Timber floor systems
Timber floor systems are suitable for developments of all types, both residential and commercial, and are simple to construct. By using STEICO products you can create a timber floor system that is robust and contributes towards the overall environmental goals of your project through carbon binding, responsible sourcing and thermal performance.
What are timber floors made up of?
There are many different ways of creating a timber floor system, but the fundamentals are similar no matter what type of construction is opted for. The basic components of a timber floor system are:
- Wall plates – Timber plates attached to the walls that are used for fixing joists. They help transfer the floor loads into the wall.
- Joists –Floor joists are secured to the wall plates at each end and span the width of the floor.
- Sleeper wall – A wall that supports ground floor joists that offers intermediate support to allow for greater span capacity.
- Boarding – Laid on top of the joists to create the surface of the floor that we walk on in completed buildings. Additional layers such as underlay and carpet can be added on top of the boarding.
- Insulation – Insulation can be installed between the joists and below the floorboards to improve the system’s u-value and contribute to a building’s energy efficiency.
Variations to the above are sometimes seen in the type of joist that is used. For example I-joists, solid timber joists or Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) joists can be used. Alternatively, you could use ‘cassettes’, pre-manufactured sections of flooring which can be assembled on site.
What STEICO products are available for timber floor systems?
STEICO supplies a range of products which are suitable for use in a timber floor system in your development, including:
- I-Joists – STEICO I-joists are suitable for use as joists in the construction of your floor. They are made of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) and Natural Fibre Board to create a slimline joist. They can also play a role in your sustainability strategy through responsible sourcing, carbon binding and low thermal bridging potential in ground floor applications due to the ‘I’ shaped profile.
- STEICOflex insulation – STEICOflex can be used as insulation in between the joists of a timber floor system. It has a bulk density of approximately 50kg per cubic metre which can help provide acoustic damping. They also bind 82kg CO2eq during Life Cycle Stage A1 as defined in EN 15804+A2 which can help you achieve your sustainability goals on the project.
Why choose timber for creating a flooring system?
Timber is a common choice for floors which offers a range of advantages that make it the right choice for many projects, including:
- Weight – Timber i-joists are a lighter option for floor systems than concrete alternatives. Available in long length they are generally supplied cut to suit individual project requirements and hence installation is much quicker than with solid timber alternatives.
- Sustainability goals – Timber can be sourced responsibly from PEFC-certified forests (PEFC/04-31-2550), and it binds carbon from the atmosphere rather than adding further emissions.
- Cost effective – Timber is generally a cheaper solution than concrete in itself and you can also save on additional costs. For example, concrete floors will often require a crane, whereas timber does not.
