A floor is the underside of a structure, vehicle or room. It serves as an important foundation for structural elements of a building or home. Floor surfaces can be made of wood, concrete, stone, carpet, linoleum or any other material which can safely support the expected weight of the items placed upon it.
The typical types of flooring are single-ply and multiform-ply. Each type of flooring has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common type of flooring is concrete, which is inexpensive and available in large sizes. If you are not concerned about cost and don’t like to spend time doing repairs or installing a new floor, concrete is an ideal choice.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the proper floor covering material. Of these factors, the first is the function of the flooring. The main article of furniture within a household is usually the subfloor. This is the foundation upon which the main furniture pieces are placed. The subfloor carries the majority of moisture, which makes it a prime candidate for moisture-resistant flooring. Since it carries more water than the main article, it also needs to be made of a material which can withstand repeated cycles of heavy lifting without warping.
Slab floors are quite popular in households because they are a practical alternative to concrete, which can be too costly. Slab floors are made of individual pieces of wood, concrete or other materials. The flooring is laid directly on the underlying slab, which protects it from moisture, wear and tear and insects. These types of floors are often coated with a special epoxy solution to give it extra strength. This solution is also good for keeping the joists, beams and floor edges protected against the elements.
When installing slab floors, the subfloor should be leveled properly and the baseboard or ridge cap must be installed properly. All loose blocks and large pieces of debris must be removed before laying the slab. Once the floor is laid, the subfloor is reinstalled and repaired or replaced if necessary.
For those who need an economical solution that still has all of the charm and elegance of traditional wooden flooring, there are solid ground floor systems. These systems use a skid base and the floor leveler, which keep the subfloor flat and extends through the entire floor. Since these systems do not have an underlying slab, the floor must be poured over a pad or foundation, which keeps the floor flat and in place. These systems are quite expensive but are extremely hard-wearing and durable. They require less maintenance and can be finished in a variety of wood tones, from dark to light finishes. Solid ground floors may also be installed on concrete bases