Definition: Floating floor is actually a method of installing a floor rather than a specific type of flooring material. In this method, the individual planks or boards attach to each other--either by means of gluing or snapping together--but do not attach to the sub-floor on which it is being installed. This is in contrast to a hardwood floor, which need to be nailed down to the sub-floor.
A jigsaw puzzle is one great comparison. With a jigsaw puzzle, pieces connect to each other, but not to the table. A floating floor is like a jigsaw puzzle.
Laminate flooring is typically a floating floor.
One advantage of the floating floor method of installation is it allows for the floor to move and expand in response to changes in a room's humidity.
