Earthen Floors
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| Infos : | 288 pages |
A Modern Approach to an Ancient Practice
“Wow!” is the most common exclamation heard when people set foot on an earthen floor for the first time. It’s usually followed by “It’s beautiful!” or, more often, “What is it?” There is something familiar and comforting about it; for people who are used to concrete, tile, hardwood, or carpet, taking a step onto an earthen floor is something special, something new.
Most people are unfamiliar with the idea of an earthen floor and are understandably skeptical. “Aren’t they dusty?” they ask. When people imagine an earthen floor, they probably think of a dirt floor in a small home in a village in a faraway country, or maybe something from the past. While this type of simple floor can actually be quite comfortable if cared for properly, the earthen floors described in this book are a modern adaptation of these ancient techniques. Today’s earthen floors are attractive, durable, and environmentally conscious options for modern homes.
The basic ingredients in earthen floors are simple: sand, clay, and some sort of fiber (usually chopped straw). Other additives may include pigments for color and manure for extra fiber. Finally,
The essential guide to making, installing and living with beautiful, all-natural earthen floors – now fully revised and updated
This full-color guide includes complete step-by-step instructions for installing your own earthen floors as well as the history, use, and maintenance of this beautiful, durable, non-toxic flooring material. Updated to reflect current best practices, it is the only resource of its kind, widely recognized as an essential tool for anyone wanting to work with this beautiful and environmentally friendly construction method.
From sourcing and processing raw materials to applying the final finish, each stage of this exciting technique is demystified. Topics include:
– The story of earthen floors through the ages and their role in modern green building
– Tips and tools for site preparation, mixing, pouring, burnishing, sanding, oiling, sealing, and more
– Recipes and ratios for the ideal earthen floor mix, subfloor insulation and vapor barrier options, and how to achieve the perfect pour
– Beyond the basics – inlays, color washes, prints, patterns, alternative fibers, and other creative options
– Radiant heat, electric wire heated floors, and other improvements for cooler climates
– Updated resources section with suggestions for tool and material suppliers.
Packed with new in-depth case studies and inspirational photographs, and drawing on the collective knowledge of the most qualified and experienced practitioners, Earthen Floors, Second Edition is a must-read for natural builders, homeowners, architects, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts.
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James Thomson
James Thomson is a workshop facilitator with House Alive, one of the leading natural building training organizations in the country. His early experiences with alternative, mainly owner-built natural building projects grew into his current interest in integrating these practices into more conventional, urban homes. Since beginning to include earthen features, including floors, in sustainable renovations, James has become passionate about this satisfying, practical technique. He has lived on (or near) earthen floors for most of the past 10 years.