gulve

Gulve refers to the horizontal surface of a building that people walk on. They form the primary interface between a room and its occupants, distribute loads to the structural system, and influence acoustics, thermal comfort, and aesthetics.

A floor system typically consists of a structural subfloor, an underlayment, and a finish layer. Subfloors may be concrete slabs, wooden joists with plywood or OSB, or steel decks. Underlayments provide a smooth, level surface, improve sound isolation, and offer moisture control where needed. The finish layer is the visible surface and can be made from timber, tile, stone, carpet, vinyl, laminate, cork, bamboo, or other materials. In some buildings, raised access floors are used to accommodate wiring and mechanical services.

Common materials and characteristics include solid or engineered timber floors for warmth and repairability; concrete floors, which can be left polished, stained, or covered; ceramic or natural stone tiles for durability and hygiene; resilient floors such as vinyl or linoleum for comfort and versatility; and carpet for softness and acoustics. Each material has specific installation requirements, maintenance needs, and lifespan considerations. Climate, moisture, cost, and use influence material choice. In commercial settings, raised floors may enable easy routing of cables, while radiant underfloor heating can be integrated with certain finish materials.

Maintenance focuses on keeping the surface clean and intact and preventing moisture damage. Wood floors may require sealing, staining, or refinishing; stone and tile need grout care; and resilient floors require regular cleaning and occasional resealing or replacement. Proper installation and care extend a gulv’s functionality and appearance.