How to tell what type of floor you have is a common question for homeowners considering insulation or energy improvements. Knowing whether your floor is solid or suspended affects both your property’s heat loss and the options available for insulation.

A suspended timber floor usually has air vents or air bricks visible at ground level on the outside walls. These are designed to keep air flowing under the floorboards to prevent moisture build-up. Suspended floors may also feel slightly springy underfoot compared to a solid concrete floor.

Solid floors, often made of concrete, have no such vents or bricks and feel firm and unyielding underfoot. Tiled or screeded finishes are another clue, as these are typically applied over solid construction. You may also notice there’s no visible void space between the ground and the floor.

If you’re still unsure how to tell what type of floor you have, a qualified surveyor or energy assessor can confirm your floor type as part of an inspection. Understanding your floor type is important for choosing the right insulation method and meeting building regulations.