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Structural Flooring

Structural flooring carries the finished floor on beams and joists, with structural plywood forming the deck between supports.

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About Structural Flooring products

ArchiPro works with trusted suppliers across New Zealand to ensure that the best structural and framing products from a range of brands are available for you to choose from. ArchiPro features not only the best structural flooring options, such as solid hardwood, stone, and ceramic tile but also structural wall panelling and timber wall framing options, helping you to build the home of your dreams every step of the way.

A structural floor system is an alternative to building a home on concrete slabs. It is essentially a framework made out of beams and joists which have been positioned to bridge from one exterior wall to another and create a raised platform for your flooring. ArchiPro has a great range of structural flooring selected from trusted suppliers around New Zealand.

The advantages of high-quality structural flooring

On ArchiPro, you know you’re getting the best quality products available in New Zealand. Structural floors are permanently installed into your home and part of your home’s structure. They have to be able to withstand a lot of daily activity, so it's advantageous to invest in high-quality structural flooring that is durable, reliable, and well-made. An advantage of structural flooring is that if it ever gets damaged, you can replace a single tile or plank rather than potentially having to replace the entire floor, as is the case with some surface floor coverings.

How to choose structural flooring that’s right for you

A structural floor system is an excellent choice if you live in a region of  New Zealand prone to expansive or unstable soil because the lifted base isolates the flooring from the ground. Alternatively, constructing a home with a concrete slab base on unstable soil can lead to cracks and structural damage. A cavity floor creates a suspended floor zone above the ground, with the supporting members and floor system selected to suit the site and building design. Subfloor framing sets the support for the floor system, so its layout needs to suit the site and building design.

The type of flooring you choose is mostly down to aesthetics. Traditional hardwood is a great choice, as it is durable and gives you a lot of room for customisation. Depending on the wood you choose, it can give your home a contemporary or classic look. Tile or stone structural flooring can work well for an earthy, modern design. When comparing materials, non structural plywood for flooring is a separate category from the structural floor systems listed on this page, so check the product specification and intended use before installation. Floor slats can form the walking surface in some raised-floor assemblies; this page also lists structural products such as particleboard flooring and composite steel floor decking.

Is a subfloor considered structural?

Yes, a subfloor is considered structural as it attaches to the joists and makes the flooring more stable by providing extra strength.  

Are floorboards structural?

Floorboards can be considered structural if they are 18mm or over in thickness.

Are squeaky floors a structural problem?

Squeaky floors are not always an indication of a structural problem. They can be caused by humidity, loose joists, or a gap between the flooring and the subfloor. If you notice squeaky floors during the extreme temperature points of summer or winter, as is common in New Zealand, then the squeakiness is likely related to the environment.