[Strawbale] Sawdust floor

[Athena & Bill Steen]

Just thought I would post this for general interest sake.  A friend  
sent it our way and thought I would share it.

Bill

Corcoleum Flooring was started in 1925 in South Africa by a Hollander  
called Mr. G Kuyk he brought the process over from Holland. My father  
bought the company from him in 1963 ( Geoff Kain) and it has been in  
our family since then. Corcoleum is the name of the company and the  
product is called Maplette Flooring.  The floor is done in 2 layers  
first layer been of course sawdust mixed with Magnesium oxide  
(Magnesite) and Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2 x 6 H2O) both these  
products are natural products and when mixed together they start a  
chemical reaction and sets up hard. The second layer is made of finer  
sawdust, wood fibers and pigments again mixed with Magnasite and  
Magnesium Chloride. This process takes a lot longer in laying and is  
very labour intense. The total thickness of the floor is about +-  
23mm thick. The day after the final layer is laid the floor then gets  
washed and then left for 5 to 7 day to dry out then it is dry buffed  
and sealed with a water based sealer. All of the products are natural  
and not harmful to the environment. The floor is 85% sawdust and was  
used mainly in factories but has become more popular in houses over  
the years. We can get the floor to set up to a strength of 35Mpa. The  
floor is also 100% fire proof. The floor is laid straight on to rough  
concrete a cement screed or old timber floors. For more information  
cantact enquiriesATcorcoleum.co.za.


Athena & Bill Steen
The Canelo Project
HC1 Box 324
Canelo/Elgin, AZ 85611
absteen at dakotacom.net
www.caneloproject.com