Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jul 07, 2013 11:43 am Are there any benefits of constructing second level flooring out of wood (loft) instead of concrete (proper 2-story)? Just looking at the pro's and con's of the floor type. Thanks. Re: Concrete v wood for second level floor? 2Jul 08, 2013 8:24 am I don't understand the question; because most "proper 2-storey" houses are made with a wooden frame, and hence the floor of the top storey is usually some kind of flooring laid over the top of a wooden frame. It's not uncommon to have a fully concrete structure, but the wooden structure is much more common (eg. I've not seen a single project-home builder in Sydney who offers a concrete structure). However, your reference to "loft" makes me wonder if you're talking about something different? Re: Concrete v wood for second level floor? 3Jul 08, 2013 9:46 pm Depends where you live - here in WA we tend to build in double brick so a properly constructed 2 storey house would have a concrete slab for the second storey floor. But if it is a more budget build sometimes the second storey is timber framed. I would imagine for a loft type house timber would be sufficient and much cheaper. Re: Concrete v wood for second level floor? 4Jul 08, 2013 9:57 pm Thanks for the response. I think you have understood but I will clarify. We were originally looking at a loft home, for which the builders we have spoken to explained has a wooden structure for the top level floor. However, one builder we have spoken to will build a 'proper 2-story' home with the same budget. By 'proper 2-story' I was referring to a concrete structure as the floor on the top level, which I thought was normal/common (we are in WA). So my question was really "why would I choose a wooden floor over a concrete floor?". I was trying to avoid the loft v traditional 2-story debate, but rather focus on the type of second level floor structure. I got no idea of the proper terminology for building, so thanks for your patience. Re: Concrete v wood for second level floor? 5Jul 08, 2013 10:22 pm I would think if you can get concrete for the same cost as timber, then go for concrete. I can't think of a reason to choose timber in preference to concrete. But just make sure all the other specifications are similar. You may be getting the concrete floor but other items may be of a lesser standard than the other builder. Re: Concrete v wood for second level floor? 6Jul 09, 2013 8:14 am If concrete is normal in WA, that could explain why it costs the same there ... the "normal" thing, which every builder does, tends to be the cheapest. The only downsides I can think-of with concrete relate to poor construction; because it's more rigid, if you get movement in the house & it's not properly built/reinforced you might get cracks. And there's also concrete cancer. But on the flipside, it's quieter without needing to add a whole bunch on noise-insulation. And it's got to be more insulative as well; keeping the heat or the cold within the room you're using. Plus, if you want tiles upstairs (like we do) you don't have to lay extra stuff down in order to avoid the movement you get in wood & which causes problems with tiles; and if you're trying to build a comfortable house which uses the available breezes & sunlight you can even just finish-off the concrete nicely in your north-facing rooms and allow the summer sun to heat-up the upstairs floor; saving on heating bills. If it'd been the same price (nay - if it had been an option - it isn't in Sydney unless you go custom-built) we'd probably have gone with a concrete floor ... maybe even paid a little more for it. Re: Concrete v wood for second level floor? 7Jul 09, 2013 12:09 pm The only down side I can imagine to concrete might be making sure you are completely planned for heating wiring etc before.they pour. Including any cabling for networks hifi etc. 2 Re: Concrete v wood for second level floor? 8Jul 09, 2013 12:10 pm Not just for 2 nd floor but also for ground floor for.lighting etc make sure you are 100% happy with lighting placement 2 Re: Concrete v wood for second level floor? 9Jul 09, 2013 12:13 pm And ducted aircon/ reverse cycle? How does the ducting work.with concrete flooring? 2 isn't a garage level with the rest of the house a given? pretty sure they 'came around' long time ago. if you have a flat block, the garage is usually level with the rest… 1 17414 interesting situation what happened after builder issued final invoice? did you list as defect or not does the building surveyor have any responsibility? ie. issuing… 13 46806 Hi team, Im looking for a second hand sd4b monitor preferably white. 0 8900 |