Raised floor: structure and advantages for interiors and exteriors

The raised floor represents a highly functional architectural and engineering solution, used in a wide variety of contexts (offices, shopping centers, industrial spaces, etc.). This type of flooring is designed to create a void space between the floor and the underlying base, allowing the installation of systems and wiring without compromising the aesthetics and functionality of the spaces. Let’s analyze all the details.

Raised floor: what is it

The raised floor, also known as a “floating floor” or “floating platform,” is a system that elevates the support plane (flooring) to a higher level than the slab: in this way, an interstitial space is created between the building’s supporting structure and the walking surface. The raised floor includes panels supported on a substructure of columns and/or beams or other components depending on the case and provides a supporting structure for finishing a building.

The raised floor is an excellent solution for both indoor and outdoor environments, let’s find out why.

Raised floors for indoors

The indoor raised floor is a modern architectural solution designed to optimize space and system management in commercial buildings, offices, and other environments.

The structure

The indoor raised floor consists of several main components:

• modular panels: generally square in shape (60×60 cm is the standard size), forming the surface of the floor. The panels can be made of various materials, including:
  • high-density chipboard: material with good mechanical characteristics, often coated with plastic laminate, wood, or other aesthetic materials;
  • calcium sulfate: non-combustible material with excellent mechanical, acoustic, and fire resistance properties;
  • steel or aluminum: used for applications requiring high mechanical strength or electromagnetic protection;
• support structure: consisting of a grid of beams and adjustable height pedestals. The latter are made of galvanized steel or composite materials and allow supporting the panels at a certain height from the existing floor, creating the necessary space for the passage of systems. It is possible to use:
  • pedestals: vertical elements that adjust the height of the raised floor with the possibility of adjusting the height to compensate for any irregularities in the floor;
  • beams: horizontal elements that connect the pedestals and support the panels, contributing to the structural stability of the entire system.

Materials used

The selection of materials for the raised floor panels is fundamental and varies according to the specific application needs. Steel panels are commonly used for their strength and durability, making them ideal for high-traffic commercial and industrial environments. These panels can be coated with various materials, such as vinyl or carpet, to enhance aesthetics and comfort. On the other hand, wood panels offer a warmer and more welcoming appearance, making them suitable for residential spaces or offices where a comfortable environment is desired. Finally, composite materials, which combine lightness and strength, are often used in specialized applications where particular attention to weight and stability is required.

The advantages

One of the main advantages of the raised floor is the ability to conceal and organize a wide range of technological systems beneath the walking surface. This includes electrical wiring, network systems, piping for plumbing and air conditioning systems, and air distribution systems. The ease of access to these systems allows for quick and non-invasive maintenance interventions, reducing downtime.

The raised floor allows for great flexibility in the distribution of interior spaces. Panels can be easily removed and repositioned, allowing for a quick reconfiguration of environments without the need for invasive construction work. This is particularly useful in offices and data centers, where space needs can change frequently.

Thanks to the possibility of using sound-absorbing materials for the panels and support structure, the raised floor can contribute to improving the acoustics of environments, reducing footstep noise and enhancing overall acoustic comfort.

In some cases, the raised floor can contribute to the energy efficiency of the building by integrating air distribution systems or underfloor heating. Furthermore, the easy access to the systems allows for continuous optimization of energy and air conditioning distribution.

Raised floors for outdoor spaces

Raised floors for outdoor spaces are an innovative and versatile solution for creating walkable surfaces in outdoor areas such as terraces, gardens, commercial areas, and pedestrian paths. This type of flooring offers numerous advantages, including rainwater management, ease of installation, and the ability to create aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces.

The structure

The structure of a raised floor for outdoor spaces is similar to that of indoor floors but presents some significant differences to adapt to environmental conditions. The support structure of raised floors for outdoor spaces consists of adjustable pedestals and crosspieces, similar to indoor systems but with some differences:

• pedestals: made of materials resistant to UV rays and weather agents, such as reinforced polypropylene. These pedestals are adjustable in height to adapt to uneven terrain and may include gaskets to improve stability and sound insulation;
• crosspieces: can be made of aluminum, galvanized steel, or composite materials, designed to resist corrosion and offer greater stability to the structure.

The panels used in raised floors for outdoor spaces must be designed to support heavy loads and withstand harsh external conditions. The standard dimensions of the panels are generally 60×60 cm but can vary depending on the project requirements. The panels can be monolithic (composed of a single material) or laminated, where an aesthetic top layer is bonded to a sturdy support core.

