How to set the floor level for installing joists. How to align logs by level? Adjustment methods

We dismantled the old floor yesterday.

Level preparation

In this case, we decided to do this: we need to go to the level of the threshold, and put laminate on top. In general, we will install logs on the red brick.

Now we will install a laser level and try to set all the bricks to the desired height. We will install joists more often so that we don’t hit the board on top of the joists, but throw OSB panels directly onto the joists.

Here are our 10mm thick OSB panels. We will make two layers with overlap - we will twist it directly to the joists. The logs have a cross section of 100 by 50 mm. In this place it turned out to be 25.5 cm, here it’s a little lower: 25.8–25.7 cm. In general, we will start from this point.

Let's figure out how deep to bury the brick. 25.5 cm minus 2 cm. 2 cm is two layers of OSB. Plus 2 cm - we get 27.5 cm, plus 10 cm - the thickness of the log. Total 37.5 cm. Approximately 5 mm is given for Aquaizol. In total, we need to get 38 cm. There will be 11 lags, the outer ones were measured, the distance was measured, divided into 10 spans - it turned out that the lags will go about 29 cm apart. Now we will place a brick in one place, and then we will start from it.

We placed a brick at 38 cm, we will use it as a beacon. Now we will lower the laser lower, put a car valve on this brick, and screw it onto it masking tape, and then we will place the rest of the bricks along it.

The laser was placed below.

We install the valve and make a mark.

We begin to install the valve. You can see how much the brick needs to be lowered - about 4 centimeters.

Let's set it to the laser beam.

The beam is exactly on the intended line.

We have completely leveled the bricks, they are all level.

Installation of logs

We clean the joists and coat them with an antiseptic.

This is how we processed them. Preparing the first layer.

First we fasten through one, then we simply fasten the next ones at the ends diagonally.

We level the logs in the same way as bricks, according to laser level. We go through the bulging places with a plane.

The first layer was sewn up and the sheets were completely drawn out. We were thinking about how to sew up the second layer to make a complete dressing. You can make the sheets go in the reverse order, but then the sheet still ends up on the seam.

There was another option - take a sheet by length. But then there will be a solid stripe in the middle.

We settled on this option:

We have two pieces left.

From here we will throw a whole sheet. Cut one sheet in half. This will make an excellent dressing.

We attached the first layer at the intersection. The construction is quite powerful, everything was tied up perfectly in two layers. Everything turned out smoothly, according to the level.

There are small gaps, but this is not a problem for laminate.

We brought the level clearly to the threshold, exactly to this point. We danced from her, we clearly came to her.

All rights to the video belong to: Alexey Stopchik

Today, one of the most popular ways to create a floor is laying wooden covering on the logs. The article will discuss how floor joists are installed and what is their significant advantage that makes them so popular.

Technology for creating floors on joists

The frame made of logs for laying flooring has become so popular due to its low cost and ease of installation. Also, the structure that the floor joists form is very strong, reliable and durable.

This technology for creating floors is most suitable for owners who are renovating a newly built house with their own hands. Moreover, the work carried out according to the instructions below will allow you to create high-quality floors.

Photos of such coatings will differ little from the best samples produced construction companies, and the physical characteristics will probably be no worse.

Typically, a floor structure with a joist base looks like this:

• base for laying all layers: concrete screed or stove, wooden beams or brickwork in the form of columns;
• waterproofing floor protecting against moisture inner side coatings;
• a set of plywood or plasterboard substrates on which the frame of logs will be fixed;
• the logs themselves, taking into account all the installation features specified in this article;
• a membrane is laid on top of the lag to isolate it from emitted steam and moisture condensation;
• Next, the structure is sheathed with floor boards; this flooring acts as the final base for laying the floor covering.

Construction of a reliable foundation

If the installation of floor joists is carried out on a base of wooden beams, there is no need to additional processing grounds. The beams will simply be fixed to the ends of the beams while maintaining the height throughout the entire covered area. No substrates are required.

As for working with a concrete base, there are two main options for installing a frame made of logs:

• using pads to install the beams at the same level;
• preliminary leveling of the base.

If everything is clear with the first, then in the second case it will be effective to use spot putty for minor surface defects, or create a solid screed to eliminate any unevenness and deformation. In some cases, a filled and compacted layer of sand is sufficient. required thickness. Naturally, you need to provide for fastenings for the floor joists in advance, which you cannot do without.

