False flooring is a type of elevated structural floor that is supported by a metal grid and allows cables, mechanical facilities, electrical supplies and wiring to run beneath it. It is generally used in data centers, telecommunication environments, military command centers and modern office buildings. Sometimes there is additional structural support and lighting that allows for a crawl space or walkway underneath.
A raised floor is also a common way to cool a building by using the empty space beneath the raised floor as a plenum chamber to dispense conditioned air.
A False floor may also be referred to as raised flooring, an access floor, OA Flooring, Cavity Flooring, access flooring and a raised access computer floor.
The most commonly used false flooring materials are as follows: