Floating Laminate

HOW DOES FLOATING LAMINATE FLOORING WORK?

Floating laminate flooring gives you the look of real timber hardwood flooring without the high price tag. It’s made from high-density fibreboard, topped with a woodgrain print layer that closely resembles natural timber and finished with a protective lacquer to keep it looking great for years.

The term "floating" describes the installation method. The flooring planks snap together with a click-lock system and rest on the subfloor without being glued or nailed down. This type of flooring installation makes the process quicker and more manageable. If a plank ever gets damaged, it’s simple to replace without affecting the rest of the floor.

WHY USE FLOATING LAMINATE FLOORING IN AUSTRALIAN HOMES?

Floating laminate flooring is a durable and cost-effective flooring solution for Australian homes. It replicates the beautiful look of engineered hardwood or solid timber floors while offering practical benefits like scratch resistance, low maintenance and versatility.

Here’s why this floating floor option could be a great fit for your home:

• Save on costs compared to hardwood: This flooring type appears like solid or engineered timber flooring but at a more affordable price.
• Get a durable, scratch-resistant surface: It’s built to withstand everyday wear, which makes it perfect for homes with kids or pets.
• Avoid the stress of DIY installations: Let our team take care of the installation process to make sure that your floors are perfectly fitted and built to last.
• Keep cleaning simple and stress-free: A quick sweep or mop is enough to keep your floors looking fresh.

HOW DURABLE IS FLOATING LAMINATE FLOORING?

If you’re after a reliable and tough flooring material, laminate flooring with a floating installation is a great option. It’s made to handle the demands of busy homes or offices while maintaining its appearance over time.

This hardwearing floor covering is made up of layers that work together to keep it strong and long-lasting. It can even be installed over existing floors like tiles or timber flooring, as long as the surface is level and ready to go.

Here’s how the layers add to its durability:

• Top layer: Protects against scratches, stains and fading.
• Decorative woodgrain layer: Gives it the realistic look of natural timber.
• Core layer: Adds strength, helps with minor moisture resistance and reduces noise.
• Backing layer: Provides extra protection against moisture and helps prevent warping.

For even more comfort and insulation, you can add an underlay underneath the flooring.

CAN FLOATING LAMINATE BE USED IN HIGH-TRAFFIC AREAS?

Yes, this flooring option is a great fit for high-traffic spaces in your home or office, like living rooms and hallways. Its protective top layer and stable construction mean it can handle everyday wear, which makes it a reliable and durable alternative to wood floors.

If you’re thinking about using floating laminate flooring in bathrooms or laundry spaces, keep in mind that excessive moisture can cause damage over time. Stick to dry areas to help your flooring last longer.

FLOATING LAMINATE FLOORING COLOURS AND STYLES

Our floating laminate flooring lets you create the perfect look for your space. Lighter colours like ash or grey can brighten a room, while honey brown, dark tones or timber styles like Blackbutt, Spotted Gum and Classic Oak bring warmth and character. With a mix of rustic and polished textures, there’s something to match any décor.

HOW TO MAINTAIN AND CLEAN FLOATING LAMINATE FLOORS

With the right care, your floating laminate floors can stay fresh and vibrant for years. To keep them looking their best, we recommend following these simple maintenance steps:

• Sweep or mop regularly with soft tools: Use a soft mop or dry cloth to remove dirt and dust without scratching the surface.
• Wipe up spills as soon as they happen: Prevent moisture from seeping into the floor by tackling spills immediately.
• Avoid abrasive brushes and excess water: These can damage the laminate’s surface and lead to warping.
• Stick to laminate-safe cleaning products: These are designed to protect the finish and prevent residue build-up.
• Use furniture pads and welcome mats: Protect against scratches from heavy items and reduce dirt tracked in from outside.

IS LAMINATE FLOORING SUITABLE FOR COMMERCIAL SPACES?

Yes, floating laminate flooring is a great option for your commercial space. Its scratch-resistant surface can handle heavy foot traffic, making it perfect for offices and retail areas. The timber-look finish gives your space a stylish and professional feel that enhances the overall ambience.