The height of the columns can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the layer of mortar used during installation. The service life of bricks can be increased by using roofing felt layers laid on top and bottom of the column to additional waterproofing(more details: " ").

Determining optimal sizes

Before purchasing materials, you need to decide which logs are needed for the floor and select them optimal sizes. The main rule regarding the purchase of beams is that the wood must be dry and correspond to grade 2-3 according to the classification.

As for the proportions, the height of the cross-section of the beam should be 2 times the width. Moreover, the height of the log should be enough to lay a layer of insulation in the voids between adjacent beams and leave at least 2 centimeters for high-quality ventilation.

As for the interval at which floor joists are installed in wooden house or any other building, the distance is selected based on the parameters of the board selected for covering the mounted frame. For example, for a board 4 centimeters thick, an interval of 70 centimeters is sufficient, and a smaller sample of 2.4 centimeters will require the installation of joists every 40 centimeters.

The standard and most popular step between joists is half a meter. This distance is enough for the strength of the laid base to be high, and insulation is placed in the gaps between the beams without cutting. The hardness of the floors will be high.

Installation of logs

Correct installation of floor joists with your own hands is done as follows:

• The logs must first be set clearly in level. To do this, you can use wooden choppers if the height of the timber is not enough;
• Before properly placing the logs in the center of the room, it is necessary to tie around the perimeter. To do this, edge joists are installed with a gap of 5-10 millimeters to the wall. You should not leave any wedges in this gap, since such an element can lead to various squeaks of the coating during operation;
• then all intermediate beams are installed. They must be placed perpendicularly window openings so that natural light hits the flooring longitudinally. The floor covering is also done in the same way, since the rays of sunlight will make the seams visually invisible, which will allow you to high quality photos and upon visual inspection, the floor will be more aesthetically pleasing;
• Before laying the floor joists, you need to choose a method for fastening them, and then install them in such a way that the structure is motionless, but the fastenings are not rigid. If you overdo it and strongly pull the joists to the floor, the effect of excessive vibration may occur and any impacts on the floor will lead to sound spreading through the ceiling to the lower levels of the building. Experts are recommended to adhere to the following rules: less details– less risk of various noises and squeaks.

Moreover, self-tapping screws must be present in all areas of the board or sheet that is laid on the log. In the case of plywood, there should be twice as many fasteners, and the logs should be located much closer so that the strength of the coating does not deform during operation.

Bottom line

The article describes in detail how to correctly lay joists with your own hands. It is worth remembering that only strict adherence to instructions, accuracy and precision when carrying out work will allow you to achieve a good result. If difficulties arise, you can always contact specialists who will install the entire floor in the shortest possible time, saving the customer’s effort and money.

Leveling the floor with plywood along the joists is a very popular preparation method. level base under parquet, laminate or linoleum. This option requires much less effort and time than, for example, screeding a floor. Another advantage of the method is good ventilation of the floor, and this is especially important if your choice is laminate or parquet.

Leveling the floor using joists

Using joists to level the base is an old method. Its reliability has been tested for centuries. However, not all so simple! To achieve good results, you must follow the technology. Get down to business after you have completed all the work on the walls and ceiling.

Follow safety precautions! All electrical wiring must be de-energized to avoid short circuits and accidents. It is better to perform all actions wearing protective glasses and gloves.

It is worth noting that dampness has a negative effect on wooden floors, which is why make sure that the wooden elements used have a humidity of no more than 19%, in addition, they need to be treated with antiseptics. Air humidity should not exceed 60%. Wooden elements Inspect them carefully to see if they are damaged.

About the preparatory stage

Clean the floor from dirt, dust and debris. Lay roofing felt or waterproofing plastic film over the entire floor area. The overlap is 15-20 cm. Secure the joints with tape.

If the material is thin, then it is better to lay it in several layers. For good sound insulation of the base, various layers are used. Size – 1.5 cm thicker than the log.

Wood blocks are used as the logs themselves (length - 2 m, width - 0.8 m, thickness - 0.4 m). Install a wide joist near the doorway (a couple of millimeters wider than the standard one).

Place the logs at a distance of 4-5 cm from each other. There should be a gap of 30 mm between the wall and the joists.

Before proceeding with the installation of the logs, the floor surface is measured and leveled zero mark, focusing on it, they install beacons in the form of self-tapping screws. They are placed every 0.2 m. The screws should be opposite each other, thereby forming squares.

