Dome Dwellers: Tell me your flooring solutions

[kiss-o-matic]

I'll cut to the chase: I have an 18' dome (shelter systems). Between the dust/wind last year, me not figuring out to hook the doors, and my attempt at using a square tarp in a circular dome, me and my roomies were awarded "shittiest tent in the camp" award. Can't have that two years in a row. Looks like Shelter Systems offers a nice floor solution, but it's over $100 which I'm sure is nice, but seems like over kill. I just need a normal tarp. Caveat is that everything I see online is not exactly 18 feet -- even though they say so in the product title (just not description).

[Drawingablank]

My preference for any playa flooring is canvas painters drop cloth although I've never used it for a dome. It is much more comfortable than plastic tarps and relatively inexpensive. It is both heavier and slightly bulkier to transport than plastic tarps though.

For a dome you could cut it to fit the curvature fairly easily and poking a 6 inch nail through it every couple feet (no grommets needed) will hold it in place.

We switched to these at BDC last year and it worked out well.

[Ratty]

Kiss-O-Matic, go shopping. Buy something a little bigger than what you need and make it fit.

viewtopic.php?f=277&t=77435

You can do this for a reasonable price.

[FIGJAM]

Try to find out who does the billboards in your area.

They will have used vinyl's in there warehouse.

Mine charges $30 for a 14'x45' piece.

[kiss-o-matic]

Thanks... these all seem like good ideas. When I was thinking of DIY'ing a square tarp, it would seem like cutting your own holes would be asking for trouble (rips in the wind?) but grommets and such could help.

The painters cloth seems like a good idea but I'm wanting something that I can sweep easily. My roomies aren't the tidiest bunch and a daily clean up is going to be in the roommate agreement.

All good stuff to noodle. Cheers.

[FIGJAM]

NOTHING sticks to vinyl, not even playa mud!!!

[BeeWeeDee]

Not exactly a dome I live in - but a tipi - 18 footer.

I bought a bolt of canvas at the xxx-mart store and sewed seams to make an 18' circle. Then I fastened grommets to the perimeter that can then be nailed into the playa. About $60 total - and I have canvas left over - but I paint so that is OK.

I like canvas floor - it breathes and isn't slick if it gets wet. It always feels dry to the touch not like there is a layer of sweat in between. Easy to sweep. Feels good just to lay out on it too.

[DoctorIknow]

Fitting a square tarp in a dome: as you say: looks like shit, doesn't work.

Fitting a dome inside a square tarp: works great and gives you some "shake off the shoes or leave 'em" space.

I've done it, put candycane rebar thru the tarp where needed, and I patch it with gorilla tape for the next year.

Easy to clean, especially after rain if your dome leaks.

Bring rugs and there you go.

[samlrs]

Our advice with these carports: Stake them down! Use rebar on all legs. The carport can vibrate as the wind really gets going during heavy storms, which can gradually loosen a leg / section and weaken the structure as time goes by, if not both legs are stacked down. Do not put them up so tightly that it is hard to zip the door, because as the week goes on, this will only get worse. Ensure that some slack is left on the side of the door. 3. Get the one that makes more effort [I think it cost $200 a few years back] to seal up around the edges. We used large tarps on the floor to help hold the dust down.