Our vinyl plank feels a bit clicky and hollow when we walk — is that normal for floating floors?

Some clicking and hollow sounds are normal for floating vinyl plank floors, but excessive noise usually indicates installation or subfloor issues that can be addressed.

Floating floors naturally have more movement and sound transmission than glued-down installations because they're not mechanically fastened to the subfloor. However, pronounced clicking, snapping, or hollow drumming sounds typically point to specific problems. The most common culprit is an uneven subfloor - even small high spots or dips can cause planks to flex and create noise when walked on. Professional installers should level subfloors to within 3/16" over 10 feet, but this critical step is sometimes rushed or skipped entirely.

Inadequate or missing underlayment is another frequent cause of hollow sounds. Quality acoustic underlayment not only reduces sound transmission but also helps bridge minor subfloor imperfections. Some vinyl planks come with attached underlayment, but it's often minimal and may need supplementing, especially over concrete subfloors. The wrong type of underlayment can also cause issues - using foam under rigid core LVP, for example, can create instability and noise.

Expansion gaps and acclimation issues can contribute to clicking sounds as well. If planks weren't properly acclimated to your home's temperature and humidity, or if expansion gaps around the perimeter are too tight, the floor may be under stress and create noise as it moves. In Ottawa's climate with significant seasonal humidity changes, proper acclimation is especially important for dimensional stability.

The good news is that many of these issues can be corrected without full replacement. A qualified flooring contractor can assess whether the subfloor needs additional leveling compound, if better underlayment would help, or if the installation needs adjustment. For persistent noise issues with your vinyl plank flooring, request a consultation from Ottawa Floor Install to determine the best solution for your specific situation.