Replies

1. 
   Bill_Richardson | May 25, 1999 01:41am | #2

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   James, I can only comment on what has worked for me and it may not be the best or worst answer, the industry standards and what one shop and its workers likes compared to the next changes. So money being relatively important, I left a maintenance shop recently where all we had was concrete for flooring and it was hard. A wood shop next door had linoleum tile and it was O.K. I suppose, I never had any trouble with it and the floor was easy to clean up with glues, finishes and sawdust falling on it. At home, I put down some one inch rubbing matting in two work shop rooms, that I scrounged and it was a whole lot better than concrete, but tuff to clean up after-it tended to discolor and the cracks between the tiles made clean up tiring. Apart from that, individual rubber matting, extra thick for cushion. Good luck.

2. 
   Guest_ | May 25, 1999 04:08am | #3

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   I use 1/2" Homasote in my garage workshop, and it works well to keep the cold out of my legs. I also use a piece of thick pile carpet in front of the workbench.

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   Guest_ | May 31, 1999 08:37am | #4

   *Gabe,I'm very interested in cork but had heard that it was not reccommended for below grade. Any reason for this? If not, could you briefly describe a typical installation over concrete.Thanks,Jerry

1. 
   Guest_ | May 31, 1999 03:17pm | #5

   *Hi Jerry,Cork floating floors are easier to install than any other floating floor in below grade applications.Cork tiles can also be installed below grade as long as the floor can pass a moisture test and is dry. The only difference between cork tiles and vinyl tiles in the installation is that cork tiles must be glued down with contact cements. Cork is porous and will absorb the dampness from "wet" adhesives and this will give a false reading when installing.Cork floating floors are a different thing altogether. If the concrete is dry and moisture free, you simply glue up the tongue on the panels with white glue and snap the panels together, directly onto the concrete. If moisture is a problem, lay a sheet of Poly down first. Because the panels have cork on the top and bottom layers, it is warm to the touch, quiet to walk on and because cork has a natural memory, will outlast any vinyl. The panels are prefinished and can be sanded and refinished much like a wood floor. Because cork is a wood product, it will take the same stains and finishes as wood.Hope this helps.Gabe

3. 
   figuers | Jun 01, 1999 12:11am | #6

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   There is an industrial product that is a thick rubber mat (generally 3 feet wide by 6 to 10 feet long by 1/2 inch thick). I have had one of these for years. they are very durable and work great (much better than cork which will begin to flake after a while).

1. 
   David_Bell | Jun 01, 1999 11:17pm | #7

   *At first I thought you said 15' X 35' but then noticed it was 35". I have a pier and beam foundation under my workshop because I did not want to stand on concrete and wanted to be able to put dust collection and electrical wiring underneath. Every contracter I talked to said I was nuts to want pier and beam but I think that down here in Texas no one builds pier and beam or basements because they take longer to build (labor intensive). I am now building a p & b house for my daughter. Anyway, could you put down a vapor barrier, 2 x 2 furring strips, and OSB or plywood? Would depend on the amount of overhead clearance you would want but I'd rather stand on wood than anything else. I painted my osb with porch paint and its good enough for a shop floor.

4. 
   Guest_ | Jun 01, 1999 11:17pm | #8

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   I'm finishing my basement and have a small area (15'x35") set aside for woodworking. Standing on concrete will be tough. I'm seeking informed opinions on durable flooring that will be easy on the legs (and not cost one or more of them).

1. 
   Guest_ | May 25, 1999 01:38am | #1

   *Hi JamesHave you considered cork floating floor panels for your shop?Easy on the legs and warm to the touch, will outlast any cushion floor.About $3.00 US/sq.ft.DIY installation, easy as pie.Gabe