A RAISED FLOOR (also raised flooring, access floor(ing), or raised access computer floor) provides an elevated structural floor above a solid substrate (often a concrete slab) to create a hidden void for the passage of mechanical and electrical services. Raised floors are widely used in modern office buildings, and in specialized areas such as IT data centers and computer rooms, where there is a requirement to route mechanical services and cables, wiring, and electrical supply.
In data centers, isolated air-conditioning zones are often associated with raised floors. Perforated tiles are traditionally placed beneath computer systems to direct conditioned air directly to them. Variety of flooring finishes to suit the application, such as carpet tiles, high-pressure laminates, marble, stone, and antistatic finishes for use in computer rooms and laboratories. Many modern computer and equipment rooms employ an under floor air distribution to ensure even cooling of the room with minimal wasted energy.