ᐅ Floor/Ceiling Construction: Concrete Slab or Timber Joist Floor – Advantages and Disadvantages?

Hello everyone,

We are making steady progress with our architect. The floor plan is already looking very good.

Now we have been asked which type of floor slab we want to use for the upper story.

Concrete slab or timber beam ceiling – what are the advantages and disadvantages? Can anyone comment on the costs?

For context: We are planning a solid masonry house with calcium silicate blocks and facing bricks. Footprint: 12.5 m x 9.5 m (41 ft x 31 ft);
2 stories with a roof pitch of 30°.

Best regards, Barossi

I would guess that your architect should be the best person to answer that, right? They are usually most familiar with the local prices.
It is said that concrete ceilings have better thermal mass. When constructing wooden beam ceilings, there are quite a few potential mistakes that can lead to poor sound insulation.
If you go with wooden beams, I would also make them visible.

A concrete floor slab above the upper floor is only worth discussing—perhaps in your building project?—if the attic is intended for more than just storage purposes. What do you plan to use the space above the upper floor for?

Regards, Bauexperte

BeHaElJa schrieb:

There are rumors that concrete ceilings have better thermal mass. Apparently, when constructing wooden beam ceilings, a lot can go wrong, which then results in poor sound insulation.

Oh please ... where did you hear that?

Regards, Bauexperte

Hello,
As I understand it, the main focus is on the ceiling between the ground floor and the upper floor. The small crawl space (about 1.5m (5 feet) high) will be constructed as a wooden beam ceiling, right?

Kind regards, Barossi

He assumed now that he wanted the whole thing as a ground floor ceiling.

I know some houses with wooden beam ceilings that creak (I have personally lived in some)... hence the phrase "you can do it wrong" – certainly not a must.