Renaissance of our history, Earthen Floors, a modern option

Written by Sukita Crimmel.

Earthen floors are experiencing a renaissance. Along with other forms of natural building, we are reviving historical sources of information and improving methods with current material science.

The year 2007 marked a high point of recognition for the use of earthen floors. The New York Times featured an article on earthen floors (February 8, 2007) and like wild fire many of the local papers in the Seattle and Portland area printed their own stories.
Earthen floors are made of sand from the local rivers or a by-product of rock crushing; local clay soils; and straw or paper as a fiber (both of which are waste products from other industries). The finish coat can be left the color of the soil, a warm rich brown, or colored with pigments. This wet mix is poured into place and toweled to level. The dried product is then sealed with coats of linseed oil and mineral spirits with the finish coat having wax for increased durability and shine.

Earthen floors were predominant in most houses until the mid 1300s in Europe, and persist to this day in many parts of the world. Wood, carpet, synthetic linoleum, tile and concrete have all had the market on floor options, until recently. With the rise of indoor air quality issues from the off gassing of carpets, synthetic linoleum and other toxic materials we are demanding healthier options. With the heavy deforestation all over the planet we are demanding options besides wood. With the heavy percent of waste from construction we are starting to seek low or no waste options. And with the increase of energy costs we are looking for ways to be comfortable in our homes with less external fuel and ways to create our homes with less use of fuel as well. History has some of our answers and current material science helps to create healthy durable options now.

The sealing of the floor does require proper ventilation but once oils are dry the floor does not add toxins to indoor air and offers a stabilized surface that does not collect dust like carpets can and is able to be swept and mopped.

Earthen floors are similar in durability to a fir floor yet take no trees to install.
Earthen floors eliminate construction waste – excess earth can be reincorporated into the landscape.

Earthen floors have excellent thermal mass properties and work wonderfully with radiant heating systems and passive solar design. Earthen materials require only simple processing and little or no transport. Even when produced by a machine, a finished earthen slab is estimated to have 90% lower embodied energy than finished concrete. (Adapted from Adobe and Rammed Earth Buildings, 1984)

Earthen floors also offer unique beauty, a slight give that is kind to your body, use of your sites resources and can be done by most folks with little training.

We at From These Hands, LLC offer specialty in this new yet ancient floor option. We provide consultation, design, construction and training for earthen floors. We are based in Portland Oregon. We are able to travel, yet would like to use as much local to your area as possible, including labor. Read further about us at www.sukita.com

March 10th, 2008