Floating Floor Installation in Burbank, CA
At Burbank Elite Hardwood Flooring, we specialize in floating floor installation for both commercial and residential spaces.. Whether you're considering engineered hardwood, laminate flooring, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), bamboo, or cork, we have the expertise to guide you through the process and deliver exceptional results. Our installations utilize modern click-lock systems and tongue-and-groove connections that create a secure, stable floor without messy adhesives or noisy nailing. We carefully select the right underlayment—whether foam underlayment for affordability, cork underlayment for superior sound dampening, or rubber underlayment for maximum cushioning—to match your specific comfort and performance needs.
This glueless installation method means your project moves quickly with minimal disruption to your daily routine, making it perfect for busy commercial spaces and homeowners alike. Because we work exclusively with pre-finished floating floors, you can use your new flooring immediately after installation. Our process includes thorough subfloor preparation, precise expansion gap placement to accommodate natural movement, professional transition strip installation for seamless room-to-room flow, and moisture barrier protection when needed for basements or moisture-prone areas. With us, you get personalized service that ensures your floating floor looks beautiful and performs reliably for years to come.
Why Burbank Elite Hardwood Flooring is the Best Floating Floor Installation Contractor
With over 20 years of experience serving Burbank's diverse properties, we bring specialized expertise in floating floor installation tailored to Southern California's Mediterranean climate. Burbank's San Fernando Valley location creates warm, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 95°F and low humidity around 20-30%, followed by mild winters with occasional humidity spikes during rare rain events. Floating floors are ideal for these conditions because their click-lock systems allow natural expansion and contraction without buckling, unlike glued-down installations that can fail during seasonal temperature swings.
We work extensively throughout Burbank's varied architectural landscape, from historic Craftsman bungalows and Spanish Colonial homes in Magnolia Park and Rancho to modern commercial spaces in Downtown Burbank and the Media District. Our floating floor installations accommodate the structural nuances of older Burbank homes built on raised foundations or concrete slabs, both common in properties from the 1920s-1960s. We're experienced with seismic-safe installation techniques essential for Burbank's active earthquake zone, utilizing proper expansion gaps that allow floating floors to move during seismic activity without damage.
Our process includes thorough site evaluation of conditions typical in Burbank properties—aging concrete slabs, original vinyl tiles, or settling foundations—followed by meticulous subfloor leveling and underlayment installation that provides crucial moisture barriers and sound dampening for multi-story buildings along Olive Avenue and San Fernando Boulevard. We prioritize efficient installations that minimize disruption for entertainment industry facilities, production offices, and retail businesses where downtime impacts revenue. All our work complies with California building codes and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) regulations, using low-VOC materials that meet Burbank's environmental standards.
Our Floating Floor Installation Process
We ensure every floating floor installation is executed with precision, focusing on critical preparation, expert installation, and meticulous final checks. Our method supports both commercial and residential spaces, accommodating various flooring types like laminate, engineered hardwood, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP).
Site Assessment and Preparation
We begin by thoroughly inspecting the subfloor condition to ensure a stable foundation. This includes checking moisture levels with a moisture meter—critical for preventing future warping or damage. For wooden substrates, moisture must stay below 9%, while concrete should be under 2%.
Cleaning the subfloor is another priority. We remove debris and residues, then dry and level the surface. Any imperfections above a 3% unevenness over 6.56 feet are addressed to maintain structural integrity and prevent locking system failures.
We also acclimate the flooring materials on-site for 48-72 hours. This settles temperature and humidity variations, minimizing expansion or contraction after installation.
Professional Installation Steps
Our team starts by laying down the appropriate underlayment, choosing foam, cork, or polyethylene based on moisture exposure and soundproofing needs. This layer cushions the floor, blocks moisture, and reduces noise.
Next, we carefully install the floating floor planks using a click-lock system, which eliminates the need for nails or glue. We stagger seams by at least 12 inches to increase stability and aesthetics.
We maintain a consistent 1/4-inch expansion gap around the perimeter with spacers, allowing natural expansion and contraction. Precision cutting of boards is done using specialized flooring cutters to ensure tight, clean fits.
Quality Assurance and Cleanup
After installation, we conduct a detailed inspection to confirm alignment, gap sizes, and locking integrity. We check flatness and secure any loose joints to guarantee durability.
We then install baseboards and transition strips as needed, covering expansion gaps and providing a polished finish. We clean the new floor thoroughly using microfiber mops to preserve the surface without damaging it.
