How to Put in Adobe Floors
- 1). Cover your subfloor with 1 inch of sand filler and cover it with the plastic sheeting. The sheeting should be covered with another inch of sand.
- 2). Pour pea gravel onto the sand in a 2-inch layer and press it down. Use a tamper tool to compact the gravel as much as possible. Apply two more 2-inch layers, tapping the gravel down in between. You should have 6 inches of gravel compacted.
- 3). Mix adobe and very fine sand to create the flooring mixture. Use three times as much sand as you do adobe. Gradually add water to the adobe mixture until you get a thick, spreadable mixture. The mixture should be thin enough to be maneuvered into cracks and corners, but not any thinner.
- 4). Spread the adobe mixture over the floor base in a 1-inch-thick layer. Use a smooth-edged trowel to even out the adobe and leave the floor smooth and flat. Let the adobe set for several days until it is completely dry.
- 5). Apply a heavy layer of linseed oil over the set adobe. Use a mop to work the oil into the floor, taking care not leave any large wet spots on the adobe. Let the oil dry for a few days and apply another coat of oil but dilute it first. Use 3 cups of linseed oil for every cup of citrus thinner and apply it in the same way as the first coat.
- 6). Dilute equal parts oil and thinner and apply a third layer after the second layer has dried. Rub the mixture into the floors well.
- 7). Finish the floors with a final layer of oil and thinner. There should be three times as much thinner as oil for this layer.
- 8). Open the windows and doors after the oil has dried. Let any remaining scent from the oil and thinner dissipate.
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