Everything you need to know about a joist floor

Modern houses or flats are not only modern design, but above all functionality and durability of finishing elements. One of such elements is the floor, which not only has to look aesthetically pleasing, but also meet functional requirements. One of the more and more popular solutions is laying the floor from boards on joists.

This way of laying the floor gives many arrangement possibilities and allows for a warm and cozy atmosphere in the room. In addition, the boards on the joists are easy to assemble and disassemble, which makes it easier to move and replace the floor in the event of damage.

Structure on the ceiling

The joist floor can be laid on wooden and reinforced concrete ceilings, but also as a floor covering on the ground. When choosing this solution, it is worth remembering that in the case of wooden ceilings, the boards on the joists can be attached either directly to the load-bearing beams (mainly used in unused attics) or on joists laid across the beams. However, in the case of reinforced concrete ceilings, the boards on the joists are placed on leveling pads. Potential gaps under them are filled with mounting foam, which additionally stiffens them. Wooden floors on joists can also be used in houses with a frame structure. However, in this case, OSB boards must be laid to stiffen the ceiling before assembling the joists.

On-ground construction

As for the floor covering on the ground, the joists should be at least 10-12 cm so that there is enough space under the boards for heat and moisture insulation, as well as for ventilation. The floor can also be based on a structure made of load-bearing beams, which rests on concrete posts covered with roofing felt. The mineral wool insulation is attached to a slatted or mesh grid, and an insulating foil is placed on top to protect the floor against moisture. Then the joists are nailed and the boards are laid.

Joist floor – summary

A plank floor on joists is not only an aesthetic solution, but also durable and easy to maintain. Thanks to the appropriate floor structure, you can gain additional thermal and acoustic insulation, which will affect the comfort of residents. However, it is worth remembering that laying a floor made of planks on joists requires appropriate knowledge and experience, so it is worth hiring a professional.

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