How to Avoid Strange Sensations When You Install a New Floor
Posted on: 11 November 2018
If you have a particularly fertile imagination and plan to build a brand-new home, some of your ideas may be somewhat "out there." There's nothing wrong with this, necessarily, and it's the reason why you work with an architect and designer anyway, so that they can temper your enthusiasm. For example, you may have lofty goals in mind when it comes to the layout of your great room or family space, and while they may comply with regulations in general, they could create issues in practical terms. Why do you need to think more carefully about the flooring setup in particular?
Odd Sensations
Have you ever walked along the floor in a particular room and feel as if you are "floating" to a certain extent? Alternatively, you might have walked on top of a hardwood surface and heard dishes rattling on nearby shelves. You may think this is simply a by-product of the home design and something to be expected, but it is an inevitable result of poor installation or a job that has been rushed.
Stretching It Out
A good architect or designer will tell you to avoid certain design principles if you are to eliminate this type of bounce or shake. For example, if you do choose an open floor plan, try to make sure that the flooring is not stretched when it comes to the placement of joists. The materials used may be perfectly fit for the purpose, but they will simply deflect as people walk on top.
Centre Features
You may be installing an island in the centre of a kitchen, which will be the centrepiece of the entire structure. These features are typically fairly narrow but relatively tall and a designer may place them right on top of a central joist. This may provide stability, but it creates additional pressure points where the wood underneath meets the base of the island and you can certainly expect some adverse results when everything has been finished.
Framing It Properly
It's not practical to create a floor surface that is so solid it doesn't permit any flexibility at all. Furthermore, if you really want hardwood flooring, then you should stick with your choice but make sure you put a lot of effort into floor framing instead.
The Better Approach
Remember to trust the experts, and talk through your plans in great detail before going ahead. In this way, you can enjoy the look, feel and sound of your new room, without walking on egg shells all the time.
Share