You may not have heard of it before, but magnetic flooring is on the rise. While it hasn’t yet become a mainstream choice – and finding a supplier can still be difficult – it could be the answer for busy family homes or those looking to live more sustainably. flooring option
There are many reasons to choose this innovative choice, from ease of installation and replacement flexibility, but there are a few things to keep in mind before taking the leap into this emerging flooring.
Below, we’ve called on the experts to explain the pros and cons and help you decide if they’re right for your home.
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What is Magnetic Flooring?
As the name suggests, this flooring is manufactured with a magnetic backing, which is installed on top of a magnetic underlay.
Interior designer Katie Malik explains that while traditional flooring often uses an adhesive or click-lock mechanism, she uses magnetic technology to hold it in place.
Katy Malik is the founder and creative director of Katy Malik Design Studio, based in Cambridge. She originally studied as a linguist at Cambridge University, then retrained in interior design at London’s Chelsea College of Art and the National Academy of Design. Katie started her own business in 2014 after gaining previous experience in a high-end London design studio.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of magnetic flooring?
pros
1. Flexibility:
With no need for adhesives, magnetic flooring can be lifted at any time, making repairs and replacements convenient.
“This makes it easier to deal with localized damage and reduces the amount of throwing away otherwise usable flooring,” says Earl Christie, founder Stories flooring.
2. Sound-Reduction:
Magnetic flooring can also help your home feel quieter, according to Yarl, thanks to the way its underlay absorbs vibrations from sounds like footsteps. This means that it can be a good choice for those who want it Install wood flooring upstairs.
3. Minimum Installation Disruption:
Those choosing adhesive-backed flooring should wait at least 24 hours before moving around the room. However, with magnetic planks, there’s no need to wait. Katie Malik also points out that they produce less fumes and make less of a mess during installation, which is always a nice bonus.
4. Sustainable option:
Individual planks can be easily lifted and replaced, so less waste ends up in the landfill because you don’t have to tear up the entire floor. With this in mind, Katie says this flooring is perfect for busy family homes and commercial environments where easy maintenance is important.
opposition
1. More expensive:
Although magnetic flooring has plenty of benefits, Yarl says the material costs more than that. laminate, LVT Or Engineered wood (which we will explore in the next section). However, long-term costs can be lower, because you can replace an individual plank if it gets damaged.
2. The height of the floor adds:
You can expect magnetic flooring and its underlay to add about 3-5mm to the height of your floor. With this in mind, Yarl recommends checking your door clearances, thresholds and transitions to neighboring rooms before installation.
Earl Christie began his career as a floor fitter at the age of 18. Here he gained experience that shaped his understanding of quality, design and customer needs. In 2018, he started his own business.
Is magnetic flooring expensive?
Because of the specialized magnetic underlay, Yarl Christie says magnetic flooring is generally more expensive than laminate or vinyl. However, it can be about 40 to 60% faster to install, which can reduce labor costs.
“There can also be long-term savings”, he adds. “If a plank becomes scratched or damaged, it can usually be lifted and replaced individually rather than removing a larger section of flooring.”
Is magnetic flooring waterproof?
No, magnetic flooring is not 100% waterproof, but it is generally water-resistant, explains Earl Christie. However, the level of water resistance depends on the manufacturer, so it is worth checking the product guidance before installing it Bathroom flooring.
“Most systems combine water-resistant or waterproof luxury vinyl tiles with a magnetic underlay, meaning the visible floor surface can comfortably withstand everyday spills, splashes and wet cleaning,” he explains.
“However, the joints within the underlay are typically not sealed to create a complete watertight barrier. If large amounts of water are allowed to sit on the floor, it can eventually seep through the edges or seams to the subfloor below.”
If you have the budget for more upfront costs and don’t mind raising your flooring ever so slightly, magnetic flooring is a great all-rounder, offering easy replacement and reduced noise.
For more expert flooring advice, read our guide Terrazzo flooring or browse through Consider vinyl flooring.
