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Hello everyone!
We are building a small cabin in Eden Roc, and we are looking at flooring ideas. We found a good source for eucalyptus planks, and like the idea of locally grown wood and all that jazz, and think it will look great. But I'm concerned about termites (naturally) though I know it has a little bit of natural defense, I am curious about less-toxic treatments we could use on the wood.
Tile seems like the 'obvious' choice- easy, economical,simple to care for. But...I don't like the way it looks/feels, and know I will have to treat the subfloor (wooden) anyways.
Thoughts?
Tile is really hard on the feet and legs over time. I would always take wood over tile. I've seen some old old wood floors on this island that managed to survive termites just fine.
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There is a treatment (boric acid) for wood which is not toxic but is no where near as enduring as previously banned substances. Using local lumber requires that you understand whether or not it has been properly dried. "Properly" means if it is too wet it may shrink in place producing gaps, warping and stress on the nails... overly dry (from a kiln process most likely) can have the opposite effect - swelling from humidity which can produce buckling. Boric acid treatments are a wet process and will require come curing and drying before use.
Eucalyptus is not a straight grained wood. You should order in excess of your needs and acclimate the material, under cover, for some time prior to installation.
Tile, especially on a concrete surface, can be hard on the joints. On a framed subfloor it is more kind. I do handle a plywood substitute which is tile ready and fire and termite proof if you are interested.
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
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A carpenter friend of mine who lives in Eden Roc says it is too cold there for termites. Is he correct?
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I HOPE your friend is right!
I've heard it isn't much of a concern at that altitude, but I'm from Alaska, so I really don't know beans about termites.
Thanks for the tips on letting it 'cure'; it is kiln-dried, but it is produced outside of Hilo...so I wonder how 'dry' they keep it after it is...dried?
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wrong.... lots of termited buildings at elevations much higher than eden roc.... nasty little buggers must have their sweaters on!
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I have wood flooring in my mainland cabin - varnish every 6 months to a year due to abrasion - beware of cinder - it is hard enough on the lanai wood flooring (cetol "DEK" every 6 months)
I have tile on main house floors(had the contractor tile wall to wall before fixtures)
no bugs at at are able to come up through the floor. A mop every couple of weeks is all the maintenance it seems to require
A 100$ disposable rug keeps things comfy in the living room for me and the woof
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When you have your wood delivered, stack it in an alternating grid pattern, spaced to allow as much air circulation as possible for at least 2 weeks before insallation. Water-bourne urethene is an excellent finish. durable, easy to apply and dries fast. I am not familiar with the hardness of eucalyptus, but this will effect the performance. If it is soft at all, it will be a problem. Take a piece of 2x4 and whack it hard. If it leaves a mark, it is probably too soft.
Dan
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gypsyforlife - send me an email. mdd7000 at yahoo.com
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Crocs for house shoes when on tile over slab.
Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.
Pua`a
S. FL
Big Islander to be.