Finally, we provide maintenance guidance tailored to your flooring type to help maintain appearance and lifespan. Our team ensures the space is left ready for immediate use, meeting professional standards in every detail.
Key Benefits of Floating Floors for Commercial and Residential Clients
Our floating floor installations are designed to meet the distinct needs of both business and home environments. They deliver strong performance, adaptability in style, and efficient installation that reduces downtime and disruption in any space.
Durability and Performance
Floating floors are built for longevity using materials like laminate, engineered hardwood, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). These materials feature high-density fiberboard cores and wear layers engineered to resist scratches, dents, and moisture damage.
We also include an underlayment that cushions the floor surface, aiding sound dampening and reducing impact noise—especially important in commercial settings like offices or retail spaces. This setup protects the floor from everyday wear and environmental changes like humidity fluctuations.
Our installations accommodate natural expansion and contraction by leaving expansion gaps at edges. This prevents buckling and warping common with traditional nailed floors. For areas prone to moisture, we add vapor barriers under vinyl or laminated floors, ensuring resilience in basements, kitchens, or commercial restrooms.
Design Versatility
Floating floors come in a broad range of finishes, textures, and styles that suit commercial or residential aesthetics. We offer everything from wood-look laminates and authentic engineered hardwood planks to waterproof vinyl options ideal for moisture-prone areas.
Locking systems like click-lock or tongue-and-groove ensure stable floor assembly and a seamless appearance. We customize installations to match brand environments or personal home decor, including varied plank widths, colors, and bevel details.
Our selection supports high-traffic commercial spaces with durable surfaces while providing the warmth and character preferred in residential settings. Clients can also layer in sound-reducing underlayments for quieter floors without sacrificing style.
Minimal Disruption and Fast Completion
The floating floor system’s quick assembly is a critical advantage for commercial clients needing minimal business interruption. Installation is clean, requires few specialized tools, and excludes drying times linked to adhesives or nails.
We prepare existing subfloors with minimal leveling and install an underlayment before snapping planks or tiles together. This approach enables day-one usability and reduces labor time by up to 50% compared to traditional hardwood installation.
For residents, this means shorter renovation windows and less mess. For businesses, it translates to cost savings on downtime and faster return to operation. We coordinate timing and logistical planning to fit client schedules seamlessly, keeping project impact to a minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions About Floating Floor Installation
How much does floating floor installation cost?
Floating floor installation costs $4 to $10 per square foot including materials and labor. Laminate floating floors are most affordable at $4-$6 per square foot, engineered hardwood with click-lock systems ranges $6-$10, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) costs $5-$8. Pricing depends on square footage, material choice, underlayment type (foam, cork, or rubber underlayment), and whether you need subfloor leveling or moisture barriers.
How long does floating floor installation take?
Most residential installations take 1 to 2 days for 200-400 square feet. The click-lock installation method is faster than nail-down or glue-down methods since it requires no adhesives or curing time. Commercial projects take 2 to 5 days depending on size. The timeline includes subfloor preparation, underlayment installation, floor assembly, and transition strips. You can walk on floating floors immediately after installation.
Do you offer free estimates for floating floor installation in Burbank?
Yes, Burbank Elite Hardwood Flooring offers free estimates for all floating floor projects in Burbank and surrounding areas. We assess your space, evaluate subfloor conditions, discuss material options (engineered hardwood, laminate, LVP, bamboo, or cork), and show samples. We'll explain glueless click-lock systems, review underlayment options, and provide detailed pricing covering all materials and labor.
What types of floating floors can you install?
We install engineered hardwood with tongue-and-groove click-lock systems, laminate flooring with appropriate AC ratings, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), bamboo floating floors, and cork floating planks. Engineered hardwood provides authentic wood appearance, laminate offers durability and affordability, LVP delivers waterproof performance for kitchens and bathrooms, bamboo provides eco-friendly strength, and cork offers superior comfort and sound dampening.
Is floating floor installation cheaper than traditional hardwood?
Yes, floating floor installation is 30-50% less expensive than traditional nail-down or glue-down hardwood. Engineered hardwood costs less than solid hardwood, and the click-lock method requires less labor with no specialized fastening equipment or adhesives. Floating floors come pre-finished, eliminating floor sanding and on-site finishing costs. They can often be installed over existing flooring with proper underlayment, saving demolition and disposal expenses. This makes floating floors an economical alternative while delivering attractive, durable results.