Raised Floor Framing Systems

[T_Bat]

Hey everyone,

I've got an interior build out I'm assisting with and we need a floor surface raised around 16" to 18" inches (think like a raised access floor). The existing floor is a steel composite floor system (3rd story). My plan was to use light gauge framing with sheathing on top to form the elevated floor - similar to how you may frame auditorium/theater seating. I'll add some diagonal studs every so often for stability.

Before I go too far down this road detailing/designing, has anyone got a better system they've used? I'm also toying with using wood. It can't be a typical data center type pedestal floor because it's a kitchen and will get mopped or even potentially sprayed down for cleaning so it needs to be reasonably water resistant.

 

[BridgeSmith]

Just an off-topic anecdote your comment reminded me of that you might find interesting:

I have seen a case where timber was used instead of steel specifically due to the possibility of fire. The University of Wyoming's Arena Auditorium has a geodesic dome roof. The size of the roof members and them all being in compression, made glulam timber the preferred option. In a fire, the wood framing would lose about 1/2" of each face from charring, but maintain enough strength and stability to support the roof. However, steel beams would have softened from the heat and buckled.

 

[dik]

Can you use V-rib form, on CFS joists with a stonhard topping over .... likely the least depth.

Dik