Floor covering idea

[F14CRAZY]

Once again I was searching old posts about different materials to put on the floor.

I got thinking (and didn't see it discussed before), but could you use those interlocking foam mat squares? They're maybe 2' square and half an inch thick. Pretty light, cheap, fairly soft, and I wouldn't glue them down so it would be removable.

I guess their intended use is for exercise equipment areas, workbench areas, kids areas, garages...I don't think they absorb moisture either.

what do you guys think?

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Floor covering idea

Since I screwed up my ankle, I use those mats at the helm. (Sams club cheap)
They are great on the feet. You're right they stay dry.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Floor covering idea

we have some of these in my grandson's bedroom. The edge pieces have a tendency to become disconnected easily. They are waterproof. They are light. I think you would have a problem keeping them from lifting without glueing them down.
I'd be interested in how this works out for you if you decide to go this route.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: Floor covering idea

Snaps, industrial velcro?

 

[mthieme]

Re: Floor covering idea

I assume you want to be able to easily remove it.
Velcro sounds like a good idea...cheap and easy, should be plenty strong enough.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Floor covering idea

PLEASE edit and resize your pictures. they make the complete thread widescreen.

 

[phwrd]

Re: Floor covering idea

I onced used these to cover a cold drafty tile floor. Kept my toe warm while I made my morning coffee.

And you can get them in many different colors and patterns. How about the pretty flowered ones ?

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Floor covering idea

Instead of looking at these, check out the ones that are grid-like, they're very similar to a product called dri-deck.

The solid ones would trap water under them, even better than a carpet would, unless you sealed all the edges and also all the seams.

If you really wanted to seal the seams, I'd suggest figuring out what the mats are made of (neoprene? poly foam?) and get the appropriate solvent to "weld" the edges together.

For attaching them to the floor I'd suggest sheet goods adhesive or a weldwood type contact cement.

Erik

 

[mthieme]

Re: Floor covering idea

Good point.
They aren't to breath at all. Condensation alone is going to be an issue.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: Floor covering idea

hey it was an idea

 

[mthieme]

Re: Floor covering idea

I still like it the idea.
If your floor is fiberglass like many CC (or my McKee) for example, this is less of an issue.
If we can figure out a way to make it breath somehow...maybe a grid of some kind.
But Eric could onto something too. I haven't checked out the dri-deck product, but I do know they make rolls of perforated soft rubber/foam stuff for shop floors.
Black could be a serious issue too with the summer afternoon sun beating down on it.

Hmmmm.
www.patentpending.com

 

[Matrex]

Re: Floor covering idea

I was thinking of something like this....

This one pictured is marketed as a placemat. Have also seen it as drawer liners. I have a little piece I picked up at a trade show that is heavier and designed for holding electronic components on assembly tables. It is non-slip and won't hold water. I don't think it will hold up to shoe traffic - but we are always barefoot in the boat anyway

 

[marquette]

Re: Floor covering idea

Matrex- i use some of the stuff you have pictured here in my shop for non-skid on counters. it holds up well but doesn't clean very well. i think that the same thing that gives it it's non-skid qualities also causes it to hold dirt. on the floor of a duck boat who cares but on the floor of a nice boat that would be differant. i might lay a piece on the floor of my boat and walk on it for a couple of trips and then see if you can clean it before fastening it down. i've never tried to see if it grabs fish hooks but if that is a possibility in your boat you might check for that also.

 

[Matrex]

Re: Floor covering idea

Marquette - good point.
Not worried about fish hooks - not my thing. But bikini-clad beauties would object to dirt I am sure. I'll be sure to do a test run before making any decisions.