Charlesp (asker) Jan 8, 2015:

Thanks everyone for your contributions! Very interesting and useful discussion, especially as the term is so vague and open to different interpretations.

Michele Fauble Jan 8, 2015:

undergolv = subfloor, övergolv = floor covering/flooring

JaneD Jan 6, 2015:

Reverse of suspended ceiling The only term I can think of is "floating floor". But it depends on the construction, and I assume you haven't any details of that?

Agneta Pallinder Jan 6, 2015:

Övergolv + undergolv Here is a piece from Byggfabriken's "Renovera hemma" web page: "De flesta lägenheter från 1800-tal fram till 60-talets skiv- och lamellhus är byggda med träbjälklag. Det innebär att ett undergolv, oftast av gran, är lagt på golvbjälklaget. Detta undergolv var sällan synligt i gamla dagar, utan menat att tjäna som underlag till ett övergolv. Övergolvet i finare fastigheter och större rum var och är vanligen ett stavparkettgolv i ek, lagt i mönster t.ex fiskben. I mindre fina rum som serveringsgångar och kök låg oftast ett linoleumgolv i stället. "

I would go with floor for undergolv (perhaps specifying the material - concrete, timber etc. - and flooring for övergolv.

Charlesp (asker) Jan 6, 2015:

I am thinking that I am thinking that maybe it is some kind of "suspended ceiling," but in reverse of course. But what is that called in the construction industry?

Charlesp (asker) Jan 6, 2015:

more context I agree that it is a bit vague and open to interpretations - and that is why I posted it here.

Thanks everyone for your contributions and interest.

I don't think it will help, but here is more context: Depending on the floor structure, a sound insulating övergolv may be required.

Sven Petersson Jan 6, 2015:

@ George, I think not; an "övergolv" could could be made of a material that is not sound-insulating, like ceramic tiles - and a carpet could be considered to be "floor covering".

George Hopkins Jan 6, 2015:

How about Sound-insulation floor covering