Sub Floor Framing Over Cement Slab

An illustrated look at how a typical wood frame floor is built including sublooring and more.

Sub floor framing over cement slab.

On wood frame floors the subflooring provides a continuous structural surface over the floor joists. Use a digital moisture detector to measure the moisture content mc of the concrete slab. Lay 6 mil polyethylene sheeting over the concrete to minimize moisture migration from the concrete up into the wood flooring. You can create a floor that is appealing and that will act a barrier between the cold cement and your interior.

If the subfloor doesn t have enough stability you can usually but not always remedy the situation by installing cement backer board also called cementboard. Installing a floating subfloor over your cement floor can add warmth homeliness and character to your room. When installing a ceramic tile floor on a concrete subfloor you don t have to worry about flexing as long as the concrete slab is at least 1 1 8 inch thick which most slabs are. Learn how to install beautiful hardwood floors over a concrete slab.

Follow the steps below to begin preparations for this process. Raised floors are more resilient under foot and provide access for heating equipment insulation plumbing wiring and other mechanical. Treated plywood to the concrete with concrete screws spaced every 16 in. Alternatively screw rows of treated 1x4s to the concrete 16 in.

Get a comprehensive breakdown on which materials to use what to take into consideration and what steps to take for four subfloor systems. Check your local building code and pay special attention to rules concerning vapor barriers span ratings subfloor thickness and floor drains. Local and national codes contain specific requirements for framed floors and you should consult your local building department before beginning this project. Though some floors are built on a concrete slab flat on the ground most floors are raised above the ground.

The subfloor is the foundation beneath finish flooring materials.