Quick Links
Design & Tech Services
© Ibstock Plc. 2026
Why use beam & block for upper floors?
19 Dec 2017
Beam and block flooring can be used for upper floors in houses, particularly where additional sound and thermal insulation is required.
A beam and block upper floor provides a sound structural base and has many benefits, although it is not always considered for upper floors. This article assesses the main areas to think about when specifying a precast concrete upper floor:
Acoustic Performance
The most common complaint of noise in domestic properties is squeaky floors caused by timber – this is eradicated with concrete. With the ever-evolving world of technology, changes in wireless speaker quality and VR gaming means that noise can easily be transmitted through floors in homes. Concrete beam and block flooring is excellent at reducing floor-to-floor noise and should be considered for upper floors.
Fire Rating
Concrete has a far greater fire rating than timber. Safety is key. Using a precast concrete beam and block floor certainly reduces the risk of fire damage.
Using our wide beam profile the floor will provide 30 minutes fire resistance.
A plasterboard ceiling can be easily installed using metal clips, 50 x 50mm timber battens and plasterboard; this inevitably increases the fire resistance.
Structural Quality
Concrete provides structurally sound and safe upper floor in homes. Both timber and concrete upper floors are more than adequate, suitable and tested, yet concrete has more tolerance and feels more structurally sound. When beam and block is used in upper floors and separates a dwelling from another dwelling, it has to comply with Building Regulations Approved Document E.
Services Adaptability
Beam and Block flooring for upper floors will be supplied with Ceiling Clips. These ceiling clips sit on the shoulder of the floor beam, dropping beneath the level of the floor and are suited typically for a 50 x 38mm batten. This will leave a void area between the soffit of the floor and the top side of the batten, allowing services to run to the underside of the floor.
Ease of Installation
Fixing any product at height is a worry and should only be carried out by qualified installers. Beam and block can be fitted in upper floors by our qualified team, or make sure to work with a members of the Precast Flooring Federation and adhere to their Code of Practice.
Thermal Performance
The thermal performance of concrete is exceptional. Due to the properties of concrete it is conducive to retaining heat during the day and slowly dispersing that exact same heat during the night. Do you get cold at night? Are your heating bills going through the roof? Do you care about your carbon footprint? If the answer to any of the above is yes – then concrete is a viable option for you.
Material Longevity
Timber has an average lifespan of around 60 years. Compare this to concrete at 150+ years.
Material Cost
Beams are typically approximately £15.00/m² and blocks are £8.00-£11.00 p/m² depending on where you are in the country. Using beams and block for the first floors of your home, and indeed other upper floors, will provide a high quality, solid struct floor with additional sound and thermal qualities, when compared to timber.
WE ARE Ibstock
Sign up to our newsletter
© Ibstock Plc. 2026
