Three layers are common only in highest-quality construction. Like a floor on joists not on concrete, a second sheeting underlayment layer is added with staggered joints to disperse forces that would open a joint under the stress of live loads like a person walking. These are manufactured in 2 ft × 2 ft (61 cm × 61 cm) squares and the edges fit together like a mortise and tenon joint. Some flooring components used solely on concrete slabs consist of a dimpled rubberized or plastic layer much like bubble wrap that provide little tiny pillars for the one-half-inch (12.7 mm) sheet material above. Nowadays, subfloors are generally made from at least two layers of moisture-resistant ("AC" grade, one side finished and sanded flat) plywood or composite sheeting, jointly also termed Underlayments on floor joists of 2x8, 2x10, or 2x12's ( dimensional lumber) spaced generally on 16-inch (40.6 cm) centers, in the United States and Canada. The subfloor builds on those and attaches by various means particular to the support structure, but the support and subfloor together always provides the strength of a floor one can sense underfoot. Examples include floor medallions, which provide a decorative centerpiece of a floor design, or gratings used to drain water or to rub dirt off shoes.įloors may be built on beams or joists or use structures like prefabricated hollow core slabs. Solid ground floor cement screed or granolithicĪ number of special features may be used to ornament a floor or perform a useful service.The subfloor may be finished in a way that makes it usable without any extra work. Some types of flooring must not be installed below grade (lower than ground level), and laminate or hardwood should be avoided where there may be moisture or condensation. The choice of material for floor covering is affected by factors such as cost, endurance, noise insulation, comfort and cleaning effort, and sometimes concern about allergens. Materials commonly called flooring include wood flooring, laminated wood, ceramic tile, stone, terrazzo, and various seamless chemical floor coatings. Materials almost always classified as floor covering include carpet, area rugs, and resilient flooring such as linoleum or vinyl flooring. Both terms are used interchangeably but floor covering refers more to loose-laid materials. Flooring is the general term for a permanent or temporary covering of a floor, or for the work of installing such a floor covering. Sprung floor, improves the performance and safety of athletes and dancersįloor covering is a term to generically describe any material applied over a floor structure to provide a walking surface.Raised floor, utilities underneath can be accessed easily.Nightingale floor makes a noise when an intruder walks on it.Glass floor, as in glass bottomed elevators.Floating floor, normally for noise or vibration reduction.Balcony, a platform projecting from a wall.Special floor structures are used for a number of purposes: Where a special floor structure like a floating floor is laid upon another floor, both may be called subfloors. Special floor structures Floors may incorporate glass, mosaic or other artistic expression, like this little mosaic from the Rietberg Museum ( Zürich, Switzerland) Art Nouveau mosaic at an entrance in the United Kingdom As floors must meet many needs, some essential to safety, floors are built to strict building codes in some regions. In modern buildings the subfloor often has electrical wiring, plumbing, and other services built in. The levels of a building are often referred to as floors, although sometimes referred to as storeys.įloors typically consist of a subfloor for support and a floor covering used to give a good walking surface. Floors may be stone, wood, bamboo, metal or any other material that can support the expected load. Floors vary from simple dirt in a cave to many layered surfaces made with modern technology. A floor is the bottom surface of a room or vehicle.
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