OSB For Cork Looking Flooring

topazken · 10-14-2005, 09:38 PM

I have recently completed a reflooring of my Soveriegn. I originally intended to use cork but after giving some thought to the needed sub-floor and the weight is occured to me to use some creativity to create the appearance of cork flooring using 7/16" OSB (Omni Strand Board). As I am doing a total interior refit, I was able to cover virtually the entire floor with the OSB.

After cutting and sanding (no small job), I marked out squares on the OSB using a black ballpoint pen. I used a linoleum tile as a template. I then stained the floor. After I achived the desired color I went over the lines with a stain pen. This creates the same kind of shadow effect that the tile edges naturally have.

The final result was spectacular. The entire floor is much more stable and great looking. Total cost was $170. and about 7 hours of sanding.

If anyone is interested I can send pics of the completed floor.

Janet's Husband · 10-15-2005, 11:17 AM

Yes indeed please post your pics.
I'm sure everyone would like to see them.
I would like to welcome you to the forums, keep coming back.

clecogirl · 10-15-2005, 11:28 AM

I would love to see some pictures - sounds like an interesting way to handle a common problem.

topazken · 10-15-2005, 12:23 PM

Not sure how to post pics. I will happily e-mail them to anyone interested.

Pahaska · 10-15-2005, 01:01 PM

Not a bad idea, but the weight of cork is trivial and you don't have any of the the major advantages of cork such as standing comfort, noise reduction, and warmth. You did save a bundle of money, however.

The cork tiles I used were less than 1/4" thick and the total weight of the area I covered was maybe 20#. I loved the warm feel when barefoot.

**Janet** · 10-15-2005, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by topazken

Not sure how to post pics. I will happily e-mail them to anyone interested.

Here you go....

Click on reply and scroll down to bottom of text box.
Click "go advanced" add text to message window and then scroll down.
Click "Manage attachments" A separate window will pop up.
Click "browse" Then select the file to be uploaded. Be sure that the photo is appropriately sized. 1024 x 1024 pixels (or smaller) and no more than 300 kilo bytes. You may select several photos to upload at the same time by repeating the last step.
Click "Upload" After pics have loaded close the pop-up window
Click "submit reply" to mount the text of your message - photos will automatically appear in post.

topazken · 10-16-2005, 01:18 PM

Here are some pics (Thanks for the help).

**Janet** · 10-16-2005, 02:09 PM

Great idea - Pics look wonderful. It'll be interesting to see how this wears over time.

topazken · 10-16-2005, 04:38 PM

I expect it should wear just fine. I uses exterior grade OSB and finished it with Varathane for floors. I used the Varathane for the floor of my boat and after five years of sailing around the world, it still looks good. There were many times when seawater was sloshing around. I suppose it is possible that the flexing of the OSB could cause breakdown.

Time will tell.