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Capable of combining technology, design, and ease of management, this system allows for the creation of elegant and removable surfaces, with the possibility to access systems at any time, without invasive work. But what does raised flooring mean and why is it an ideal choice for your project?
In this article, we will explore every technical and aesthetic aspect, analyzing all the advantages of raised flooring and presenting the best porcelain stoneware solutions by Marazzi, designed to enhance both interiors and outdoor spaces.
What is a raised (or floating) floor?
The floating floor – also known as raised flooring – is an advanced technical solution that combines functionality, aesthetics, and design flexibility. Made with modular panels in durable materials such as porcelain stoneware, it is installed dry on adjustable supports, without the use of adhesives or mortar. This technology simplifies every phase, from installation to maintenance, offering a tangible advantage in terms of system management.
Thanks to the adjustable supports, an accessible cavity is created between the subfloor and the walking surface: an invisible yet strategic space where electrical, plumbing, or home automation systems are concealed. This technical void supports the efficiency of the entire room, keeping it tidy, clean, and functional at the same time.
Applications are divided into two main categories: floating floors for interiors, ideal for professional, commercial, or residential spaces where accessibility and design flexibility are priorities; and those for outdoor use where resistance to weather agents is combined with natural draining capabilities.
In contemporary spaces that strive to be both functional and elegant, raised flooring is a tailor-made solution: a technical detail that disappears from view, but helps to create harmonious, livable spaces, ready to evolve over time.
Technical characteristics of raised floors: thickness, height, and installation
One of the most frequently asked questions about this solution is: what is the minimum thickness for a raised floor? In general, porcelain stoneware panels can have a thickness from 8 to 20 mm, but for outdoor solutions – such as those proposed by Marazzi with the Mystone Tivoli20 collection – the 20 mm format is preferred, as it guarantees greater resistance.
Moreover, there is no single height: the structure is adjustable and can vary based on design needs, from a minimum of about 4 cm up to over 15 cm. In residential settings, more contained heights are often chosen, while in commercial projects – where system management is more complex – solutions that create larger cavities are preferred.
What is the best material for a raised floor?
When discussing the advantages of raised flooring, the material used plays a key role: porcelain stoneware stands out as the ideal choice, both for its high technical performance and for the refined aesthetics that characterize it.
Its resistance to humidity and temperature fluctuations makes it perfect even for outdoor spaces, while its long-lasting durability makes it an optimal solution in high-traffic spaces such as offices, showrooms, or open-plan kitchens. Moreover, thanks to increasingly sophisticated digital printing technologies, porcelain stoneware can faithfully reproduce natural materials such as wood, stone, or concrete, offering a wide range of aesthetic effects in harmony with any interior design project.
Easy maintenance is a further plus: porcelain surfaces are quick to clean and do not require specific treatments, for simplified upkeep.
Marazzi porcelain raised floors: solutions for interiors and exteriors
Designed to meet the needs of versatile and contemporary spaces, Marazzi porcelain stoneware raised floors are a refined and functional solution, ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.
For interiors, the Nobilis collections stand out, offering the timeless charm of large-format wood, and Mystone Pietra di Sicilia, with stone-effect surfaces ideal for elegant and modern spaces. Outdoors, the Outdoor line is specifically designed to withstand the elements while ensuring refined style.
The available options range from the warmest and most natural wood effects, to minimalist concrete, to textured stones in neutral, dark, or cool tones. Each collection can thus be adapted to the aesthetic and functional needs of your project: discover all the available solutions for residential and commercial spaces, designed to meet various design requirements with simplicity and efficiency.
All the pros and cons of floating floors for your project
Choosing a raised floor means opting for a flexible, technological, and contemporary system, to adapt your technical project to a balanced and refined overall vision.
Raised porcelain stoneware flooring is an extremely functional technical solution, but like any construction system, it requires specific design considerations. The overall height of the structure, for example, must be considered in spaces with limited volume, while in areas subject to high loads it is advisable to select reinforced supports.
Finally, in outdoor spaces, the choice of materials is crucial: resistance to temperature fluctuations, humidity, and weather agents are essential requirements, easily met by porcelain stoneware, which is ideal to ensure high performance and aesthetic continuity even outdoors.
The main advantages of raised installation
Among the main advantages of raised installation is undoubtedly the ease of inspecting systems, made possible by the space left between the subfloor and the walking surface. This results in quick, clean, and localized interventions in case of maintenance.
In terms of comfort, floating floors offer both acoustic and thermal benefits, thanks to the air chamber that acts as a natural insulator. In addition, the possibility to remove and replace individual modules makes long-term maintenance easier.
The walkable surface rests on adjustable supports, which can be combined with elements such as sound-absorbing sheets or anti-vibration layers. That said, what goes under a raised floor? The answer varies based on the project, but generally the structure consists of a leveled subfloor, supports (fixed or adjustable), any leveling systems, and the porcelain tile as the top element. All these components help improve the system’s stability, insulation, and durability.
Where are floating floors mainly used?
Floating floors adapt to a wide range of contexts. In domestic spaces, they are used in kitchens, living rooms, open-plan spaces, or utility rooms, where access to systems is useful. In these cases, it is important to choose finishes that guarantee moisture resistance and easy cleaning.
In commercial settings, they are ideal for offices, showrooms, and executive spaces, thanks to their ability to conceal wiring and pipes, and quickly adapt to new room configurations.
Outdoors, floating floors are among the most interesting solutions for terraces, rooftops, walkways, and paved gardens. In these contexts, raised installation promotes the drainage of rainwater and thermally insulates the surface, making the space more livable in every season.
In conclusion, floating floors are an innovative solution that combines functionality, aesthetics, and ease of installation, meeting the needs of those seeking both efficiency and design. Thanks to Marazzi’s solutions, it is possible to create modular, modern, and high-quality spaces, both for residential and professional applications.
Discover all Marazzi collections for raised floors and visit the showroom nearest you!