What is the best kind of floor to have? Solid or suspended wood?

monkey_writer

We have bought a victorian terrace that has been messed about quite a bit. I pulled up the horrible flooring in the basement kitchen to find a section of solid floor with victorian ceramic tiles (though with a concrete leveler scree on top) and the rest plywood on wooden joists. The original joists are rotten and the replacement joists are terrible quality. Between and under the joists is what appears to be ash hardcore. The way the house is build there is no ventilation under the floor. It seems pretty dry under there (except for a patch from a sink leak) - but I guess it is summer.

So the floor needs replacing...

But what is the best flooring to replace it with? Is a solid concrete floor desirable to keep the damp out? Or would that just divert any moisture into the walls? Would I be best just replacing the joists?

Is there some kind of lime alternative to concrete that would be more friendly?

ajbaker

It's nice to see people considering the use of lime. While I have no idea how to answer your query, I am interested in the answer. I am sure people over at periodproperty may be able to help.