Raised Floor Types in Terms of Installation Methods, Panel Materials, Finishes

There are many different types of raised floors to adapt to different environments and places. In this article let's explore the types of raised floors based on the installation method, panel material, and surface material!

Raised Access Floor Types in Installations, Panel Materials, Finishes

The raised floor is an access floor with a space under the floor and the ground is doubled. It is also called a free-access floor or double floor. The purpose of duplicating the floor is to make the network wiring (PC power supply, LAN cable, etc.) that tends to be cluttered on the floor refreshed by passing it to the space under the floor. Although it is not noticeable at a glance, it is often used in offices and other places where wiring is required, such as commercial facilities, factories, and schools. Some recent buildings are designed with the premise that they will be raised floors. Let's take a look at the types of raised floors.

1. Raised floor type [Installation method]

There are roughly two types of access floor installation methods. We will explain in detail.

● Stationary type

The stationary type is a construction type in which panels with predetermined lengths of support legs are installed side by side on the floor like tiles, and speedy construction is possible because there is no need for marking or gluing. Although it is lightweight and does not put a burden on the floor, it is not possible to adjust the level of the current floor is uneven. There is a merit that the construction period and cost can be suppressed.

● Support type

The support type, called the level adjustment type and the support adjustment type, can freely adjust the height of the support legs, and even if it is uneven on the current floor surface, such as a floor where steps are conspicuous, it is possible to create a horizontal floor surface by adjusting the support legs. The entire floor can be used to hide the wiring, and if you give room for height, you can store thick wiring. Since the support legs are firmly fixed to the original floor, it is also excellent in earthquake resistance. The construction period and cost are relatively high compared to the laying type.

2. Raised floor type [Panel Material]

There are three commonly used materials for raised floors: resin, metal, and concrete. I will explain the characteristics of each material.

● Resin

Since resin is a light material, the burden on the floor can be reduced. Since it is easy to carry, it is easy to change the layout. The price is also relatively low and it will be easy to introduce.

On the other hand, the load capacity tends to be weak, so if many people use the floor or if you are concerned about the weight of the furniture or equipment to be installed, consider another material. Since resin is easy to hear footsteps, it is necessary to take measures against sound absorption.

● Metal

Metal is a high-strength and easy-to-walk material. The weight you can withstand varies from panel to panel, so choose the one that suits your office. Also, if it is made of metal, there are many companies that collect panels and reuse / recycle them when the raised floor is no longer needed due to moving out or remodeling. However, the material and installation costs are higher than those made of resin.

● Concrete

Concrete has excellent load bearing capacity, and the noise when walking is almost unnoticeable. It also has the effect of preventing "noise" that causes poor communication and machine malfunction. On the other hand, the material cost is the highest among the three materials introduced this time. In addition, since it is treated as industrial waste at the time of disposal, it is necessary to follow the disposal method according to the rules.

3. Raised floor finishing material

Finishing materials are also required to create raised floors. Tile carpets and vinyl chloride tiles are laid and fixed on the raised floor for sound insulation, deodorization, antifouling, antistatic, disaster prevention, etc. Generally, we do not use floor mats found in general stores and interior shops. Be sure to choose one that is exclusively for raised floors.

There are plenty of finishing colors and materials to choose from, so look for one that suits your office interior. Please consider the time and effort of installation and the method of installation.