If you’re considering fitting wood flooring straight to joists, one of the most important things to establish is that the joists aren’t located too far apart. Furthermore, from an insulation and comfort and economy point of view, it is also important to confirm that the space below the joists is heated or at least protected from the passage of cold air and dampness before deciding to fit hardwood flooring straight to joists.
While it is perfectly feasible to fit solid wood flooring or engineered flooring directly to joists, in certain instances, it may be a good idea to consider laying a plywood or chipboard sub floor first as an alternative. Here are just a few of the reasons why:
In a new build situation or in a conversion project, the plywood or chipboard sub floor will provide a helpful surface on which to carry out your second fix activities.
Introducing plywood or chipboard will help make the laying of your wood floor quicker, safer and easier.
Introducing plywood or chipboard will remove any doubts you may have about the spacing of your joists and will avoid the need for noggins or braces.
All of that said, if you do decide to go ahead and lay your hardwood flooring straight to your joists, here’s a few helpful pointers:
Make sure your wood flooring is at least 18mm thick.
Make sure the centre point of the first joist is not more than 450mm away from the centre point of the next joist (the term often used for this is that the joists should have no more than 450mm centres).
If your joists are spaced at intervals of more than 450mm, you’ll need to use noggins or braces to provide stability. Put very simply, noggins are pieces of wood and braces are made of steel. Both noggins and braces can be placed between joists to provide additional support, allowing hardwood flooring to be fitted straight to joists and ensuring a stable end result.
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FAQ
1. What should be considered before fitting wood flooring straight to joists?
Before fitting wood flooring straight to joists, it is important to ensure the joists aren’t spaced too far apart. It’s also crucial to confirm that the space below the joists is heated or protected from cold air and dampness for insulation, comfort, and economy purposes.
2. Can both solid and engineered wood flooring be fitted directly to joists?
Yes, it is perfectly feasible to fit both solid wood flooring and engineered flooring directly to joists. However, in certain instances, it might be advantageous to consider laying a plywood or chipboard subfloor first.
3. Why might it be beneficial to lay a plywood or chipboard subfloor before installing wood flooring?
Laying a plywood or chipboard subfloor can make the installation of the wood flooring quicker, safer, and easier. It also removes any concerns about the spacing of the joists and avoids the need for noggins or braces.
4. What thickness should wood flooring be if it is being fitted straight to joists?
The wood flooring should be at least 18mm thick when being fitted straight to joists to ensure a stable and sturdy finish.
5. What should be done if the joists are spaced at intervals of more than 450mm?
If the joists are spaced at intervals of more than 450mm, it’s recommended to use noggins (pieces of wood) or braces (made of steel) to provide additional support and ensure a stable end result.