Ground Preparation: Clear the ground of topsoil and vegetation. Treat the ground to prevent plant growth.

No concrete or sealant is needed. Use hard, dry material to level the ground.

Build foundation walls accurately to support beam ends without overhanging into the cavity.

For ground floors, lay a continuous damp-proof course (DPC) on top of the support wall before placing beams.

Clean the underside of beams to ensure a clean bearing and avoid DPC damage.

Position beams as the design drawing provided and insert infill blocks between the ends for correct spacing. Clean beam shoulder for proper block seating.

Tighten beams as you lay them to minimise gaps.

Infill the entire floor area with blocks. Do not cut or drill blocks in ways that reduce their strength.

Run infill blocks to the end of the beams and infill the gap from shoulder of beam to support wall with a course of brickwork.

Alternatively use a closure block of an appropriate size.

All blockwork should be bedded in mortar to maintain the structural integrity of the wall

Infill blocks are supplied by others and are widely available at all builders' merchants and from concrete block manufacturers

All normal finishes can be applied, including screed and insulation

Screeds should be at least 65mm thick over insulation.

Walls parallel to beams usually need to support a row of blocks.

Check Rackham's standard sections for guidance.

Partitions can be built on the floor if the design allows.

Place partitions directly over doubled or tripled beams, which must be concreted together.

Ceiling clips can be used to fix timber battens. Stagger and align clips before grouting.

Place the clip on the beam shoulder and secure it with the infill block.

Bend the prongs around the batten and nail it in place. Secure perimeter battens directly to walls.

Do not drill or use shot-fired nails into beams.

Avoid overloading the floor during construction.

Lay planks across beams before stacking materials.

Position stacked materials near floor bearings.

Limit stacks of bricks or blocks to 350kg (e.g., 120 bricks or 20 blocks per beam).

All normal finishes can be applied, including screed, chipboard, and polystyrene.

Screed should be at least 50mm thick.

Reinforce concrete toppings on domestic garage floors with A98 steel mesh.

Follow NHBC or other relevant regulatory guidance for concrete toppings, especially over insulation.

Full details of suitable finishes are available on request.

Do not attach services to beams or blocks in ways that compromise their strength.

Accommodate soil pipes by removing the infill block and making good with in-situ concrete.

If landfill gas or radon precautions are needed, avoid running services through the floor. If unavoidable, seal the gas-proof barrier around service pipes. Pre-lag water pipes.