I read about this in The NY Times way before I had a blog and it was one of those things that stayed with me.

I’ve never seen an earthen floor in person (or have I?), but it looks alot like stained concrete from the pictures. It’s beautiful and it’s totally green. Materials can cost as little as $1 per square foot, plus it can be done DIY!

So, what are the drawback? Because you know it sounds too good to be true.

Well, patience, for one. It takes weeks to properly dry before you can seal it with linseed oil and beeswax.

It doesn’t work well in kitchens and baths, where there is water around. Unfortunately, these are the rooms where it would look best.

It dents easily. But then again, that can add to the character, which some say, looks like old leather after awhile.

On the plus side, the most practical benefit of earthen floors is thermal. When the floor receives direct sunlight it can act as a passive solar device, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night.

Landerland: DIY
Eco Action
I Love Cob via Materialicious