Second Floor System
Bensonwood's Open-Built® second floor system has a subfloor platform raised above the exposed wood floor joists. The nearly unobstructed space between the joists and subfloor makes it ideal for wiring, ducts, and pipes.
Because subcontractors don't have to drill holes and snake wires and plumbing through the frame, our houses are much easier and less expensive to build. They're also much easier to service, update, remodel, and maintain over the years because the mechanical systems are easy to access through removable ceiling panels.
The subfloor is raised above the joists via threaded, adjustable "stand-off" assemblies that have rubber feet on the joist end. In addition to isolating second floor noise and vibration, the stand-off assemblies also allow Bensonwood's Beam Team to adjust and level the second floor perfectly.
Because the floor is preassembled at Bensonwood facilities, it is flown into position via crane in sections as large as 8 ft. by 28 ft. The first-floor ceiling panels rest on top of the second floor joists.
The ceiling panels are available in several styles and finishes. Choose from fir, cypress, cedar, pine, or MDF (medium density fiberboard) panels that can be painted.
Second Floor System for Non-Timberframe Homes
The second floor system on our non-timber frame homes utilize the same Trus Joist floor system (TJI) used on our Timber frame first floor systems. However, with our non-timber frame offerings, proprietary, adjustable standoff clips are used to suspend the ceiling board grid and ceiling boards, allowing our Open-Built® hung ceiling system to provide unobstructed space for running conduit, plumbing, ducts, etc. This saves time and money by eliminating the need for subcontractors to drill holes and snake wires and plumbing throughout the frame of the home. In addition, the ceiling boards are pre-finished which saves time consuming labor on site. Best of all, the second floor system can install late in the construction process, after wall finishes and mechanicals are complete. And, as with all our Open-Built homes, these mechanicals are easier to service, update, or remodel down the road because they are easily accessible.
