Building a wooden floor upstairs is a complex operation. If you’re not very physically skilled, it’s better to call a professional. Here’s how to do it.
What are upstairs wooden floors made of?
Floors are made of wooden planks. These planks are supported by load-bearing elements such as joists (for modern wooden floors) and beams (for older floors).
How are the joists fixed?
On modern wooden floors, joists are fixed to the walls using joist hangers. These are attached to modern walls using anchor bolts or chemical anchoring. On older walls, joist hangers are fixed using ledger boards. This is a thin wooden plank that is firmly attached to the masonry using anchor bolts.
How to build the wooden floor upstairs?
First, install the beam that runs through the wall on both sides. Then fix the joists perpendicular to the beam. The joists should be fixed at a distance of 16 inches between them. For rooms with a heavier load, it’s preferable to fix the joists at a distance of 16 inches between them. You can then install cross braces between the joists. These serve to prevent the joists from twisting.
What you need to know about wooden floors upstairs
Moisture is less of a problem
When you decide to install a floor upstairs, one of the advantages is that moisture is generally less present upstairs. You can therefore use types of wood for the floor that would not normally be possible on the first level of your home or in the basement.
Consider thermal and acoustic insulation
When installing a floor upstairs, consider the question of thermal and acoustic insulation. The connection, as well as the height of the joists, can play a significant role. The same applies if you decide to install a possible staircase in addition. So think carefully about all these considerations and don’t hesitate to get help from a professional.
Water pipes and electrical system
As soon as you have the idea of installing a wooden floor upstairs, also think about how your water piping system and electrical system could fit with it. You will indeed need to ensure that access to these systems is easily accessible. To best prepare for this, we advise you to call on professionals.
Therefore, when you think about building a wooden floor upstairs, several considerations need to be taken into account. In addition to the various things to think about regarding the floor, other essential elements must be considered, making the necessary work more complex. So remember to surround yourself with the necessary professionals such as a flooring expert.
