Cob: Earthen floors or linoleum in retrofit.

[Darel Henman]

Another problem, besides structural weight on the existing joists, is
that plywood is springy and with every little spring it undergoes, a
dried brittle like earthen floor will crack.  Plywood my not be a
sufficently solid foundation for a good earthen floor.  Unless you could
produce one with elasticity.

Darel

Amanda Peck wrote:
> 
> Weight would be a limiting factor--that and height.  Back in the days when I
> was playing framing carpenter, the time we framed to put a slate floor in
> the entry (trying to remember here, I think it was going to be quite a bit
> thicker than the finish floor in the rest of the house) so I'm pretty sure
> that we put 2x4 floor joists, but only 9 or 12 inches on center.  In other
> words, taking the plywood out to reinforce a lowered sub-floor in your case.
>   Maybe even then, having to figure out how to contain a rammed earth floor
> that's still a few inches above the floor level in the rest of the house.
> 
> I think I'd go for the Mexican tiles--low-fired and nicely variable--or
> linoleum--the real thing not vinyl, and for sure not that blasted laminate.
> (Forbo, Marmoleum, possible names to look for in a search, although I
> believe that Armstrong is now manufacturing/selling it.)
> 
> Loving mama:
> 
> Hi again, this time I'm asking about floors!  In our "conventional" home,
> the kitchen floor really needs replacing.  Is there any precedent for
> putting an earthen floor over a plywood sub floor?  How would one do such a
> thing?
> 
> Thanks!
> 
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