About laying joists

Logs are laid on the prepared base, focusing on the beacons. In places with large differences in height they are installed on posts (bosses) different heights, not forgetting to use pads. The height of the logs is adjusted with self-tapping screws and a screwdriver: the soundproofing layer is pulled together more tightly, the logs are lowered or raised.

If the logs need to be installed on a base made of soil, then they do it in the following sequence: pillars on brick foundations - roofing felt - soundproofing gasket - logs. Then the logs are carefully measured (in different directions: perpendicular, longitudinal, relative to each other) with a staff and a level, the plane should be perfectly flat.

The next stage of work concerns the sheathing. At a distance of at least 0.5 m between the logs, crossbars - crossbars - are installed on wooden posts and secured with self-tapping screws. The space between the logs is filled with a layer of heat-insulating material.

You can safely use mineral wool, expanded clay, ecowool. Eliminate the gaps between the insulation and the joists. Cover the top of the logs with a layer of bitumen paper or glassine.

Final stage: laying plywood over joists and sanding

We attach plywood to the base of the logs. First, lay it out, then adjust the dimensions of the slabs, make gaps (1-2 cm from the wall, less than 1 cm between the slabs). Attach the plywood sheets to the sheathing, fasten the screws every 5-10 cm. Make sure that the joints of the sheets fall on the joists, and lay the plywood offset.

To increase the strength of the floor, lay another layer of plywood, while securing it with the previous glue. Sand the top layer.

The prepared base will be well ventilated, warm, soundproofed, it will become a reliable starting coating for the subsequent installation of parquet, linoleum or laminate.

Alternative options

Option #1: “adjustable plywood”

New on the market building materials– adjustable plywood, which eliminates the need for glue. The holes here are drilled according to ready-made diagram in the sheet, the sheet is then placed on the floor, and similar holes are drilled into the base.

Set the level. Then the plywood is laid, it is fixed on top with nuts and washers.

Excess parts of the rods are cut off. Lay the second layer of plywood overlapping. This method helps fix a sloping floor without lags.

Option No. 2: “on glue”

This method should be used on the finished screed (when it is completely dry), if the height differences are small. First, check the humidity level: press a meter-long piece of polyethylene to the floor with something heavy, if after three days there is no perspiration, then start working with plywood sheets.

Before laying the plywood, cut it and lay it on the floor. This manipulation will allow you to adjust the size and cut out pieces with the required parameters for corners, arches, pillars, and doorways.

There should be no cracks or delamination on the plywood. Because this material is subject to deformation (it reacts to the slightest increase in air humidity), a small gap (about 5 mm) is left between the sheets.

The slots help air circulate. Lay the plywood offset. Number all the parts and sketch out the installation diagram. Remove the plywood. This was just the “trying on” stage.

If you decide to lay plywood without using joists, then your floor is perfectly flat. Thoroughly dust off and prime the base (a primer is suitable for this; it is prepared from plywood glue and solvent or bitumen mastic with gasoline). This composition (it will ensure the strength of the cement floor and improve the adhesion of plywood and the base) is used to cover concrete covering. The primer must be applied with a roller.

The diagram for laying the sheets is already ready, all that remains is to fasten the parts. As already mentioned, this can be done with glue or bitumen mastic. But that's not all! In addition to glue, you will also need anchor bolts or screws. The distance between them is 20 cm.

After laying down the plywood, drill holes in the screed. Next, the plywood sheets are sanded sandpaper or a special machine.

One of the main methods that can be used to make a flat floor surface is to lay boards or sheet materials onto a pre-created sheathing, where as load-bearing elements, lags. One of the primary tasks, the implementation of which directly affects the final quality of the floor surface, is the alignment of the joists in the horizontal plane, their reliable fixation, as well as processing protective compounds and waterproofing. How to adjust the position wooden beams, as well as some of the nuances of the process of installing a frame under the flooring of a horizontal floor surface, you can find out by reading this article. Thematic video lessons offered for viewing will help you consolidate the information received.

Features of the floor by joists

An example of flooring on joists in a private house

There was a period when from the technology of flooring to wooden blocks developers began to move away. This was due to the fact that in this way it was difficult to achieve perfect flat surface, which was necessary for laying modern floor coverings. Preference was given to screeds made with cement-based mortars.

Now modern technologies lumber production makes it possible to produce wood products that are distinguished by regular geometric shapes, and special impregnations make wooden beams durable and prevent their deformation. More advanced materials have appeared at a reasonable price for decking, such as plywood and OSB boards. This made it possible to return to the technology of installing floors using joists, bringing it to a higher quality level.

