Magnetic Flooring

October 9, 2024

Magnetic flooring is a fairly new flooring type that’s fast growing in popularity because of its numerous benefits. For starters, magnetic floors are easy to install even without professional assistance because there is no need to use glue to adhere the floor to the subfloor. The magnetic forces keep the floor in place.

It’s a good option for new construction and an even better choice for remodeling and renovating residential or commercial projects. Below, we break down magnetic flooring by highlighting how it works, its benefits and its top applications.

Introduction to Magnetic Flooring

Magnetic flooring can be made of almost any flooring material, including LVP, LVT, wood, cork, rubber and tiles.

A magnetic flooring system typically consists of two parts — the flooring and a receptive layer. The two kinds of flooring constructions include those with magnetized backing layers and those that have a core with ferro particles. A few common receptive layers are magnetic-receptive underlayments, metal raised access panels and magnetic coatings-resins.

Magnetic-receptive underlayments are easy and quick to install and don’t require additional tools or curing times. Any DIYer can just roll out the underlayment and start installing the flooring. Premium magnetic-receptive underlayments like Magnus by floorMuffler^® also provide a smooth surface, acoustical benefits and enhanced moisture protection for your flooring installation.

The magnetic attraction facilitates surface adhesion and cohesion to ensure the floors are sturdy and dependable. Magnetic forces in the system eliminate the need for glue or adhesive when laying floor panels or tiles and minimize the floor preparation steps for the subfloor.

4 Benefits of Magnetic Flooring

Magnetic flooring has many advantages over conventional flooring that make it a top choice for many applications. These top magnetic flooring benefits include:

1. Innovative Safe Flooring Technology

Magnetic flooring is designed using top-quality, durable materials that withstand frequent use and high foot traffic. The magnetic force in these systems is strong enough to hold the floor in place, providing a two-dimensional grip like no other flooring system. The horizontal sheer strength is similar to a glued floor, and the vertical force allows the lifting of the planks with very little resistance, making it easy to remove and replace damaged planks.

There are also options for non-magnetic flooring coverings to provide a magnetic installation. The Magnus Tabs use the IOBAC patented Dual Grip technology, combining dry tack with magnetism to provide superior hold to a diverse range of non-magnetic flooring coverings, like LVT, carpet tiles, non-woven vinyl tiles, among others.

2. Sustainable Flooring Solutions

Its adhesive-free installation makes magnetic flooring a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. Unlike some adhesive-based flooring systems, it does not produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or toxic fumes. Magnetic flooring also reduces waste because it lasts a long time, reducing the need for frequent repairs.

With magnetic flooring, you do not need to uninstall an entire floor in case of damage, which reduces the amount of chemicals and contaminants that could be released during disassembly. It also limits the amount of waste that ends up in landfills because you can reuse the floor in another area or send it back to the manufacturer for recycling.

3. Closed-Loop Product Lifecycle

Circularity in reusable flooring refers to the intentional approach to eliminating waste, especially at the end of the product’s lifecycle. It focuses on creating a closed loop by encouraging reusing and recycling. Magnetic flooring encourages circularity by being easy to remove, dismantle and reuse. Typically, adhesive makes it difficult to uninstall, reuse or recycle other types of flooring.

When a magnetic panel or tile is damaged, you can easily pull it apart and replace only that section — there’s no need to rip the entire floor apart. Over time, you may also want to change the design of your floors. You can do that by simply removing the planks and tiles, cleaning and drying the subfloor and reinstalling them in the new design or pattern.

4. Adhesive-Free Flooring Installation

Magnetic flooring eliminates the need for adhesives or nails to create a strong and sturdy flooring system. An adhesive-free flooring system, using an underlayment or resin coating, means no damage to the subfloor during installation or removal, making it easier and faster to replace and recycle floor coverings.

The quick and easy process ensures stress-free installation for beginners and experts alike. Repairs and replacements can be completed quickly, with less labor and minimal material waste. In addition to being easy to install, magnetic flooring requires minimal maintenance compared to conventional flooring systems.

How to Install Magnetic Flooring

When installing magnetic flooring, you need the floor covering, a magnetic-receptive underlayment or a magnetic-receptive resin coating, tools to mix and apply the resin, utility tape, a straight edge and a tape measure. Installing magnetic flooring using the floorMuffler^® Magnus underlayment typically follows these steps:

Prepare the subfloor by cleaning and drying to remove dirt and debris that may prevent the underlayment and flooring material from laying flat. Ideally, the underlayment should lay perfectly flat without any bumping.
Roll out the underlayment, starting from a corner, and spread it parallel to the wall and perpendicular to the flooring planks.
Fold out the film overlap and roll out the next roll, ensuring the underlayment seams are aligned and not overlapping.
Peel off the adhesive liner to adhere the foam to the film overlap.
Install the floor covering to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Magnetic Flooring Applications

Magnetic flooring is the ultimate solution for many residential and commercial flooring applications. It’s versatile and can be used with many types of flooring materials, including vinyl, laminate, plywood, solid wood, concrete and terrazzo. It adapts to a variety of settings, including residential spaces, hospitals, schools, offices and retail spaces.

The effortless installation process also inspires the widespread use of magnetic flooring in the events industry. They are often used to design beautiful, sleek dance floors for weddings and corporate events.

Get Premium Magnetic Underlayment From floorMuffler^®

Magnus Underlayment by floorMuffler^® is the ideal choice for installing magnetic flooring. It combines engineered cross-linked closed-cell polypropylene foam with a ferromagnetic receptive layer. It is approved for use with Intelli-Force Magnetix flooring, both residential and commercial-rated product lines.

The Magnus product line, powered by IOBAC, also includes Magnus Tabs, which empower non-magnetic floor coverings for adhesive-free installations, and Magnus Rug, which keeps area rugs in place using dry tack and magnetism.