Floor framing system consists of three types: wood, steel, and concrete. The wood flooring framing system can either be platform or balloon framing. Platform framing is a process of framing each floor of the house separately while balloon framing is the vertical stud that extends the full height of the building structure. Platform framing is what is called a light frame while balloon framing is a heavy timber frame. As for the steel floor framing, it can either be done with an open web steel joist with concrete in metal decking or it can be with concrete in metal decking. Using steel for the floor framing is great for durability and is more resistant to pests, unlike wood framing.
The image to the right is an example of a steel flooring system. Lastly, a concrete floor system is when slabs are poured into place on-site or off-site. Concrete also offers durability, especially in bigger structures; concrete is also resistant to fire, water, and odors. Additionally, it is a more sustainable material due to contributing to good air quality and reducing energy.
While there are limited floor framing systems, there are multiple interior floor materials that can be used as long as they meet building code requirements. The simplest way to narrow down interior floor materials is by hard surfaces and soft surfaces. Hard surfaces consist of concrete, brick, stone, terrazzo, and ceramic tile. While soft surfaces include carpet, wood, and any resilient flooring such as bamboo, cork, and rubber. There are pros and cons to each type of surface, it ultimately comes down to whether a client wants to focus on durability, comfort, or aesthetics.
The image above indicates the hard flooring types.
Floor installation is a crucial step in constructing a building's functioning surface from flooring components. The preparation of the subfloor, which must be clean, level, and dry to guarantee a sturdy foundation, is the first of several crucial procedures. To fix any flaws, subfloor repairs can be required. To avoid moisture-related problems and add stability, the following stage usually entails installing an underlayment or moisture barrier. The flooring material of choice is carefully installed after the subfloor is complete. A long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing, and structurally sound surface that improves the aesthetics and functioning of space is ensured by proper floor installation, which is crucial for both functionalities.
DESIGN OF CHICAGO EXPERIENCE
On the topic of flooring and sustainability flooring, I visited Design of Chicago this week which allowed me to visit different showrooms, flooring companies, and fabric companies. Specifically talking about flooring this week, I interviewed two companies that specialized in flooring.
The first company had hardware and tile showcased throughout. I went up to a sales representative and asked them which flooring was the most sustainable. They stated that their antique flooring is the most sustainable due to the long levity of the flooring and what it is made of. The flooring is made from beeswax and also sealed with oil and refinished LEED. In more detail, the salesperson explained that a pre-finished material is better than a site-finished material which is when the material is being finished in a factory or lab. The antique flooring he is referring to is also FFC-certified and has been reused for 100 years making it very sustainable.
The image to the right shows the ancient flooring and different design types.
The second company was a leather company that specialized in leather flooring and materials. Before going into the company's showroom, I never considered or realized that leather was a choice of flooring, let alone a sustainable choice. Leather is sustainable due to it being made from animals and the beef industry as well as it lasting over 100 years. Leather flooring is an expensive flooring but it is also very durable. The sales associate at this company kept on saying that leather flooring is cold in the summer and warm in the winter which draws a lot of customers to choose leather flooring. While there are positives to flooring, the negative to having it, it cannot survive a lot of excessive water exposure. This means that leather flooring will not be good in kitchens, laundry rooms, or bathrooms.
Izzy,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed how you explained the different types of framing that came with the different types of material well. The pictures you used, I also felt were extremely helpful in understanding the summary of the chapter. I appreciated the depth you went into when talking about flooring insulation and the process you must go through. Your application was easy to follow and you explained what we learned in a way that will help reader gain a greater understanding on this topic.
Izzy,
ReplyDeleteYour blog does a very good job at providing a thorough examination of the various flooring materials and construction methods. It discusses the three primary forms of floor frames—concrete, steel, and wood—and why each is robust and resistant to particular problems. The distinction between hard and soft floor materials is also explained, along with how each fits with what buyers want. The explanation from a visit to Design of Chicago, where you learned about environmentally friendly flooring options like strong leather floors that retain heat in the cold and antique floors made of beeswax was very cool. You definitely taught us a lot about how floors are constructed and which materials are suitable for both professionals and clients.
Izzy,
ReplyDeleteYour blog was a good summary of the reading and provides some great photos along with it. I especially appreciate the description for each photo. Your paragraph on insulation was especially detailed and in depth. I enjoyed our Design Chicago trip and learned a lot, so I enjoyed reading your similar summary!
Izzy,
ReplyDeleteExcellent Blog post on all of the considerations we must think about when specifying flooring. Flooring was one area that caught me off guard when I first started to practicing interior design. There is so much to understand. You seem to have a good understanding . I really appreciate the time and attention you give to your Blogs. Your whole presentation is very interesting.
50/50 Total Points