What is a Floating Basement Floor?

The term ''floating floor'' refers to an installation process in which flooring does not need to be glued or nailed down. Instead, the flooring just rests on top of the subfloor or underlay. Floating floors in basements are a very popular flooring choice, they can reach wall to wall, or rest in the middle of a space, creating an island of flooring.

How Does Floating Basement Flooring Work?

Floating basement flooring takes shape by installing a floating tile system over an existing subfloor such as concrete or carpet floor surface. Interlocking modular floor tiles is an easy and popular way to create a floating basement floor.

What Are the Purposes of a Floating Floor in a Basement?

Users choose floating tile systems for all kinds of basement situations, from home gyms to entertainment rooms. Whatever the vision, floating floors are also an easy way to transform a basement into an entirely new room. With such a quick and easy installation, it takes no time at all to turn a neglected basement space into a well-loved and often-used space.

Floating floors can be a great pick for basements quite susceptible to moisture. Because basements tend to hold moisture more than other rooms, it is important to be aware of potential moisture buildup under the floor. Floating flooring installation makes it easy to check out the moisture situation. Certain modular floor tiles can always be lifted up and dried out if needed.

There are also raised floating floors that allow air to pass underneath, which also helps prevent moisture buildup. All that being said, not all floating tile systems do well with moisture, so it is important to choose a water-resistant floating basement floor material.

Further, floating flooring installations are ideal for temporary flooring. Without any permanent adhesives, flooring can be laid down for a time and then easily picked back up afterward. Many floating floor tiles are made for easy transport and handling.

What Are Some More Benefits of a Floating Basement Floor?

Floating floor installations are gaining more and more traction because they save on time, money, and energy. Floating tile systems are designed to snap or connect together (often by hand) in an easy fashion, so people can forego the cost of an installer and do it by themselves.

Another benefit of floating basement floors is that they are much easier to replace. Minimal tools (or none at all) are required to take up a floating floor, which makes disassembling just as simple as installing. If just a small part of the floor becomes damaged, then individual tiles or mats can be replaced. Replacing just a fraction of the floating floor is significantly easier and less expensive than replacing the entire thing, there are many ideas and material options.

What Are the Best Materials to Use for A Floating Basement Floor?

Foam

Foam tiles are a super popular option for basements because they are inexpensive, easy to install, and easy to replace. Modular foam tiles are found in dozens of different colors and can be laid out in fun and interesting designs and patterns. Foam tiles vary in size, thickness, and texture, but are always a comfortable, fun, and stress-free option, especially for basement playrooms or game rooms.
How to Install Interlocking Foam Tiles

Vinyl

Another popular floating basement floor product is vinyl, which can be found in interlocking modular tiles in a variety of colors and styles. For example, vinyl floating tile systems exist in the style of wood, stone, marble, and more. Vinyl tiles make for comfortable yet classy and stylish basement floors.
How to Install Vinyl Tiles

Carpet

Carpet may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of a floating floor, but these days it can be bought in floating tile systems. With modular floating carpet tiles, one can forget the huge, cumbersome rolls and the laborious installation process. Floating carpet tiles are a homey, comfortable, and inviting option, and much more satisfying to know how easy the installation is.
How to Install Raised Carpet Tiles

How Can I Install A Floating Tile System?

Methods of installation for a floating tile system vary depending on the product. Many floating tile systems include modular tiles that connect together with an interlocking puzzle system or a loop and tab system. Some tiles simply lay down flat next to one another. Floating floors sometimes require tape or adhesive to connect to one another, but never to the floor that lays beneath.

Where Can I Learn More About a Floating Floor?

To learn even more about floating basement floors and all of the awesome options that exist, check out Greatmats.com's extensive knowledge base and product choices. There you will find an endless supply of information and the best floating basement floor products that exist on the market today.