How to Create a Custom Floor in Revit

To create a custom floor in Revit, you essentially duplicate an existing floor type and then modify its properties. This process allows you to define unique structural layers, materials, and thicknesses tailored to your project's specific needs.

Creating custom floor types in Revit is a fundamental skill for architects, designers, and engineers, enabling precise representation of building elements. There are two primary methods to achieve this, both centered around duplicating an existing floor type and then customizing its attributes.

Method 1: Duplicating an Existing Floor Type via the Floor Tool

This method is ideal when you are actively modeling and need to create a new floor type on the fly.

1. Access the Floor Tool: Navigate to the Architecture tab on the Revit ribbon.
2. Select Floor Tool: In the "Build" panel, click on the Floor tool, then choose Architectural Floor.
3. Edit Type: In the Properties panel (usually on the left side of your screen), locate the Floor Type Selector dropdown. Below it, click on Edit Type.
4. Duplicate the Type: In the "Type Properties" dialog box that appears, click the Duplicate button.
5. Rename and Customize:
   • Enter a new, descriptive name for your custom floor type (e.g., "Concrete Slab with Hardwood Finish," "Insulated Floor Assembly").
   • Click OK to rename.
   • Now, back in the "Type Properties" dialog, click the Edit button next to "Structure." Here, you can add, delete, or modify layers (e.g., structural deck, insulation, finish material), assign materials, and define the thickness for each layer.
   • You can also adjust other type parameters like thermal properties, material appearance, and more.
6. Confirm Changes: Click OK repeatedly to apply all changes and close the dialog boxes. Your new custom floor type will now be available in the Floor Type Selector.

Method 2: Duplicating an Existing Floor Type via the Project Browser

This approach is efficient when you want to manage or create new floor types before or during the modeling process, directly from the project's data structure.

1. Open Project Browser: Ensure your Project Browser is visible (usually on the left side of your screen). If not, go to the View tab > User Interface panel > check Project Browser.
2. Locate Floor Families: In the Project Browser, scroll down and expand the Families category.
3. Find Floor Types: Under "Families," expand Floors. This will display all existing floor types loaded into your project.
4. Duplicate Existing Type: Right-click on an existing floor type that closely resembles what you want to create (e.g., "Generic 300mm," or a specific concrete floor).
5. Select Duplicate: From the right-click context menu, choose Duplicate.
6. Rename and Customize:
   • A new duplicated type will appear, usually named with "Copy 1" appended. Right-click on this new type and select Rename.
   • Give it a unique and descriptive name.
   • After renaming, right-click on the new type again and select Type Properties. This will open the "Type Properties" dialog box, identical to the one accessed in Method 1.
   • Click the Edit button next to "Structure" to define the layers, materials, and thicknesses. Adjust any other relevant parameters.
7. Confirm Changes: Click OK to save your modifications. Your custom floor type is now available for use in your project.

Key Aspects of Floor Customization

Once you duplicate a floor type, the power of customization lies in modifying its structural definition and other properties.

• Structure: This is the most critical aspect. You can define multiple layers, such as:
  • Structural Layer: The primary load-bearing component (e.g., concrete, wood joists).
  • Substrate Layers: Underlays, screeds, or leveling layers.
  • Insulation Layers: For thermal or acoustic performance.
  • Finish Layers: The visible surface (e.g., tile, wood, carpet).
• Materials: Assign specific materials from Revit's material library to each layer. This affects graphical representation, rendering, and analytical properties.
• Thickness: Define the precise thickness for each layer, which contributes to the overall floor thickness.
• Appearance: Customize the graphic representation in different views (cut patterns, surface patterns).
• Thermal/Acoustic Properties: Assign thermal mass, R-values, or sound transmission class (STC) ratings for analytical purposes.

By following these methods, you gain complete control over your floor designs in Revit, ensuring they accurately reflect real-world construction and performance requirements.