Floor to Ceiling/ Floor to Floor
doserainbows
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Disclaimer: I am finding out every day that I don’t know as much as I thought I did.
When building custom homes, what do you generally build to, a nice floor to floor dimension, or floor to ceiling dimension and why? And what is that dimension? Let’s say 2×6 wall, so pre-cuts are not an option in this area, so all studs must be cut. Do you set the floor height so that stairs or framing work out easier? Or do you set a comfortable ceiling height? What do people think is a comfortable ceiling height these days? 9′, 9′-6″, 10′?
Just curious, because I know a lot of these questions are personal perspectives, but some are determined by best practices. So what are the best practices side?
TIA,
Fcg6x
Replies
We generally set the floor to ceiling dimensions..it makes the drywalling a lot easier..stairs always have to be adjusted for floor joists, finish flooring, etc...
Where are you located? here in the northeast 2x6 studs are available pre-cut for 8',9' & 10' ceiling heights..drywall is available in 54" width for the 9' ceiling as well..
Typically on a high end home, we spec 9' ceilings on first floor and 8' on the second floor..
Ceiling heights are called out and precuts in 2x6 are readily available here, along with 54'' board.
Even the "flambouyant" tracts usually sport 9' ceilings - first floor.
This here in NW Oh.
edit. Further, the 9' popularity are done more for design reasons rather than a practical one. I personally like the feeling in a house with proper sized rooms and a 9' ceiling. Don't spend enough waking hours in the bedroom to warrant that luxury.
There's not much you can spec on a house to make it totally material friendly, as what economizes in one area, doesn't in another. The best bet is the judicious use of those materials.
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Edited 5/12/2006 6:00 pm ET by calvin
For residential, my mental process is geared to finish clear dimensions--since that's what the customer generally is thinking of when talking about nn tall ceilings.
For commercial work, it's all about plate or TOS (top of steel/structure) heights.
Now, custom residential? I'll admit to deliberately choosing some non-standard dimensions to try and get some better sticks (or, to have a "last resort" cost cutter). But, that's me. I find that 112" & 102" ceiling heights "fit" a golden section sort of proportion better. And, they're "different" enough to get a bit of "wow" factor. I tend to then come back and add detail to the standard walls to make nicer places to transition "standard" modular materials. Lighting coves, mouldings, furr outs & the like.
But, that's me. Others differ.