EarthEnable Floors

An earthen floor is an ancient flooring technique that has been revived and modernized in recent years. Earthen floors are made of natural materials sourced locally (gravel, laterite, sand, clay, and water). Earthen floors utilize layers to make them as strong and resilient as possible.

The gravel layer is applied first, followed by the laterite layer, and then a clay/sand/laterite mix. All of these layers are compacted manually. Finally, the top layer is made of sand and clay, which is troweled flat. The floor is then sealed by a layer of drying oil that polymerizes as it dries to form a plastic-like resin on the floor.

In the US, linseed oil is traditionally used. However, given that linseed oil is expensive, not locally available in Rwanda, and slightly noxious, co-founder Rick Zuzow formulated an alternative oil that converts soya bean oil into a similarly performing drying oil free from noxious fumes and can be produced at a fraction of the cost.

Users can contact the manufacturer for technical support through their trained masons.

EarthEnable anticipates that the floor will last 10-15 years and that revarnishing will be required every few years.

Customers can do the revarnishing by purchasing a varnish bottle and re-applying it according to Earth Enable’s floor maintenance manual. Another option would be to contact EarthEnable to have one of their trained employees re-apply the varnish. This service would be free if within the 6 month warranty period, or otherwise would have a small fee.

None

No known safety hazards are related to this product.