Shade structure floors. Ideas?

HughMungus · Post by **HughMungus** » Sat Jul 09, 2005 7:42 pm

Thinking about my shade structure and its floor. Originally thought I would build a low-rise floor about 10'x20' out of 2x4's and plywood. I like this idea a lot because I think it would help mitigate the public space getting dusty and it's just more comfortable to sit and sleep a little bit (4") off the ground. But I'm wondering if bringing all that wood out there would be worth the trouble and I hate the idea of trashing or burning the wood after using it.

Now I'm thinking about using those 2'x2' foamy things that interlock with each other with a pair of rugs over it.

What are some other things I can use as a "base" -- that is, something to get a little height off the playa? It would be nice if it was, say, 4'x4' for easier transportability. Maybe I should just build 4x4 floor sections that I can re-use year-to-year...

What's your "floor plan"?

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:54 am

That's A LOT of wood for just a floor....maybe if you were hosting Roller Derby, as well......

Unless you're crossframing it heavily, you'll need to use fairly thick ply to safely support the weight of foot traffic. If it's just sleeping space you can skimp out a little, since your weight is spread out while you are.

I use an old canvas tent floor for the ground floor of the Snowman, and the second floor is triangular 2x4" frame sections with plywood over, bolted together and with a piece of indoor/outdoor carpeting on top. I thought about bringing some of those 2x2' "puzzle piece" squares, and may yet...I have them in my studio and LOVE THEM. They're easy to cut and alter, too.

EvilDustBooger · Post by **EvilDustBooger** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 7:29 am

Last year I used some plush carpeting(brand new remnants)...it was wonderful to feel the cushy softness under our feet....but it was really dusty, bulky and a pain to deal with when we broke down our camp.
...This year, ..just using Tarp(s).

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 9:05 am

Playa dust floor this year. Less camp more fun time.

unjonharley · Post by **unjonharley** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 9:10 am

That lazy ass trailer that sits all week. Is going to be a platform in the shade structure this year.

HughMungus · Post by **HughMungus** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 9:46 am

unjonharley wrote:That lazy ass trailer that sits all week. Is going to be a platform in the shade structure this year.

Yeah, I was admiring a flat bed trailer yesterday thinking, "I wonder how many people could sleep on that."

Post by **AntiM** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 9:55 am

Yep, we use our flat trailer as a nap place, stretch shade across it and pop up a cot. We do keep the cot covered when not in use so it stays less dusty. This year the lazyass trailer is also one wall of my Home for Wayward Art.

gawul · Post by **gawul** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 2:19 pm

we use that fake green grass you can buy pretty cheaply at home depot. we use the same pieces for a couple of years, then replace them when they get too old and icky