Homestead mailing list

[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

On Sep 2, 2008, at 9:10 PM, WF Smith wrote:

> > I wouldn't place wooden floor framing down in the dirt. I'm in  
> > Upstate South
> Carolina , and that is like setting the table for termites and other
> parasites. I think you could chemically treat the soil and the  
> lumber well
> enough to suit your purposes, but I don't think that's a wise way to
> proceed. I'm assuming you want the softness/feel of the wood floor and
> that's a valid desire especially if you will be on your feet.

Yes, the slight springiness of wood is easier on my hips. A wood shop  
floor also allows jigs and braces screwed to the floor as well as full- 
size layout drawings. The biggest negative for me is I prefer to hose  
out a floor from time to time. Blowing out dust and sawdust is lots  
more problematical and vacuuming is more difficult under benches.

When I built a basement under part of this old house I found termite  
damage in a big oak beam, so I know they are here. But perhaps the ACQ  
stuff will resist them? Or as you suggest, chemically treat the soil  
before laying the joists. I have created drainage away from the  
building and the dry, rocky soil should be inhospitable to termites.
> Use your backhoe to dig out a suitable crawlspace, seal the earth  
> using an
> epdm barrier or the like, ventilate the space and frame your floor.

Way more work and expense than I want. Ventilation would be nigh  
impossible.

Another item: I am thinking to pour a concrete ribbon around the  
perimeter before any other floor work, both as a screed edge and to  
stabilize the posts in case the ACQ does not do what we all hope it  
will do and underground post rot occurs. I had thought to run rebar  
through the five by five treated posts but then realized that all  
fasteners into ACQ needs to be coated or stainless. The rebar would  
deteriorate. So then I thought about running the rebar through  
galvanized pipe through the posts. Which seems like excessive work and  
expense. Don suggests lag bolts on three post faces. What say you guys?