Fixed Floors

FIG 39.1

You can also fix direct to joists (Fig 39). However a minimum of 6mm ply (another option is to use 18mm chipboard as this may be cheaper, but remember the thickness buildup) as an intermediate layer is required to support the butt joints of the boards which may land between joists. The ply is required to be fixed to the joists.

By putting down ply or chipboard it will enable the other trades (plasters, decorators etc) to complete there work quicker and safely prior to the hardwood floor being installed.

The absence of the need to cut the lengths of flooring back to the joist supports means a greatly reduced waste factor in the use of the floor.

Chipboard etc is cheaper than hardwood flooring!

FIG 39-2

FIG 40

FIG 40

It is possible to fix your ply sheets direct to the screed. This is not necessary but some builders feel happier doing it this way. It will not have a detrimental effect on the floor.

Floors can also be screwed and plugged direct to the screed. The advantage f this is that it saves the height (20mm wood and 20mm of ply). But it is very time consuming. (Fig 41)

Not for the faint hearted.