Pouring concrete slab, using cinderblocks or just joist raised floor?
Okay, so I am new to this forum and I am not a very knowledgeable person when it comes to construction, but I am attempting to do a project and need to gather as much info as I can. I have some general ideas that I have gotten from watching DIY network and looking at my own house. My project consist of expanding my living space via deck and building both below the deck and above. I am trying to save as much money as possible, but I do not want to do anything that would automatically condemn or make it hard to keep my expansion insulated.
Is it possible to just use cinderblocks (the solid ones, without holes rated at 1800-1900 psi)? Or what if I use just wooden joists and install the floor on top? Are either of these viable options, or do I really need a concrete slab on the first floor? My frostline here should be about 6″ according to a map I was looking at.
Replies
With negligible frost (and decent site preparation) you can get away with "pavers" (which is the generic term for pieces of stone, brick, or concrete blocks used to pave a patio, etc).
You want to make sure that the area is well-drained, and (if practical) put down 6-12" of crushed rock under a thinner layer of sand.
However, building codes may not allow you to use this construction technique for an "inside" floor, and it's not clear whether this space is "inside", in terms of being part of the "conditioned" space, vs just being a porch/sunroom/etc.