Different types of flooring installation
So you have decided that you wish to install new flooring but are unsure what kind of flooring and installation type will fit
your project and budget best.
The installation method you choose will have a direct impact on the total cost of your flooring project and can therefore help
you make a final decision if you need to stick to a budget. For example: even the cheaper flooring types will not necessarily end up being the less expensive option in the end if they require a difficult installation method. For example there are some flooring types that require more floor preparations than others and this could be an additional cost involved in your total flooring expenses.
There are four main methods of flooring installation:
1. Floating flooring
2. Direct stick flooring
3. Loose lay flooring
4. Nailed flooring
Floating floor installations
This type of installation mostly applies to following flooring types:
Laminated flooring
Bamboo flooring
Engineered flooring
Hybrid flooring
Floating flooring is true to its name as it does not require any nails or glue to be installed and therefore ‘floats’ on the floor. In most cases this kind of flooring is clicked together and is installed directly on top of the underlay to create a complete new floor.
Floating floors are possibly the most common budget option for flooring installation, however with certain materials this method can still become expensive.
2. Direct stick flooring
This approach to flooring installation mostly applies to:
Hardwood or natural wood flooring
Bamboo flooring
Engineered flooring
Vinyl planks
Depending on the flooring type you choose it may require different kinds of glue in order to install direct stick or glue down flooring. In most cases this type of installation requires some degree of sub floor preparation and is possibly the most expensive method of installation. The trickiest part of determining the cost is finding out any hidden costs involved. For instance the cost of the vinyl floor you have chosen may be very cheap but the installation cost could be more than double that. With
direct stick type floors you must also consider moisture control depending on the kind of subfloor you plan to install your future flooring on top of which can add further costs.
3. Loose lay flooring
This installation method mostly applies to vinyl plank flooring. Even though this is probably the easiest and fastest way to
install flooring at a glance, it can still be very tricky to prepare for. As vinyl floors require a perfectly flat subfloor this can add a huge cost to the overall project. Another thing to consider when it comes to loose lay flooring, is that most manufacturers require a glue down perimeter that involves applying a glue strip to the edges and/or middle of the vinyl planks to protect against any future movement, this is particularly necessary on any room that is larger than 4m wide (this can vary depends on manufacturer instructions). This extra step is usually unexpected and can add large costs to the overall project.
4. Nailed flooring
Using nails or secret nails usually applies to installing hardwood flooring or tongue and groove engineered flooring onto trussers, wooden or a ply wood subfloor. Installing flooring with nails is a very old school method of flooring however it is still widely used when it comes to hardwood flooring. Installing hardwood flooring with nails is sometimes more than just a flooring job and crosses over into a structural installation and therefore would require a licensed builder or floor installer to complete the installation correctly.
In conclusion, when deciding on the kind of flooring you would like to install you must also consider the method of installation and how this will effect the budget of your project.
It is always good practise to discuss your project and budget with some trusted flooring professionals so that you can find the best fit for your job and don’t get caught out by unexpected costs.
Browse flooringdomain.com.au today to find trusted flooring contractors and suppliers to discuss your next flooring project with. Thorough planning and consultation before making a final decision will help you to avoid being caught in the middle of your new flooring project with some unexpected fees.