What are raised floors?

Technical raised floors, also known as "raised access floors” according to UNE EN 12825, are very useful solutions for the concealment of different types of installations such as air conditioning units, wires, pipes, etc.

With a raised floor you can achieve an attractive and perfectly functionable floor while also simply and quickly concealing these types of installations.

In fact, their simple assembly and installation is one of their main benefits, but they also have plenty more:

• They can have adjustable plinths, which can help to practically level out the original floor space.
• They are known for their resistance, which makes them ideal for high traffic areas.
• In the case of wear and tear, or if you want to change the selected finish, it is very simple to remove and replace these floors. There is also the option of not having to change the entire floor, but rather just those panels that you would like to replace for new ones.
• These floors also stand out for their durability, and with the right maintenance and care can keep on shining for many, many years, as if they were still brand new.
• In fact, they are very easy to clean. They are also incredibly versatile, and can be installed in a home, in an office, or even in different outdoor settings.

What types of raised floors are there?

When it comes to raised floor finishes, there are countless design possibilities.

These types of floors are usually selected based on the features they need to have, and whether they are more suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Raised outdoor floors 

Raised outdoor floors can be used to correct or conceal any existing floor or ground space. These provide a much more aesthetic and attractive finish and can also be used to level off any uneven ground.

For significant uneven levels raised outdoor floors also have open joints meaning that drainage is not an issue. The water will be drained from the waterproof areas to the closest drain.

This is one of the most recommended options for uneven ground, as in most cases it can be used to level up to 2% of inclination, if not more, using wedges and mortars in this case. 

They also reduce the weight of a structure and the overall project costs as there is no need for a concrete base.

Furthermore, the empty space between the ground and the floor means that there is a constant air flow. This helps with waterproofing and insulation.

They are also excellent and resistant flooring options which can be used outdoors, as their structure can support a lot of weight as well as constant footfall.

Raised indoor floors 

Raised indoor floors are also very popular, both in private homes and in areas with more traffic such as offices or shops.

One of their main features is the acoustic insulation they provide between those rooms which have this flooring installed.

This also adds to their overall comfort, which must be considered when choosing your ideal flooring.

In terms of maintenance, they are also plenty of significant benefits. As they are changeable modules, the systems installed beneath these floors can be easily inspected, at any time.

This facilitates any work that needs to be done to any cables, pipes, or any other items in said space.

This is one of the major benefits of installing raised floor in offices and professional settings too.

It is more common to see these types of systems in professional spaces, and often their wiring needs to be replaced or repair work needs to be done. 

Thanks to raised floors, any work that needs to be carried out to these systems can be done quickly and at a reduced cost.

Better materials for raised floors

If you are looking for a raised floor that guarantees the best possible performance, Dekton is one of the most highly recommended brands in the sector.

It is a sophisticated combination of over 20 minerals extracted from nature and adapted using its exclusive TSP technology, making it possible to synthesize mineral particles by bonding them to each other.

Dekton is the ideal material for countless projects, from cladding and panels to kitchen worktops, outdoor worktops, bathroom counters, shower plates, sinks, facades, and also floors.

With its different finishes, it can be used for both indoor and outdoor flooring and can even be used in wet areas or for special projects, such as raised floors.

Dekton allows you to create raised walkways, where you can conceal any installations beneath the material itself. For these types of projects, Cosentino recommends a 20mm thickness with meshing on the bottom side.

Dekton is one of Cosentino’s most highly recommended brands due to, among other factors, its high performance physical-mechanical characteristics, which make it possible to enjoy its multiple other benefits. 

For example, it is highly resistant to abrasion, which is one of the most common factors for wear and tear on all kinds of flooring.

This material is resistant to deep abrasions, as well as to UV rays, scratches, and stains.

Dekton’s surfaces also have Leed and Breeam ratings thanks to the environmental classification of the product, its reflectance index, and its use of low emission raw materials. 

Likewise, Dekton for also offers ideal slip resistance, good mechanical resistance, reduced water absorption, and fantastic dimensional stability for raised floors and for any other types of flooring.

However, to guarantee better support for this surface in these types of projects, we recommend the Dekton Grip+ solution, an innovative and advanced treatment that guarantees the slip resistance of the ultra-compact Dekton® surface, providing you with maximum safety.