tile
• Stone

Several other fashionable or exotic wood finishes are available

Available brands                                                                

• Armstrong
• Tarkett
• Kronotex
• Uniboard
• Uniflor

Calculation of quantity

Before starting your project, make sure you carefully calculate the quantity of material you will need. Here's how to do it:

1. Calculate the area to be covered, in square feet.
   
   
2. After taking your measurement in feet, add approximately 5% to cover waste.
   
   
3. Multiply your result by the price per square foot of your selected product, adding the cost of installation, if any.
   
   
4. Check how the floating floor you wish to install is sold. Some products are only sold in full boxes.
   
   
5. Have your calculations verified by a specialist before ordering. This first step basically helps you draw up your budget.

Cost
Floating floors generally cost between $1 and $5 per square foot. Prices vary widely based on brand and quality. However, floating floors are always more affordable than wood.

Clean floating floors with a broom or vacuum cleaner. They may be washed with a damp mop and a cleaning product recommended by the manufacturer. They must never be washed with a lot of water.

• Sweep or vacuum your floating floor at least once a week.
  
  
• Immediately wipe any spilled liquid to prevent it from seeping between the boards.
  
  
• Remove sand and abrasive materials to avoid scratches.
  
  
• Remove dirt and tough stains such as paint with acetone or an alcohol-based solvent.
  
  
• Wash the floor regularly with a damp mop and a bit of floating floor cleaner. Avoid using too much water when cleaning.