Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Dec 31, 1998 08:03am | #1

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   I am very interested in this. Could you provide more information about what, exactly, you mean?

   You say you cannot find much information on this type of floor, yet you say they are beautiful to look at. Do you mean you have actually seen one?

   My curiosity is piqued!

2. 
   tom_ | Dec 31, 1998 11:42pm | #2

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   Funny you should mention this - I was thinking about the same thing last night. In fact, that's what inspired me to be here.
   First, no, I have no experience building one. But, I was looking at an older book of mine last night entitled "Alternative Housebuilding" by Mike McClintock. He includes a chapter on soil-cement/rammed earth construction, shows several pictures of pattern-stamped floors, and has a fairly extensive list of references at the end of the chapter.
   Hope that helps some.

1. 
   Henry_Hyde | Jan 01, 1999 06:36am | #3

   *There was a "This Old House" episode 2-3 years ago that featured this type of construction. Perhaphs they have archives or videotapes. Good Luck.

1. 
   Sacie_Lambertson | Jan 02, 1999 12:28am | #4

   *What seems like a pretty good explanation about mud floors and how to can be found at the following web site:http://www.snowcrest.net/smb/mudfloors.htmI also have more info in my computer files for anyone interested in more. What I am looking for is experience with this type of floor and I would like to be in touch with someone who has actually done one. Sacie

3. 
   Sacie_Lambertson | Jan 02, 1999 02:33am | #5

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   Anyone out there have experience with building a mud floor? (the sort of floor not uncommon in adobe houses). These are beautiful to look at and softer than concrete but I can't get much information about actually making them. We are building in Kansas and will use a radiant floor heating system. I need to know dos and don'ts as well as plain ole how tos. Sacie

4. 
   Guest_ | Jan 02, 1999 02:33am | #6

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   Sacie,

   I lived in Albuquerque for a wile and had a chance to see mud floors in historic buildings in Santa Fe and the Taos Pueblo. Most of these floors were originally stabalized by mixing aninmal blood with the adobe. These traditional floors are indeed soft and require periodic maintenace. I recommend you consider a dyed or colored concrete floor. It will work with radiant heating systems. The results can immitate a traditional mud floor or, with some careful work by a talented finisher, terra cotta pavers. Periodic applications of a stain wax will produce a rich patena.

   Give this alternative some consideration.

   Good luck!

   Think the