concrete floor - covering it in rush/coir mats?

[LadyArowana]

There are much cheaper hard wearing alternatives, check out

http://www.woodworx.co.uk/product.php?top_cid=4&cid=4&gclid=CKGgzrOd1LMCFanItAodljUAyw

One of the sisal herringbone pieces they list looks very similar to what I got for the hallway, and they seem to be offering it at a good price. The slightly heathery colours are good for high traffic areas and because they are a flatweave there isn't an issue with areas getting worn down as can happen with a carpet.

 

[DJH]

The problem I have with this type of wood flooring, both semi-solid and solid, is that they just don't look right because of the random end joints across the floor. In my opinion the end joints should line up with each other as if the flooring is laid on joists below because, of course, all butt or end joints are always over a joist.

Can't say I practice what I preach as all my floors are from random lengths and the end joints are everywhere.

 

[tycarregydwr]

Well we happened by a large carpet place today and stopped in for a chat, what a tosser he was too :lol: Said that 'coir, rush, seagrass and all of it is unsuitable for this area as it WILL get wet and will end up growing mushrooms within weeks', that we 'had' to get it with a latex backing, which then 'had' to be professionally laid, it was not possible to bind it off at the edges, and it would start at £39 per sq meter excl. VAT, underlay, and fitting. Ummmmmmm sure.
We will try some other carpet places this week and see if we can get a less ridiculous response, otherwise I am semi-seriously considering just plonking down some underlay boards from Wickes and those Ikea mats...

But still investigating all the other wood options that you've all brought up.

Thanks again!