Frit-Happens !

Technical Forum => Studio/workspace/setup/equipment => Studio/Workspaces => Topic started by: CeeGeeJewellery on September 24, 2012, 08:43:54 AM

Title: Cork floor tiles?
Post by: CeeGeeJewellery on September 24, 2012, 08:43:54 AM
Morning! Does anyone have these in their shedio? I've just taken delivery of a brand new workshop so have lots of fun decisions to make regarding kitting it out.

I thought cork tiles could work well on the floor as they are easy to lay, clean and are warm underfoot, but does anyone have experience of them? Do they burn/scorch easily?!

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9x4_bugD8U/UFy-2aYFR5I/AAAAAAAAA30/mh1JVSiF2lw/s400/Workshop.jpg)
Title: Re: Cork floor tiles?
Post by: Redhotsal on September 24, 2012, 08:49:15 AM
I don't think I would - there are lots of advantages re warmth and convenience, but they won't half scorch well. I put down standard ceramic floor tiles in my shed as they are easy to sweep clean and more importantly won't burn.
Title: Re: Cork floor tiles?
Post by: CeeGeeJewellery on September 24, 2012, 10:18:13 AM
You're probably right  :-\. I was worried about ceramic tiles being really cold in the winter but it's not as though I'll be wandering round in my slippers...

Can you just lay them straight onto the wooden floor or do you have to put down a plywood base first?
Title: Re: Cork floor tiles?
Post by: MadelineBunyan on September 24, 2012, 10:21:03 AM
I have cheapo laminate flooring.
sweeps well, wipes up spilled bead release well (yes, that has been tested, actually I scooped with a credit type card, hardly wasted any)
the only burn marks I've made were really scorching hot big lumps of glass.
the small ones dont even mark it, though dropping a press on it did make somewhat of a dent!
Title: Re: Cork floor tiles?
Post by: CeeGeeJewellery on September 24, 2012, 10:30:39 AM
That's probably a better option for me as I've laid laminate before (albeit many moons ago) so am less likely to botch it than tiles!
Title: Re: Cork floor tiles?
Post by: Redhotsal on September 24, 2012, 12:55:34 PM
Ceramic tiles would definitely be a problem if your floor is springy, so yes, you'd be better off putting down a plywood floor. I didn't so I have got  a couple of cracks in places where the floor is springy, but I can still sweep/mop and don't care too much if hot glass hits it. To be honest - at the time we built my shed the ceramic tiles were the cheapest option.
Title: Re: Cork floor tiles?
Post by: CeeGeeJewellery on September 24, 2012, 01:38:30 PM
Appreciate all your help - will post pics once it's all done!
Title: Re: Cork floor tiles?
Post by: Krysia@No98 on September 24, 2012, 02:02:40 PM

We had a house fire when I lives at home... many many many moons ago.  The fire was just at the point of spreading when the fire brigade turned up, part of it taking hold was on the cork floor.  Also once burnt it don't half smell bad (ditto for microwaves and work surfaces)

(Don't buy zanussi ;) )
Title: Re: Cork floor tiles?
Post by: CeeGeeJewellery on September 24, 2012, 08:31:10 PM
Yikes - had no idea cork was so flammable! Not the best idea I've ever had then. Definitely going with the laminate option - I've just been going through the workspace pictures thread (again!) to remind myself of my favourite shedios. Can't afford to get this wrong...  :D
Title: Re: Cork floor tiles?
Post by: Hamilton Taylor on September 25, 2012, 10:03:48 AM
Laminate makes a great floor - I put down an insulating layer under the laminate too, makes it a bit nicer to walk on. It's a thin layer of foam with foil on each side, can't remember what it's called, but you can get it in B&Q.

Sean
Title: Re: Cork floor tiles?
Post by: Calico Cat on September 25, 2012, 08:49:49 PM
I have carpet designed for computer rooms - anti-static and, while they don't call it fire retardant anymore, is designed to limit the spread of any burn/melt.

I have some off cuts which I intend to test - will post the results once I get a dry day to do it outdoors!
Title: Re: Cork floor tiles?
Post by: Krysia@No98 on September 25, 2012, 10:04:16 PM

I imagine you flicking lit matches!
Title: Re: Cork floor tiles?
Post by: Calico Cat on September 25, 2012, 10:36:30 PM
Something a little along those lines . . . . .
Title: Re: Cork floor tiles?
Post by: Ilona on September 25, 2012, 10:40:04 PM
My hubby is a carpet fitter / supplier and he says no no. I have in my caravan studio sample boards of top quality solid wood flooring. They don't match colour wise but I can't tell. They were free from flooring suppliers when discontinued.