Installation of a floor on joists on a concrete surface

The widespread use of this method of constructing a floor surface is also explained by the popularization wood construction when houses are built from logs or timber. In such a building, any floors other than wood would look inorganic. However, logs as a frame for flooring are used not only in wooden houses. This floor leveling technology is used everywhere. In private houses, including on the second floor, in city apartments and even in office premises. Its advantages, such as, for example, will help explain the popularity of this technology:

• relatively low cost of the material/labor complex, especially when we're talking about about the installation of ceilings on the second floor of the house;
• the ability to qualitatively insulate the floor surface by laying a thick layer of insulation;
• the created surface is immediately ready for installation finishing materials(does not need drying and maturing like concrete);
• it is convenient to lay communications under the flooring;
• the frame, made of bars, as well as the flooring, have a relatively small weight, due to which the load on the floors and bearing structures decreases noticeably;
• The workflow is quite simple, making it accessible to many home craftsmen.

This floor also has some disadvantages:

• despite the use of fire retardants, wood remains a combustible material;
• the use of logs, for example, in an apartment, involves a reduction in useful volume;
• impossibility of making heated floors.

Base surfaces for installing joists

An example of an interfloor wooden floor arrangement

A horizontal frame made of wooden beams can be made in any room. But the base surface that serves as support for the joists is different. If the floor structure is assembled on the ground floor of a private house with a ventilated underground, the supporting elements are columns poured with concrete or lined with brick. In apartments and some houses on the second floor, where the interfloor partition is filled with reinforced concrete slab, the latter is the basis for installing load-bearing beams. When the ground floor is made on the first floor of the house, preparations are made for installing the bars. rough screed. Let's look at the installation rules and methods for aligning the load-bearing beams in each option.

Important! If interfloor covering the house is made of timber, its surface is the basis for plywood, OSB or boards on the second floor. The alignment of the beams occurs during the construction phase of the building.

How to align load-bearing beams on a reinforced concrete slab?

You can install logs on the slab using several devices, such as:

• screw adjustable supports;
• support brackets;
• anchor fastenings.

Screw supports and metal brackets are used when it is necessary to raise the floor surface relative to base surface for the purpose of laying insulation between the joists. With the help of these devices it is convenient to fasten the bars and adjust their position relative to the horizontal. Another advantage of such devices is the absence of contact between wooden beams and the concrete surface, which eliminates the need to waterproof the logs.

Laying option adjustable joists on concrete floor

Anchors are used when the timber is laid directly on concrete surface, and its position is regulated by all kinds of pads. This is done when the thickness of the thermal insulation layer is of great importance does not have, at the same time there is a desire to minimize the usable space.

To level the logs and install them in the same plane, you need to use a hydraulic level and a long (1.5-2 m) spirit level. Using a water level, marks are made on two opposite walls that correspond to the horizontal line in which the load-bearing beams should be located.

The outermost logs are installed and leveled first, which are located approximately 10 cm from the wall. First, one edge of the beam is set according to the mark that determines required level horizontal. Then the position of the other edge is adjusted so that the floor support is horizontal. The same should be done with the block against the other wall.

When the outer joists are set and secured in a given position, strong twines are stretched between them so that their sagging is minimal. Tensioned threads located in the same horizontal plane will serve as a guide for adjusting the position of the intermediate lags. To mark the horizontal line, if possible, you can use a laser level. This will speed up the process and perhaps improve accuracy somewhat. You can see how the logs are installed on metal brackets, as well as their alignment, in the video below, which shows the entire process of installing a plywood floor base along the load-bearing beams on the loggia.

Joists on columnar supports

In this case, in order to avoid problems with the alignment of the logs, the supports for them themselves should be made so that their upper platforms are in the same plane. The principle is the same, the horizontal line is marked in which the top points of the columns will be located and the threads are pulled. If the supports are made of reinforced concrete, the formwork elements are placed along the threads. When the columns are laid out of brick, the masonry is adjusted according to the guidelines.

Laying a wooden floor on support posts

The beams are installed on the made supports after laying 2-3 layers of rolled waterproofing on them and are fixed with metal angles or anchors through the joist body to the surface of the column. Load-bearing wooden crossbars are leveled by placing wooden or plastic wedges.

Important! Needs to be laid waterproofing material not only between the surface of the column and the lag, but also between the support and the ground, so that moisture does not destroy the supporting structure.

