Summary
– The advantages of a wood-frame flooring system
– Laying a wood-frame flooring
– Where to find it and at what cost?
A wood-frame floor is a floor resting on pieces of wood, usually beams or joists. This implies that there are voids between the pieces of the framework that support the floor, the beams.
Advantages of a wood-frame floor
Choosing a wood-framed floor has many advantages:
– A wood frame is lighter than a concrete frame.
– It does not generate fine dust like cement. Thus, cleanliness conditions are clearly satisfactory.
– It is quick to install.
Laying a wood-framed floor
Laying a wood-frame floor is a relatively technical operation. If you’re not a seasoned handyman, you may want to call in a professional instead.
The necessary equipment
As for the equipment, you should bring with you:
– a slope level for plumber;
– a drill;
– a hammer;
– a circular saw;
– a pencil;
– a stepladder or scaffold if your floor is built on an upper level.
Tip: for materials, it is advisable to use slightly larger beams that will allow for adjustments to be made.
Steps prior to installation
First of all, it is important to define the load your wood-frame floor will support and its function. Once you have done this, you will be able to define the center-to-center distance between the joists. The center distance is the space between the axes of the wood frame. The greater the load, the smaller this distance should be. On average, the recommended joist center distance is 40 cm maximum, but refer to the standards to calculate it.
Be careful not to confuse joists with something else. Floor joists (not parquet) are pieces of wood intended to support the joists from above. They are generally along the load-bearing beams of the floor. The joists, on the other hand, are arranged horizontally and rest on the load-bearing beams. They are intended to support the floor, on which it will be nailed.
Finally, you need to define the direction of the beams’ span. It must be the one that allows the smallest distance between the load-bearing walls. Above all, do not place the framework on a partition wall, only on load-bearing walls.
Caution: make sure that you store your materials in a dry place, preferably in the room intended to receive the wood-framed floor, so that they can adapt to the climatic conditions.
The installation itself
1. Attach the metal shoes to receive the supporting beams.
2. Cut the beams to the exact dimensions of the shoes.
3. Place the beams in the shoes and secure them with suitable spikes.
4. Lay your floor and insulate it according to your needs.
Please note: throughout the installation, check the horizontality of your wooden framework with a level.
Where to find it and at what price?
You can find the elements for a wood-frame floor in all DIY and construction stores, but also from professional builders.
If you have opted for installation by professionals, the estimate will vary depending on the company. Whereas, if you prefer to install it yourself, it will only cost you the necessary materials and equipment. However, the price will vary according to many criteria, such as the surface area, the type of wood, the necessary insulation or the load that the floor will have to support.
Hope the above helps you out in deciding whether you need wood frame flooring or not. Remember to leave your comments below and share your experience with our readers. Stay posted for new posts on this blog!
