10 Mar 2025
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
When it comes to modern flooring design, few techniques showcase elegance and precision quite like a expertly installed floating floor. At Ecodure Flooring, we’ve perfected the craft of creating floors that appear to flow seamlessly wall-to-wall, slipping effortlessly beneath cabinetry and fixtures, all while maintaining the integrity and functionality of a floating system. This isn’t just flooring—it’s an art form, and it’s one we take pride in delivering with unmatched attention to detail.
The Illusion of Seamless Design
The hallmark of a well-executed floating floor is the illusion it creates: a continuous expanse of flooring that runs beneath kitchen units, cabinets, and other fixed elements, without interruption. However, the secret lies in the fact that it doesn’t actually sit under these structures. Unlike traditional fixed flooring, a floating floor is never pinned down or fastened—kitchen cabinetry, islands, or heavy furniture must never rest on top of it. Instead, the floor is meticulously installed to appear as though it extends beneath these features, while in reality, it floats freely, tucked neatly into carefully planned expansion gaps.
This approach requires precision and foresight, ensuring the floor maintains its ability to expand and contract naturally with changes in temperature and humidity—without compromising the aesthetic.
The Technical Mastery Behind the Look
Achieving this seamless effect demands strict adherence to specific installation principles:
- Expansion Gaps: A 6-10mm gap is maintained around the entire perimeter of the floor, including around pillars, pipes, and any other fixed elements. This gap is non-negotiable—it allows the floating floor to move as needed without buckling or warping.
- Elevated Features: Stair balustrades, decorative timber screens, and similar fixtures are packed up or adjusted to sit above the floor, ensuring the flooring can slide freely beneath and into its expansion gap. This eliminates the need for unsightly trims or cover strips, preserving the clean, uninterrupted look.
-No Pinning, No Pressure: The floor must remain free-floating at all times. Cabinetry and kitchen units are installed on their own supports or bases, never sitting directly on the flooring itself. This preserves both the floor’s functionality and its visual flow.
Time, Skill, and a Commitment to Excellence
This exemplary standard of finish doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the product of time, patience, and an unwavering attention to detail—qualities that the team at Ecodure Flooring has honed as a true point of difference. From initial planning to final installation, every step is carefully considered to ensure the floating floor not only looks stunning but also performs flawlessly for years to come.
Our team understands that achieving this level of craftsmanship requires more than just skilled installers—it demands collaboration with every trade involved in the project. That’s why we go the extra mile to support builders, kitchen teams, joinery specialists, and other professionals with clear guidance tailored to their roles.
A Guide for Seamless Collaboration
To ensure every project meets the gold standard we’re known for, we provide a concise bullet-point guide for all trades involved. This helps integrate our floating floor requirements into their workflows, ensuring compliance with building codes (such as E3/AS1 of the NZBC) while maintaining the highest quality across the board. Here’s a snapshot of what we share:
-For Kitchen Teams: Install cabinetry on independent supports, leaving the floor free to float beneath. Plan toe kicks and plinths to sit just above the flooring surface.
-For Joinery Teams: Design and fit fixtures like balustrades and screens with sufficient rebate (10mm) & clearance (product dependent) to allow the floor to slide into its expansion gap.
-For Builders: Ensure all fixed elements—pillars, pipes, and walls—are prepped with the required perimeter gap in mind, avoiding any pinning or fastening of the floor.
-For Flooring Installers: we will supply a full coloured markup of the installation area and/or notes on pre-quote site findings and we will make all efforts to ensure other trades that interact with the flooring, prep the site to a standard that makes your installation day run well.
-For All Trades: Coordinate with Ecodure early to align timelines and specifications, guaranteeing a cohesive result that meets both aesthetic and regulatory standards.
By fostering this level of teamwork across a project, we ensure that every trade fulfills their obligations while contributing to a finished product that’s nothing short of exceptional.
Why Choose Ecodure Flooring?
At Ecodure, we don’t just sell floors—we work with homeowners and construction professionals to elevate spaces. Our dedication to the art of the floating floor sets us apart, delivering clear guidance to build and install teams on a finish that’s as practical as it is beautiful. It’s a process that requires expertise, collaboration, and a passion for perfection—qualities we bring to every project, every time.
Ready to transform your space with a floating floor that redefines craftsmanship? Contact the Ecodure Flooring team today, and let’s bring your vision to life.