Floor definition
Approved document C, Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture, suggests that a ‘floor’ can be defined as the: 'Lower horizontal surface of any space in a building including finishes that are laid as part of the permanent construction.'
A floor typically provides:
- Structural support for the contents of the room, its occupants, and the weight of the floor itself.
- Resistance to the passage of moisture, heat and sound.
- A surface finish which may contribute to the look, feel and acoustics of a space.
- Sometimes it may also form an integral part of the primary structure of the building.
- It may also include elements of building services, such as wiring, pipework, ducting, drainage, lighting, ventilation and so on.
The surface finish of a floor is generally referred to as flooring. For more information see: Flooring.
Types of floor include; floating floor, separating floor, sprung floor, raised floor, and so on. For more information, see Types of floor. For more information see: Types of floor.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Basement v cellar.
- Beam and block.
- Concrete floor.
- Cork flooring.
- Deck.
- Decking.
- Domestic floors: Part 1: Construction, insulation and damp proofing.
- Floating floor.
- Floor void.
- Flooring.
- Flooring defects.
- Glass bottle floor foundation.
- Plenum.
- Raised floor.
- Resilient flooring.
- Rubber flooring.
- Screed.
- Separating floor.
- Sprung floor.
- Storey.
- Types of floor.
Featured articles and news
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.
Heritage staff wellbeing at work survey.
A five minute introduction.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Showcasing the very best electrotechnical and engineering services for half a century.
Welsh government consults on HRBs and reg changes
Seeking feedback on a new regulatory regime and a broad range of issues.
CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) March 2025
Free download covering statutory dutyholder roles under the Building Safety Act and much more.
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.