%title% %sep% %sitename% Floating floors: A guide to successful installation

Floating floors are popular for all the right reasons. They are affordable, easy to install yourself if you’re handy with tools, and they work in almost any room. Yet, it’s a type of flooring that often leads to disappointment—not because of the product itself, but because of poor preparation. Buckling, creaking, gaps opening up… in the vast majority of cases, these issues are completely avoidable. The good news is they can almost always be settled before you even lay down the first plank.

Key Takeaways:

Floating floors (also called laminate) rest freely on the subfloor without glue or fasteners—hence the name.
Most problems stem from poor preparation, not the product.
Two crucial steps that often get skipped: acclimation and expansion gaps.
In the basement, standard laminate is risky due to moisture.
The golden rule for maintenance: as little water as possible.

What is a floating floor?

Let’s start with the basics and clear up the terminology, because we’re talking about the same thing here, whether you call it a floating floor or laminate. Specifically, it’s a floor covering made of multi-layer planks that click together and sit freely on the subfloor without glue or mechanical fasteners.

It’s a budget-friendly and accessible option that many people install themselves. But it also comes with a limited lifespan: realistically, about ten years under good conditions. Unlike hardwood or engineered wood, laminate does not have a real wood wear layer and therefore cannot be sanded or refinished. When it’s done, it’s done; it has to be replaced. That’s why it’s so important to install it properly and maintain it well to maximize its lifespan.

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Subfloor preparation: The basics not to be botched

Before laying anything down, you must ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, stable, and without significant height variations. The maximum tolerance is a 5 mm deviation over 2 metres. Beyond that, the planks won’t sit evenly and the joints will wear out prematurely. If the subfloor has irregularities, they must be corrected before installation.

Ideally, the room should stay between 15°C and 20°C, with a relative humidity between 40% and 60%. These conditions must be stable, both during installation and on a daily basis.

Finally, the use of an underlayment is recommended. This is a thin layer of compressible material placed between the subfloor and the planks that provides thermal and acoustic insulation and protects against minor moisture wicking. Some planks have one built-in, in which case there’s nothing to add.

Acclimation and expansion gaps: Two crucial steps

Before you even unbox the planks, they must spend 48 to 72 hours in the room. As mentioned, floating floors are sensitive to variations in temperature and humidity. Without acclimation, the planks risk expanding or contracting after installation, causing buckling, creaking, or gaps.

The expansion gap is just as critical. A floating floor moves naturally, and you have to leave it some room: 8 to 10 mm between the planks and all fixed obstacles like walls. Without this space, it has nowhere to go and risks warping. Baseboards cover this space for a finished look, but be careful to fix them to the wall—never to the floor—so as not to block the movement of the planks.

The basement: A special case

The basement is one of the rooms where floating floors are most often installed because of the price and ease of installation over concrete. But it’s also a unique environment; colder, less ventilated, and in direct contact with a concrete slab that holds moisture.

First of all, try this simple test: tape a piece of plastic wrap to the slab and leave it for 48 hours. If condensation appears underneath, the humidity is too high to install standard laminate.

And that’s the heart of the problem: laminate is simply not ideal for the basement. With prolonged contact with moisture, it buckles. In this context, it’s better to go with a waterproof vinyl—an option that is just as accessible and easy to install. A vapour barrier membrane is still recommended in almost all cases.

Maintenance: Less water, more longevity

The golden rule with a floating floor: as little water as possible. Moisture is its main enemy. A mop that’s too wet or a spill that isn't wiped up fast enough can cause the planks to swell irreversibly. Wring your mop out well, wipe up messes immediately, and forget about steam cleaning.

For routine maintenance, a broom or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment is enough. For a deeper clean, opt for a product specifically formulated for laminate floors. Watch out for hardwood cleaners, which can leave a greasy film and dull the surface.

In short, here’s a reminder of a few habits that extend the life of most floors: use felt pads under furniture legs, place an entry mat to limit sand, salt, and gravel, and keep an eye on ambient humidity—ideally between 35% and 55% year-round.

A floating floor that is well-installed and well-maintained can easily reach its maximum lifespan. Our Déco Surfaces specialists can help you get there; don’t hesitate to contact them for advice or professional installation.

Floating Floors: A Guide to a Hassle-Free Installation