You may not have heard of it before, but magnetic flooring is on the rise. While it has not yet become a mainstream choice – and it can still be difficult to find a supplier – it could be the answer for busy family homes or those seeking a more sustainable flooring option.
There are lots of reasons to love this innovative choice, from its ease of installation and replacement flexibility, but there are a few things to keep in mind before jumping into this emerging flooring.
Below, we've called in the experts to explain the pros and cons and help you decide if it's right for your home.
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.
While traditional flooring often uses adhesives or click-lock mechanisms, this uses magnetic technology to keep it in place, explains interior designer Katie Malik.
Katie Malik is the founder and creative director of Katie Malik Design Studio, based in Cambridge. She originally studied at Cambridge University as a linguist, then retrained in Interior Design at Chelsea College of Art in London and the National Design Academy. Katie launched her own business in 2014 after gaining previous experience at high-end London design studios.
What are the pros and cons of magnetic flooring?
Pros
1. Flexibility:
Since there's no need for adhesives, magnetic flooring can be lifted up at any time, making repairs and replacement a breeze.
"This makes it easier to deal with localised damage and can reduce the amount of otherwise usable flooring being thrown away," says Yarl Christie, Founder of Stories Flooring.
2. Sound-reductive:
Magnetic flooring can also help make your home feel quieter, thanks to the way its underlay absorbs vibrations from sounds such as footsteps, according to Yarl. This means it could be a suitable choice for those wanting to install wooden flooring upstairs.
3. Minimal installation disruption:
Those opting for adhesive-backed flooring will need to wait at least 24 hours before walking around the room. However, with magnetic planks, there's no need to wait. Katie Malik also points out that they produce fewer fumes and create less mess during installation, which is always a nice bonus.
4. Sustainable option:
Since individual planks can be lifted and replaced with ease, there's less waste going to landfill because you don't have to rip up the entire floor. With this in mind, Katie says this flooring is well suited to busy family homes and commercial environments where easy maintenance is important.
Cons
1. More expensive:
While there are plenty of benefits to magnetic flooring, Yarl says the material cost tends to be higher than laminate, LVT or engineered wood (which we explore in the next section). However, the long-term costs may be lower, as you can simply replace an individual plank if it becomes damaged.
2. Adds to the floor height:
You can expect magnetic flooring and its underlay to add around 3-5mm to your floor height. With this in mind, Yarl recommends checking your door clearances, thresholds and transitions into neighbouring rooms before installation.
Yarl Christie began his career as a floor fitter at 18. It’s here that he gained hands-on experience that shaped his understanding of quality, design and customer needs. In 2018, he launched his own business.
Is magnetic flooring expensive?
Due to the specialist magnetic underlay, Yarl Christie says that magnetic flooring is usually more expensive than laminate or vinyl. However, it can be around 40 to 60% faster to install, which may reduce labour costs.
"There may also be longer-term savings", he adds. "If one plank becomes scratched or damaged, it can usually be lifted and replaced individually instead of removing a much larger section of flooring."
Is magnetic flooring waterproof?
No, magnetic flooring isn't 100% waterproof, but it is generally water-resistant, explains Yarl Christie. However, the level of water resistance depends on the manufacturer, so it's worth checking the product guidance before installing it as bathroom flooring.
"Most systems combine water-resistant or waterproof luxury vinyl tiles with a magnetic underlay, meaning the visible floor surface can comfortably cope with everyday spills, splashes and damp cleaning," he explains.
"However, the joins within the underlay are not usually sealed to create a fully watertight barrier. If a large amount of water is allowed to sit on the floor, it may eventually find its way through the edges or seams and reach the subfloor underneath."
If you have the budget for a higher upfront cost and don’t mind your flooring being ever so slightly raised, magnetic flooring is a great all-rounder, offering easy replacement and reduced noise.
For more expert flooring advice, read our guide on terrazzo flooring or have a browse through these vinyl flooring ideas.
