F. Cutting In

Cut in the access floor to perimeter wall, curbs and around columns after the main field areas are installed. It may be necessary at times to install some cut panels in order to hold the floor tight and align the grid, or to laterally stabilize the system.

All cut panels are measured and precisely cut to fit in their own place, and are usually not interchangeable with other cut panels. Cut panels should fit snug.

Make sure the perimeter pedestals are close to the wall, plump, and at correct height.

Make sure the perimeter walls are stable. If they are not, diagonal bracing may have to be used to stabilize the floor against lateral loads. To give an attractive appearance to the edge between the cut panels and the walls, cove base material is recommended. If you are not furnishing wall base material, check with the general contractor to see what type is specified. Straight base (as opposed to cove base) requires a better quality perimeter cut to avoid unsightly gaps at irregular walls.

Note: Throughout installation, always set aside panels not suitable for main field use, to use for perimeter cuts.

Note: When installing carpeted flooring, be sure to follow grain directions on the perimeter cut panels.

Note: The most efficient equipment for cutting perimeter panels is a portable bandsaw with bi-metal, 14-tooth, 1/2-inch wide x .034-inch thick blades.

Note: Consider the use of protective personal equipment normally recommended in machine shop practice:

1. Safety Glasses
2. Comfortable leather or cotton-face gloves.

Caution: Adequately protect the finished access floor from debris in the area of your bandsaw.  At the end of the day, remove all debris around the cutting area.

Perimeter Detail

When installing panels along a wall that need to be cut, configure your steel understructure to allow for proper support of the cut panel.

Perimeter Detail
Note: Pedestals are moved flush to wall and stringers are installed over them.