A consistent approach to finishes

9.1.5Floors

Floors shall be built to appropriate tolerances.

Floors should be:

  • level within a 4mm deviation per 1m for floors up to 6m across
  • a maximum of 25mm out of level for floors over 6m across
  • flat within a ±5mm deviation, measured using a 2m straight edge with equal offsets.

Underfloor service ducts should be constructed so that the cover is level with the adjacent floor finish. The selection of floor finish should take into account that drying shrinkage of the floor may result in minor differences in level between the floor and duct cover, which may become evident with some types of thin floor coverings.

Also note:

  • The effects of normal drying shrinkage on screeded floors may cause minor cracking.
  • Timber floors and staircases naturally shrink as they dry. As this drying occurs, it may result in squeaking components as they move against each other. This is normal and to be expected.