While researching flooring options for your new home or remodel, you may have come across the term “floating floor”. So, what is a floating floor and is it an option you should be considering for your Reno area home? We have all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether this type of flooring is the right choice for you.
Rather talk to one of our pros? If you are considering floating floors in your Washoe County home, our team can help you explore floating floor options that match your style, budget, and lifestyle needs. Give us a call at (775) 800-9099 or schedule an in-home consultation now!

What Is a Floating Floor System?
So, what does floating floor mean? A floating floor is a type of flooring installation where the floor material is not directly nailed or glued to the subfloor beneath it. Instead, the planks or tiles connect to each other using a locking system and “float” above the existing surface. Several different flooring materials can be used for this installation method, including:
- Luxury vinyl plank
- Laminate
- Engineered hardwood
- Some tile systems
- Although not all materials can utilize this method, our pros can talk you through which materials we have available, that would be best for this application.
Why Floating Floors Work Well in Reno and Washoe County
Floating floor installation in Reno, NV has become increasingly popular for several reasons, including:
- Built for Reno’s dry climate - Reno experiences hot summers, cool winters, and low humidity throughout much of the year. Some flooring can shrink or expand in dry climates, but many floating floor products are designed to better handle seasonal environmental changes.
- Ideal for concrete slab foundations - Many homes throughout Washoe County are built on concrete slabs. Floating floor systems work especially well over concrete because they don’t require direct fastening into the slab itself, which can simplify installation and reduce labor costs.
- Comfortable and quiet - Many floating floors include attached underlayment or sound-reducing layers that help improve comfort underfoot and reduce noise transfer throughout the home. This is especially helpful in buildings like condos, townhomes, and busy family homes where noise reduction is needed.
Floating a Tile Floor: What Homeowners Should Know
While most people associate floating floors with vinyl or laminate, floating a tile floor is also possible with specialized systems. Traditional tile installation uses mortar and grout permanently attached to the subfloor. Floating tile floor systems use interlocking panels that allow the flooring to move more naturally with the home.
Benefits of floating tile systems can include:
- Faster installation
- Easier repairs
- Reduced cracking from minor subfloor movement
Our flooring pros can help determine whether floating tile flooring is right for your home and project goals.
Love Your Floors Again
Your floors impact how your entire home feels. Whether you’re remodeling, moving in, recovering from damage, or simply ready for something new, the right floating floor system can completely transform your space. With our team of professional installers, you don’t need to wonder how to install floating floors, the work can be done for you. At Floor Coverings International of Reno, NV®}, we help Reno and Washoe County homeowners find flooring solutions that fit their lifestyle, budget, and timeline, so you can stop tolerating outdated floors and start loving your home again. Give us a call at (775) 800-9099 or schedule an in-home consultation to start your project today!