How to Install Magnetic Flooring: Benefits and Concerns

Magnetic flooring is a popular DIY option, and it's easy to see why. Whether you have flooring with minor cracks that need covering, require a flooring type that's easy to repair, or are simply looking for an easy-to-use product, magnetic flooring is an option to consider. 

With a wide variety of options to choose from, magnetic flooring is an appealing choice for both aesthetic and practical reasons. According to Shauna Olsen, CEO of Creative Magnetic Flooring, wood plank magnetic floors feature acrylic-infused hardwood for increased durability without the expanding and contracting you can expect from traditional hardwood varieties.

Additionally, magnetic planks can be installed in a variety of trendy patterns (including the beloved herringbone) and can easily be swapped out by even novice DIYers when it's time for a freshen-up. "The magnetic flooring innovation is ideal for every setting," says Olsen.

Magnetic flooring's appeal is hard to deny, but can it replace traditional flooring types? We'll let you decide.

What Is Magnetic Flooring?

Magnetic flooring is a two-layer system consisting of a base magnetic layer (or magnetic underlayment) that attracts magnetic powder in the top layer or flooring surface. It can be made of just about any material; the only prerequisite is that the flooring surface needs to have trace amounts of iron powder to adhere to the base magnetic layer.

Due to its glue-less installation, magnetic flooring is considered a low-VOC (volatile organic compound) flooring choice. This category is receiving increased visibility as many homeowners look for more eco-friendly choices.

According to Raffoul Ajami, owner/president of Ajami Surfaces, magnetic flooring is a true DIY product, not just for installation. Unlike other flooring varieties, single planks can be swapped out relatively easily and quickly for repairs and, more often than not, without requiring the help of a professional. Rather than ripping out flooring in an entire room when one or two planks are damaged, homeowners can isolate and replace the planks in question, resulting in less labor and less material waste. 

How to Install Magnetic Flooring

The adhesion between the two-layer system comes from ferrite powder. Any flooring material containing ferrite powder can be the top layer if the base magnetic layer is present. “The result is a tight, magnetic bond between the sub-floor and finished floor, which is virtually waterproof,” says Ajami. “The magnetic sub-floor acts as a sound barrier and even provides crack isolation protection.” 

With no adhesives to mix, no glue or nails, and fewer steps than many other flooring types, the labor required for installation is minimal. When sized to the space, the materials lock together magnetically as they’re laid. The base layer is simply rolled onto the subfloor and stays put due to its weight, while the magnets found within both layers are strong enough to lock the system together so they don’t shift with foot traffic. 

The downside of this easy install? Once completed, you might often be tempted to change up your flooring look. “A floor can be installed and, a year later, removed and reinstalled with a different design,” says Olsen. 

Benefits of Magnetic Flooring

The low skill level required for installation is one bonus, but the downtime required for getting your new magnetic floors down and ready for use has its own appeal. Olsen says the project would likely last days for more traditional applications and patterns, but a magnetic flooring system can be installed in just hours. 

One of the more unexpected uses for magnetic flooring might just be simply reusing it. If a patterned tile no longer works for your laundry room, move it to the mudroom, where it can make a more prominent splash. Olsen also suggests swapping out orientation or pattern when a more updated look is desired. 

While the cause for removing your flooring is ideally a matter of changing aesthetic preferences, there are certain unwanted instances in which quick removal and reinstallation are required, particularly when it comes to water-related issues. According to Olsen, the ability to quickly remove the flooring and clean and dry the subflooring before reinstalling can make a sizable difference in minimizing flooding damage. 

Concerns of Magnetic Flooring

Because magnetic flooring is a relatively new concept, it hasn’t yet gone mainstream. That means you’ll have to do some research to find a retailer. It’s not as simple as popping into any home improvement store and seeing all your options stocked and ready to take home.

Due to its limited availability, it can also be more expensive than other flooring types. Depending on how you plan to install (whether tackling the project on your own or calling in a professional), you can start to recoup some of the cost immediately. Even if you decide to hire a professional, your installation cost will still be a one-time deal since the average DIYer can handle plank and even total surface replacement.