A raised flooring, also known as floating flooring or floating floor system, is a modern, practical answer to the increasing demands for efficient homes in terms of energy saving and living comfort. The raised flooring system is dry insulated and has modular, interchangeable panels laid on a steel structure. This allows for the actual treadable surface to be increased and for technical piping to be laid underneath, such as the electrical, water or telecommunication systems. It also provides easy access in the event of maintenance work thanks to the removal of the individual panels. The modularity of the raised flooring also allows for the conformation to be changed according to the evolving practical or aesthetic requirements of a structure.
Raised flooring in porcelain stoneware and other materials
Raised flooring panels are the result of a combination of different materials. The panel core, or rather the support, is produced in a mixture of wood, in calcium sulphate or porcelain stoneware, based on the required specifications at the design stage and desired thickness, to meet and adapt perfectly to any aesthetic or practical demand. On the support perimeter, a plastic trim is attached that acts as an interstitial grout line, available in a variety of colours and thicknesses. The surface below the panel core is generally coated in aluminium or steel, and can remain unfinished only with a porcelain support because it is the only support that does not absorb water or dampness.
Lastly, we find the panel coating, that is, the visible, treadable surface of the raised flooring. Of all the coatings available on the market, the porcelain stoneware raised flooring is undoubtedly the most popular, thanks to its aesthetic quality and excellent technical performance. Particularly well suited to environments under constant pressure like public buildings, hospitals or airports, the porcelain stoneware raised flooring has a highly resistant, long-lasting compact structure as well as creating a varied and pleasant aesthetic impact.
The porcelain stoneware raised flooring, while being the most popular and widespread, is not the only option available. A raised flooring can be covered with:
- Stone: that is, natural materials like marble, granite, stone, travertine, also generally known as “quarry products”: these are coverings for raised flooring cut with splitting processes;
- Rubber, obtained from natural rubber, from synthetic parts coming from the processing of benzines and reinforced mineral additives. Rubber is a flame-proof material and resistant to chemical agents, although less performing compared to a porcelain stoneware raised flooring;
- Plastic laminates, with a blend of wood shaving and fibre, amalgamated thanks to the use of thermal-hardening resins. This kind of coating for raised flooring offers high resistance to chemical products and the natural ageing process, typically found in other materials;
- Vinyl, also known as PVC, a plastic material achieved from a petroleum and salt blend, with excellent technical performance at a reasonable price;
- Linoleum, natural covering achieved from a blend of flaxseed oil, vegetable resins, sawdust and colouring pigments;
- Parquet, natural wooden flooring, generally laid in a way that forms a precise figure or geometrical shape. Natural wood is very delicate and subject to ageing and wear. This is why, nowadays, there is often a tendency to opt for porcelain stone raised flooring with wood effect;
- Glass, opaque or transparent, resistant and with excellent thermal-acoustic insulation, almost on a par with porcelain stone raised flooring, thanks to at least three layers for a minimum total of 30 millimetres of thickness;
- Carpet, textile-style raised flooring method;
- Reconstructed materials, with a selection of different kinds of materials, and a look similar to that of a Venetian terrace.
Why choose a porcelain stoneware raised flooring?
Of all the materials available on the market, porcelain stoneware raised flooring is the most popular and widespread, as it offers the best performance in technical terms and is more versatile in terms of appearance. It is also capable of reproducing the effect of other materials as is the case with wood-effect porcelain stoneware raised flooring or stone effect.
The main advantages given by the choice of a porcelain stoneware raised flooring include:
- Extremely effective acoustic insulation: never again the noise of footsteps in your office;
- Thermal insulation and subsequent saving in financial terms;
- Widespread improvement of living comfort;
- Excellent aesthetic impact and a wide range of choices, thanks to the numerous possible configurations like the wood-effect porcelain stoneware raised flooring or stone effect;
- Produced in line with the most modern construction criteria, the porcelain stoneware raised flooring is fitted dry and guarantees simple laying and fast completion of the work. Furthermore, it does not involve the demolition of pre-existing flooring;
- Simple maintenance with the removal of the individual panels, thanks to the arrangement of the piping under the raised flooring, for a focused intervention that does not involve heavy building work;
- It is also extremely easy to clean porcelain stoneware raised flooring, involving simple care and the use of readily available neutral products;
- Flexibility in time and space; the porcelain stoneware raised flooring can be moved, re-used or re-arranged over the years according to changing needs, as well as not being restricted by the planning of piping and, therefore, highly customisable;
- The porcelain stoneware raised flooring suits all kinds of environments, including public buildings, subject to frequent tread like stations, airports and endless others;
- The ideal solution for the creation of swimming pool edging, thanks to its excellent water-tightness;
- Even during renovation work, stone porcelain raised flooring is recommended because the structure does not weigh down on the existing floor, especially in the case of old buildings where it is important to preserve the original flooring.
