Choosing The Correct Access Floor

Which access floor panel should we use?

ANSWER: As you guys know if you have read any of my previous posts, or have seen my LinkedIn account there are TONS of manufacturers of raised access floors and a large variety of access flooring panels, from filled cementitious steel, hollow steel, calcium sulphate, concrete, porcelain, the list goes on…

So which one is right for your project?

My question is, why does it have to be one? You project could be an office setting, there would (or could) be a need for a variety of access flooring panels, you might need a laminated panel for your data center, a finished panel for your lobby or elevator area, a heavy duty panel for your walkways and a standard grade panel for your desk/office area.

Most manufacturers will offer a couple of different types of panels, typically an option for a higher loading panel and some finish options - But how do you know which ones to use? I have listed a few points to consider when thinking about your flooring choice….

• The ability to maintain an accessible plenum (under floor space) is very important for future flexibility - meaning a modular type finish option is important

• The ability to incorporate heavy duty and light duty panels in the same project (you wouldn’t want to use 2 different manufacturers)

• Some areas might be better suited for ceramic or stone, take bathrooms for example - this is a topic that comes often, choosing a correct panel for this application is very important to ensure your finishes don’t crack or break after installation

• Air tightness - this is super important if you are running a UFAD system, choosing a panel that is air-tight regardless of finish is so very important. A space could see a variety of clients, therefore a variety of finishes are possible, the system needs to maintain an air seal regardless of carpet, vinyl, tile etc.