Raising a sunken living room can be a worthy renovation project, depending on the condition of the room, the change you want to make, and your budget. While they may have been popular in past decades, sunken living rooms can often appear dated or even cramped.
Depending on how much of the floor needs to be raised, the cost can vary greatly and can include framing, insulation, electrical wiring, drywall, and flooring.
If you want to make the most of your living room, raising the floor can create a more uniform look and an illusion of more space. If done properly, it can completely change the look of the entire room and even create more functional space.
This is especially useful in rooms where the walls are cinderblock, such as a basement.
Overall, if you’re looking to make a major change to your living room, raising a sunken living room can be an enjoyable and exciting project. But make sure you research all aspects of the project, such as budget and scope, before jumping in.
How do you lift a sagging floor?
If the floor is sagging, it can be caused by several factors. Depending on what is causing the sagging, there are different ways to lift a sagging floor.
One way to lift a sagging floor is to use floor jacks. These are hydraulic jacks used to lift the floor and shim it with blocks or wedges until the floor is level. You would need to locate the beams or joists under the floor and then position the jacks to lift the sagging area.
If you’re going to be lifting a floor more than two inches, the jacks should be spread out evenly so that the load is evenly spread out. Once the floor is level, check to ensure that the load is not too heavy for the jacks.
Another way to lift a sagging floor is to use sister joists. This method involves adding reinforcement joists alongside the original framing joists. You would need to cut a new joist and install it next to the original joist to increase the structural support.
The new joist should be securely fastened to the subfloor and other structural members with screws or nails.
A third way to lift a sagging floor is to use a steel plate and screws. This method involves adding steel plates to the underside of the floor. The steel plate is held in place with long screw bolts installed from below.
You would need to accurately position the steel plate between the joists and the floor, then insert screws into the joists and the plates to hold the plates in place. This should increase the structural support the floor needs.
Regardless of the method used, any repairs to a sagging floor should be done by a professional to guarantee the safety and efficacy of the work.
How can I increase the height of my floor?
The first and most cost effective option is to add a layer of plywood on top of the existing floor. This approach is relatively easy, as it simply involves laying sheets of plywood over the existing floor and nailing or screwing them in place.
In addition, you can use adhesive in certain cases to ensure secure bonding.
Another option for increasing floor height involves the use of fillers or leveling products. These are designed to fill in the gaps and spaces between your existing floor and the new elevation you’re aiming to achieve.
Some popular products for this approach include self-leveling concrete, cementitious grout, and self-leveling underlayment.
If your existing floor is in mediocre condition and you’re looking to completely replace it, then you can use a material like wood flooring or ceramic tiles that is higher than the original floor. This approach may require more effort and you will have to remove the existing floor first before installing the new material.
In some cases, you may need to make structural modifications if you’re raising the floor height significantly. This includes things like adding additional support beams or joists, cutting load-bearing walls, or replacing existing fixtures (like door frames) to accommodate the new elevation.
In any case, it is best to consult a professional before starting any major changes like these.
How do you raise a 1 inch concrete floor?
Raising a 1 inch concrete floor is a fairly simple process that can usually be done with basic tools.
You’ll need several tools before proceeding, including a hammer drill with a bit designed to drill through concrete, a concrete chisel, a hammer, sanding block and a mortar float.
Begin by drilling evenly spaced holes into the existing concrete. Make sure to go deeper than the one inch you hope to raise. You’ll also need to break away any chunks of the existing concrete in order to make the hole larger.
Use the chisel and hammer to create the hole for the new floor. Make sure the corners are chiseled round to promote even spreading. Once the old concrete has been removed, pull out any remaining rubble and brush away any dust.
Since the old concrete was removed, some settling will occur so lay out a mesh material on the surface of the floor. This mesh is designed to keep the new concrete in place and prevent future cracks.
Mix the new concrete and trowel it into the holes. Use the mortar float to evenly spread out the new concrete and then trowel the surface so it is smooth and level. Allow about 24 hours for the floor to dry.
Once dry, you can use a sanding block to level out the patch, if necessary. Finally, seal the floor with floor-sealing products. The job is now complete and you can walk on the new floor.
Are sunken living rooms dated?
The design aesthetic of a sunken living room is popularly seen to be associated with the 1970s, but there are ongoing debates as to whether this style is truly dated or should we reconsider its potential.
