Sunday, March 06, 2011

Barefoot Floors

Alright, so we finally had a good rainy day and I got to work inside on the pantry floor. I'm just going to show ya'll some quick pics today and then will do a more detailed post later of what all I actually did to install this stuff. This is cork flooring, by the way. Not sure if I had mentioned that before. It comes in planks that are 1' x 3' and about 1/2" thick. These planks lock together and the whole floor "floats". It is not nailed or glued down in any way. I was a little skeptical at first but once the planks lock in, the floor is virtually seamless. In fact, I really had to keep track of my joints because it is extremely hard to find them after the plank is in place.

I pooped out before I got the base trim run but hope to do that soon. It took about all day because I ran a 1/4" layer of tile board under this. I'll explain why and how later. I am very, very pleased with how this came out and can't wait to do the whole kitchen. It wasn't terribly hard to do either. The very last run against the wall was a little tricky to get it but not horribly so. The main thing is just to take your time and not get flustered.

This particular brand carries a 20 year warranty and comes prefinished, so when it's down, it's done. The title of this post refers to how it feels to walk on this stuff. It's wonderful. It feels great. I just sat on it for a while, looking. It is warm and feels good to stand on. Now, in 2 years I may hate the stuff or turns out it is too delicate, but so far it seems to be a good product. It's hard to get a good close-up detail shot but it is really beautiful to look at too.

9 comments:

Frugal Canadian Hermit said...

Looks good Annie. I've been thinking about using some of that for my kitchen and living area. Looks simple enough to install any. Do you need any special tools to cut that stuff?

wolfek said...

Looks wonderful!! So neat and clean.

Island Rider said...

So pretty!

Anonymous said...

Nice job. Is that plastic liner under the floor??? Is it used as a moisture barrier?

Caddie said...

Just lovely. I'm wondering if you can feel 'give' when walking on it.
I need something like foam for ease on these bones.
I haven't seen cork flooring in this area.

You're getting along fine. One day you will look back on all you've accomplished and be amazed. I'm very proud of people such as yourself. Believe it!

MamaHen said...

Hey Mark! No special tools are needed. I cut the stuff with a jigsaw; just make sure you have a new blade for it. I'll show ya'll how I did everything.
I'm not sure I would put this stuff in a living room area because of the amount of traffic and I know you would be like me and probably tromping through the living room in dirty work boots! lol! I'm not sure how it would hold up to that kind of abrasion.

Hey Wolf! thanks!

Hey IR! thanks!

Hey Grenville! thanks! yes and yes!

Hey Sissy! thank you! you do not feel any 'give' but it does feel somehow 'softer' if that makes any sense. They say it helps tremendously for back strain if standing for long periods.

Woody said...

Wondering if this might be a good fit for a basement floor?

MamaHen said...

Hey woody! the manufacturer's site says it is fine for basements and installment over most any type subfloor, including concrete, as long as the area stays dry.
I'll post the website and info soon.

HermitJim said...

Certainly looks good to me! I'm thinking this is certainly one of the best ways to go!

Moving right along, huh?