This flooring is also easy to maintain. You can keep it looking its best with a quick sweep using a soft broom or a light pass with a damp mop.

FLOATING LAMINATE FLOORING VS. OTHER TYPES OF FLOORING

When you’re comparing different types of flooring for your home or business, it’s important to think about cost, durability and style. Floating laminate flooring is a budget-friendly solution compared to engineered timber or hybrid flooring. Its scratch-resistant surface also stands up to everyday wear, which makes it a popular option for high-traffic areas like offices, hallways and living rooms.

Unlike vinyl flooring, which is completely waterproof, floating laminate is water-resistant, making it ideal for dry spaces. It also comes in a wide range of timber-look finishes and colours, and that means you have plenty of options to match your interior design while staying on budget.

WHY CARPET COURT FOR LAMINATE FLOORING?

Our Carpet Court experts will help you find floating laminate flooring that fits your space and style. We make it simple to get a durable, high-quality result with warranties and professional installation support.

Book your free measure and quote, then visit your nearest showroom using our store locator. With stores Australia-wide, it’s simple to get expert advice and flooring products that work for you.

What is floating laminate flooring?

Floating laminate flooring is designed using core layers of high-density, durable fibreboard beneath a photographic woodgrain layer topped with multiple coats of clear, protective lacquers. It is made to ‘float’ above the subfloor, meaning each plank is anchored to the next using a click-and-lock-together system instead of being fixed to the subfloor like timber floorboards, tiles or carpet.

A floating laminate floor is an affordable alternative to real timber flooring, replicating the stunning, natural appeal of beautiful woodgrain but not the price tag. It is a hardwearing, low maintenance, easy-care alternative to many types of flooring.

Floating laminate flooring is so easy to install that it often becomes a DIY project for the competent home handyperson, making it an even more affordable flooring option.

What do I need to consider when I buy floating laminate flooring?

The experienced and knowledgeable team at your local Carpet Court store will help you to determine if laminate flooring is the right flooring option to suit your home. Simply, it is ideal for active family homes who want the visual appeal of authentic timber floorboards but need a more robust solution with a family-friendly price tag.

Within your home, floating laminate flooring is ideal for the high traffic areas but not the wet areas such as bathroom and laundry. Any issues such as noise or temperature insulation can be overcome by the astute placement of luxurious rugs and the use of insulative window coverings – both of which are also on display in the majority of Carpet Court’s delightful showrooms.

As floating laminate flooring is relatively easy to install, you may need to consider whether your new floor is going to be a DIY project or not. Carpet Court’s expert installers can lay your floor for you for a professional, no fuss, quality result. If you intend to install it yourself, ensure you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation, care and maintenance so as not to void your warranty and to ensure many years of long-lasting performance from your floating floor.

Why should I use floating laminate flooring in my home?

Laminate flooring is the perfect option to suit busy family homes. It is scratch resistant so it is well suited to homes with pets and young children while also being hygienic and hypoallergenic. For those that love the naturally beautiful appearance of wood floors, it is an affordable, durable, low maintenance alternative.

Is it difficult to care for floating laminate flooring?

Not at all! With such a high degree of scratch, dent, stain and fade resistance floating laminate flooring is one of the easiest floors to care for. Family floors are often under fire from the chaos that pets, kids and family members bring to the home but floating laminate flooring can stand up under fire. Toys, claws and high heels won’t scratch or dent your look-alike timber flooring and spills are no problem if they are promptly cleaned up.

Just sweep the inevitable dust and dirt regularly with a microfibre mop or soft indoor broom to avoid build-up, and use a damp mop occasionally to tackle more stubborn marks or stains.

Is floating laminate flooring durable?

The internal structure of floating laminate flooring and the hardwearing protective coatings make this one of the most durable types of flooring around. It can withstand climatic changes quite well and has excellent fade resistance to cope with our harsh Australian sun. While it is more forgiving and warmer under foot than concrete or tiled floors, laminate flooring is a tough customer ready to stand up to anything that family life dishes up.