What is Sleeper?
A sleeper is a horizontal timber laid flat on a concrete slab or ground surface to support and anchor a wood floor system above it.
Definition
Purpose
Sleepers make it possible to install wood flooring systems over concrete without building a full raised framing system. They create a small gap between the slab and the floor above. This helps manage moisture and allows for minor leveling where the surface is uneven. In basements and ground-floor slabs, this is what keeps the wood floor stable over time.
Examples of Use
- Basement Floors: Laid over a concrete slab to create a base for timber or engineered wood flooring, keeping the finish floor off the cold surface.
- Ground-Floor Slabs: Used where a wood floor system is preferred without the cost of a full floor joist framing system.
- Gymnasium Floors: Sleeper assemblies support sprung wood flooring systems in gyms and courts, providing flex underfoot.
- Commercial Fit-Outs: Laid over existing concrete in renovation projects to raise floor levels or allow services to run beneath.
Notes
- Sleepers rest on a solid surface rather than spanning between supports, unlike floor joists.
- Pressure-treated lumber is recommended where moisture from the concrete slab is a concern.
- A vapor barrier between the slab and sleepers is standard practice in most wood floor system installations.
- Incorrect spacing leaves the floor prone to flex and movement over time.
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