The raised access floor is a construction solution designed to create an empty space between the base floor of a building and the walking surface. This intermediate space, known as plenum, is used to house different technical installations, such as electrical wiring, air conditioning systems, data networks or piping. By allowing these elements to be concealed, a more orderly and aesthetically cleaner environment is achieved, without sacrificing access for future maintenance.
The raised access floor is composed of three fundamental elements:
- Supporting structure: Generally made of metal, this structure is the base that supports the panels and allows the height of the plenum to be adjusted.
- Panels: These are the walking surface, which can be made of materials such as steel, concrete, or agglomerate, depending on the needs of the project.
- Coating or finish: The visible layer of the floor, which can be ceramic, wood, linoleum, or marble, offering an aesthetic personalization to the spaces.
This type of flooring is ideal for areas where flexible distribution of facilities is required or where easy access to them is essential.
Main features of raised access floor
Raised access floors are characterized by a number of features that make them an ideal choice in many sectors.
- Versatility: They adapt to diverse needs in offices, data centers, hospitals, educational centers, among others. Their modular capacity facilitates the integration of installations without altering the design of the space.
- Accessibility: One of the key benefits is quick and easy access to the plenum, which facilitates maintenance or modification of installations without affecting the floor structure.
- Durability: Panel materials are typically high strength, providing durable floors that withstand heavy traffic and adverse conditions. Their ability to resist fire and pressure makes these floors ideal for industrial or commercial environments.
- Aesthetics: Although its main function is technical, the visual aspect is not neglected. The finishes are highly customizable, allowing the raised access floor to blend harmoniously into any environment.
- Improved comfort: Thanks to their capacity to house air conditioning systems, they can contribute to improving the thermal and acoustic comfort of spaces.
Types of raised access floors
There are several types of raised access floors, depending on the material of the panels and the intended use. These are some of the most common:
- Engineered flooring with chipboard panels: This is a more economical option, generally used in offices or commercial spaces with low traffic. Chipboard panels are usually melamine coated, making them an affordable solution without compromising functionality.
- Encapsulated steel or cellular concrete access floors: These are more robust and are in the mid-range. They are used in spaces with moderate traffic, such as libraries, classrooms, and laboratories. They offer greater resistance to weight and wear compared to chipboard floors.
- High-end access floors: Manufactured with high-strength steel panels or reinforced concrete, and covered with luxury materials such as marble or natural wood. They are used in high traffic areas, such as airports, museums and exhibition halls, where aesthetics and resistance are key.
How much weight can a raised access floor support?
The load-bearing capacity of a raised access floor varies according to the type of panel and the supporting structure. In general, raised floors can support from 300 to 2,000 kg per square meter, depending on the materials used and the plenum height.
For example, engineered floors with encapsulated steel panels are capable of withstanding heavy loads, making them ideal for data centers or industrial facilities where high load capacity is required. In contrast, chipboard panels are lighter and more economical, suitable for offices or commercial spaces with light traffic.
Uses of raised access floor in interiors
Raised access flooring is especially useful in interiors where easy access to concealed installations is needed, allowing for quick reconfiguration of spaces. Some of the main uses include:
- Offices and business centers: These environments often require a large amount of wiring, both electrical and telecommunications. Access flooring allows these cables to be organized and concealed, resulting in cleaner and more organized spaces.
- Data centers and server rooms: These spaces require efficient management of large volumes of cables and rigorous temperature control. The raised floor plenum allows both the safe storage of cables and the installation of cooling systems to prevent equipment overheating.
- Hospitals and health centers: Raised technical floors facilitate the installation and maintenance of essential installations such as medical gas, electricity and air conditioning systems.
- Schools and universities: In educational institutions, raised access flooring makes it possible to conceal the necessary installations for audiovisual equipment and computer systems.
Uses of raised access floor in exteriors
Although most commonly used indoors, raised access flooring has also become a popular choice for outdoor spaces. Terraces, gardens and rooftops can benefit from the advantages of these floors.
- Resistance to weather conditions: Outdoor access floors are made of materials resistant to water, sun, and extreme temperatures, such as ceramic or natural stone.
- Easy access to hidden installations: In gardens or terraces, they can be used to hide irrigation pipes, sound system wiring or outdoor lighting.
- Modular design: Outdoor access floors are modular, which facilitates maintenance or repair of underlying installations without the need to lift the entire surface.
What is the price of the raised technical floor?
The cost of a raised access floor varies depending on a number of factors, including:
- Panel material: The cheapest floors, such as chipboard, can cost between 30 and 60 euros per square meter, while steel or cellular concrete floors are in the range of 60 to 90 euros per square meter. High-end floors can exceed 120 euros per square meter.
- Plenum height: The greater the height required for the technical space, the higher the cost.
- Finishing or coating: Finishing materials also influence the final price.
In addition, it is important to consider installation costs, which will vary according to the complexity of the project.
Raised access flooring is an effective, versatile and aesthetic solution for spaces that require the integration and concealment of technical installations. Whether in offices, data centers, hospitals or even outdoors, this type of flooring offers a number of benefits that make it ideal for modern construction and remodeling projects.
What kind of maintenance does a raised access floor require?
The maintenance of a raised access floor is simple. It is recommended to clean the surface regularly with specific products depending on the coating. In addition, it is important to periodically check the condition of the plenum and concealed installations to ensure that they are in good working order.
How long does a raised access floor last?
The durability of a raised access floor depends on the materials used. In general, they can last between 15 and 25 years with proper maintenance.
Can I install raised access floor in any type of building?
Yes, raised access floors can be installed in most buildings, both in new construction and remodeling.
