gulv

Gulv, the Norwegian word for floor, is the lower horizontal surface of a room or building that people walk on. It must support loads, provide a stable base for finishes, and contribute to climate control, acoustics, and safety. Floors can be indoor or outdoor and are defined in building assemblies by a subfloor, a finish layer, and any underlayment or insulation.

Common materials include natural wood (solid or engineered), stone or ceramic tile, concrete, and terrazzo, as well as synthetic options such as vinyl, laminate, linoleum, and carpet. Subfloors consist of concrete slabs, plywood or OSB, or raised access floors. The choice depends on durability, moisture, aesthetics, and budget.

Installation involves proper subfloor preparation, moisture control, and appropriate underlayment and fasteners. Finishes are applied according to material type: floating, nail-down, or glue-down for wood; adhesive or mechanical fixing for tile; carpet installation with pad and seams. Maintenance varies by material but typically includes cleaning and, where needed, sealing or refinishing.

Design and performance considerations include slip resistance, thermal insulation, acoustic properties, accessibility, and sustainability. Life-cycle costs, VOC emissions, and potential for recycling or reuse influence material choice.