Some believe that the sunken living room has never completely gone out of style and can make a unique and attractive design element, as it allows for a dynamic division of space with different floor levels.
The sunken living room can be a creative and attractive way to create visually appealing and functional space in your home. It adds depth and texture to any room, allows for more flexible seating arrangements, creates cozy conversation areas, or is well suited for a media room or for those inclined for an eclectic style of interior decor.
Sunken living rooms can be a fun way to diversify the look and feel of your home. If done tastefully and with an eye for contemporary design sensibilities, can easily find a place in anyone’s home. By keeping color scheme, furniture style and decoration current and modern, a beautiful and timeless space that can be just as popular today as it was in the 1970s can be created.
Are sunken lounges popular?
Sunken lounges can be a very popular design feature in some homes, as they provide an intimate and cozy area to relax in. Such as the feeling of privacy from the surrounding area, as the sunken area is slightly set back from the rest of the room.
This can be particularly handy in larger open areas such as living rooms, as it allows for multiple activities within one space. In addition, sunken lounges can provide an area that fosters conversation, as the semi-circular design allows everyone to face each other comfortably.
Furthermore, the sunken lounge can be a great conversation starter and a creative way to break the ice, as it provides an area that instantly stands out from the rest of the space. Lastly, as there is often a slight step down into the sunken area, it can provide an easy way to separate different areas within one room.
So, in conclusion, sunken lounges can be very popular in some homes, as they provide a cozy, intimate space for relaxing and entertaining that stands out from the rest of the room.
What is a sunken lounge?
A sunken lounge is an area of the home that is usually sunk below the level of the rest of the main living area. Typically, a sunken lounge would be two or more steps down from the rest of the area and is an inviting space for socializing.
The sunken style provides an intimate and cozy atmosphere for entertaining guests, or for relaxing and reading a book. It has a warm, inviting look and feel to it, making it appealing to homeowners who appreciate a luxurious and cozy atmosphere in their home.
Sunken lounges are often featured with soft seating and furniture, providing a comfy spot to curl up and watch a movie or have a chat with friends. With soft colors, patterns and accent pillows, these lounges can be transformed into a dreamy sanctuary in any modern home.
How do you make a conversation pit?
Creating a conversation pit in your living room can be a great way to add an interesting and inviting element to the room. Here are the steps you should take to build a conversation pit in your home:
1. Choose an area of your living room. It should be large enough to accommodate comfortable seating and should generally be sunken into the floor.
2. Before you start the excavation process, make sure to check the plans with the building department in your area to confirm that everything is up to code.
3. Once you have the go-ahead, you can begin the excavation. You’ll need to rent some power tools, such as a shovel, wheelbarrow, and temporary stairs to get the job done.
4. To save time, you can fill the bottom of the conversation pit with gravel before laying down the floors.
5. When it comes to seating, you can use beanbags, armchairs, or even sofas to create an interesting and inviting atmosphere.
6. To finish it off, you can add some throw pillows and accessories. You can also line the walls with ornamental plants for a natural touch.
With these steps, you’ll be able to build a conversation pit that your family and friends will love.
How do you make a sunken room in Sims 4?
Making a sunken room in The Sims 4 is a great way to add a unique look to your build. Here are the steps necessary to creating one:
1. Begin by building four walls to form an area slightly smaller than the desired space of your sunken room.
2. Make sure that the walls are short enough that they appear as though they are disappearing into the floor. It may help to set the walls at a lower floor level than the rooms adjacent to it.
3. Create the foundation of the sunken room by filling the area with a floor.
4. To continue building out the walls, use the siding tool to create a level between the floor and the next level. This is a great option for creating a more intricate sunken room.
5. Now that you’ve created the foundation, it’s time to decide how to finish the space. Choose from flooring options like carpet, wood, or tile, or use a combination of different materials to give your sunken room some flair.
6. Once the floor is in place, it’s time to add some furniture and decorations, such as couches, chairs, bookshelves, coffee tables, and more.
7. Finally, don’t forget to add a few lights to your sunken room. This will ensure your room doesn’t become a dark cave—especially if it’s far away from the main area of your house.
That’s all there is to it! Once you complete these steps, you’ll have your own unique sunken room that is sure to impress your Sims friends.