Proper design must consider the necessary slopes to facilitate water drainage. The floor surface can be slightly inclined, or pedestals with integrated slopes can be used to achieve the desired drainage. There are several elements to consider for designing a raised floor effectively, but with the help of building design software, you can do it safely and professionally.

Raised floor designed with Edificius

The main components of an outdoor raised floor include:

• panels: made of weather-resistant materials (such as ceramic, PVC composites, treated wood, or recycled materials), panels are designed to withstand adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and UV rays. The choice of material not only affects durability but also the aesthetics of the floor;
• supports: supports for outdoor raised floors are designed to ensure stability and strength, often made of stainless steel or durable plastic. These supports can be adjustable to adapt to different heights and ensure a level surface;
• drainage system: an important aspect of outdoor raised floors is the drainage system. Creating a void space under the panels allows for the management of rainwater, avoiding stagnation and infiltrations, and helping to keep the surface dry and safe.

Materials

Outdoor raised floors require the use of specific materials that guarantee durability and performance in exposed environments:

• ceramic or porcelain stoneware: these materials are widely used for their resistance to weather agents, ease of maintenance, and aesthetics. Porcelain stoneware is particularly appreciated for its frost and abrasion resistance;
• natural stone: granite, basalt, and other natural stones offer high mechanical resistance and a prestigious aesthetic, but require careful selection to ensure good frost resistance;
• treated or composite wood: wood used for outdoor floors is treated to resist weather agents. Alternatively, composite materials (WPC – Wood Plastic Composite) combine wood fibers with polymers to offer greater strength and durability than natural wood;
• concrete: concrete panels can be used for outdoor surfaces due to their robustness and stability, often coated to improve aesthetics and resistance.

The raised floor must be designed and manufactured to offer mechanical resistance and stability so that the expected load during use does not cause deformation or collapse. Panels must be manufactured with dimensions that allow interchangeability.

Advantages

Outdoor raised floors offer numerous advantages, including:

• water management: thanks to their raised structure, these floors facilitate the drainage of rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding and structural damage. Ventilation under the panels helps keep the underlying materials dry, preventing mold and fungi formation;
• design flexibility: raised floors can be designed in various styles and colors, allowing for customization of outdoor spaces based on aesthetic preferences. This flexibility is particularly useful in commercial and residential contexts where visual appearance is crucial;
• ease of installation and maintenance: installing outdoor raised floors is generally simpler than traditional floors, as it does not require complex subfloor work. Additionally, maintenance is facilitated by direct access to facilities and structures underneath, allowing for quick interventions when needed;
• sustainability: many materials used for raised floors are recyclable and sustainable, helping to reduce environmental impact. Moreover, the integration of drainage systems and rainwater management helps preserve water resources.

Raised floor acoustic insulation

Raised floors, thanks to their modular structure and the gap created between the floor and the slab, offer unique opportunities to improve acoustic insulation. Acoustic insulation becomes a fundamental aspect in the design and installation of the floors, especially in commercial environments and offices, where acoustic comfort influences productivity and the well-being of occupants.

The choice of materials is crucial to ensure adequate acoustic insulation in raised floors. The materials used must have good sound-absorbing properties to reduce sound transmission through the floor. This is particularly important to attenuate footstep noises and vibrations generated by daily activities. It is essential that the raised floor minimizes noise transmission between different levels of a building. This implies the use of materials and installation techniques that prevent sound from propagating through the structure.

Vibrations can be transmitted through the supports and panels. Good acoustic insulation must also consider reducing vibrations, which can affect not only acoustic comfort but also the stability of the structure.

Some of the most common materials used for acoustic insulation of raised floors are:

• sound-absorbing panels: these panels can be made of materials such as calcium sulfate or treated wood (sound-absorbing materials), both capable of absorbing sound waves. Wood panels, in particular, offer good elasticity and flexibility, helping to reduce footstep noise;
• acoustic insulation layers: inserting layers of sound-absorbing materials, such as acoustic foams or rubber membranes, between the panel and the support structure can significantly improve the acoustic performance of the floor;
• surface coverings: the choice of the upper covering can influence acoustic insulation. Coverings like carpet or soft materials can help absorb sound, while hard materials like ceramic or stone tend to reflect sound.

Creating an adequate gap is crucial. This gap must be designed to allow the insertion of sound-absorbing materials and to ensure that there are no acoustic bridges that can transmit sound. The use of insulating supports (such as rubber feet or elastic materials) can reduce vibration transmission and improve overall acoustic insulation. It is important to seal any cracks or joints between the panels to prevent sound transmission through these spaces. The use of elastic seals can help create an effective acoustic barrier.