You can see how to level logs installed on posts using a laser level in next video video

Wooden floor on logs remains one of the most popular options in private houses and old apartments. Low price, high durability and ease of work distinguishes this method of flooring from other types. If you are building a house and decide to install floor joists yourself, or you need to update old ones, this article will tell you the technology for installing them.

Joist floor technology

If you look at the diagram of the structure of a wooden floor, you can see several basic structural elements:

• The base for installation is a concrete screed, floor slab, wooden beams, or brick columns.
• Then there are layers of waterproofing to protect against moisture from below the floor.
• The floor joists are fastened through the substrate to level the level.
• Insulation is installed between the joists on a backing made of plywood or plasterboard.
• The logs are covered with a vapor barrier membrane on top.
• The top layer is covered with floorboards.

Preparing the base

If the fastening will be on wooden beams, no additional work no need to do it. The joists are simply attached to the ends of the beams level, so there is no need for pads.

On concrete base Installation of floor joists is done in two ways. The first is to use pads under them to install them in the same plane. The second is to pre-prepare a level base.

This can be done by spot-filling uneven areas, pouring screed, or using a layer of sand.

If you are doing installation in a private house on the ground floor, then often in such houses they install it on posts, that is, the floor will go above the ground.

In this case, you will need to first pour a 20-30 cm foundation for each column on a sand base. Then a column of bricks or blocks is laid on this foundation.

They need to be laid at the same level; for this, the height of the columns is adjusted by the layer of mortar in the masonry or the height of the foundation. To increase the durability of the brick, you need to protect it from top and bottom with a layer of roofing felt waterproofing.

Before starting work, remove dirt and install waterproofing.

Calculation of pitch and lag sizes

Before purchasing materials, you need to calculate the costs and dimensions of the logs in advance. You need to buy dry timber, 2-3 grades.

Its cross-section should be rectangular, the height is approximately 2 times greater than the width. Please note that the height should be enough to lay the insulation inside and maintain a ventilation gap of 2 cm.

The longer the width of the room, the wider you need to buy logs. For example, for a 3-meter room it would be optimal to take a beam of 150 * 80 mm, for a 5-meter room - 200 * 150.

The distance between the joists will depend on the floorboard used. For example, for a 24 mm board you need to make a laying step every 40 cm, and for 40 mm you can do it every 70 cm. Most often, a step of 50 centimeters is used, because it is more convenient to lay the insulation inside exactly to size without cutting, and you get good floor rigidity .

Installation of logs

• We set the logs according to the level and place wooden choppers under them if necessary.
• Before installing the main elements, the piping is first installed around the perimeter of the room. To do this, first install logs with an indentation of 0.5-1 centimeter from the wall for a temperature gap. There should be no wedges between the wall and the beam; they will create a squeak when walking.
• Then all intermediate bars are installed. The location of the floor joists should be perpendicular to the window so that the upper boards are secured along the direction of the light. Finish flooring It is also laid along the light so that the gaps between the parts are not visible.

• If you need to trim each beam and join a row of several halves, then you need to move this joint each row to increase strength.

Note! The chops do not need to be rigidly attached to the floor; they are simply laid on the base. The main rule when installing is to maintain a reliable and stable fastening so that nothing dangles.

• Many people ask, is it necessary to be tough? There is no need to do this. A rigid mount will conduct vibration noise, reducing sound insulation. When walking, sounds will be transmitted through the ceilings to neighbors.
• However, it is possible to secure the logs together. This will firmly bind the entire structure, and they certainly will not move. Make crossbars from scraps of timber and secure them. Use fasteners for floor joists - ordinary metal corners 4*4.
• If you don’t make such a harness, then it’s okay. All the same, the structure will then be tied together after sheathing with boards.
• It is important to use only self-tapping screws during fastening. They should be long and thick enough. If you use nails or bad screws, after a short period of time the boards will begin to creak when you walk, as they become loose.

Note! The fewer parts there are in the design, the lower the likelihood of squeaking. But at the same time, it is necessary to ensure reliable fixation of the boards and rigidity of the structure so that it does not shake.

• After the installation of the floor joists is completed, underlays for insulation made of plywood or plasterboard are laid inside them. Then the insulation itself (min. wool, expanded polystyrene, sawdust) is tightly placed between the logs. The vapor barrier is stapled on top of them with a stapler and the floor covering begins.