underfoot

April 23rd 2013 Comments: 9 Topics: , ,

A few weeks ago, I did a blog post extolling the virtues of  the adorned ceiling.  This week, I thought I would give an equal nod to the floor surface.
The following four categories pictorially illustrate some of our favorite floor finishes: wood, natural tile, concrete tile and concrete.  All offer durable, beautiful richness and each were carefully selected for appropriateness in their respective design.  These may be underfoot but the impact of gorgeous flooring should never be underrated.

WOOD
2013-03-25_0003Wood comes in many species, finishes and sizes.  It’s literally as varied as trees in the forest.  These are some of our favorites:
Picture 1: wide plank antique oak w/ an antique face*
Picture 2:  wide plank heart pine w/ an antique face
Picture 3:  random width antique oak
Picture 4:  random width heart pine
Picture 5: wide plank heart pine with an antique face
*Note:  “antique face” means that these boards were cut from the outside face of reclaimed antique beams so circular saw marks, rough surfaces form age, etc. show.  These are not traditionally sanded and finished as the surface patina is desired.

NATURAL TILE
2013-03-25_0004Materials hewn from the earth provide validation in any style interior.  The spectrum is endless.  One of our favorite sources is Marmi Natural Stone in Atanta.
Picture 1:  Antique, reclaimed  jerusalem stone in an ashlar pattern
Picture 2:  Square, filled limestone in an offset running bond pattern
Picture 3: Rectangular , filled limestone in an offset running bond pattern
Picture 4:  Square filled silver travertine in an offset running bond pattern
Picture 4: Square, unfilled limestone in a diagonal pattern

CONCRETE TILE
2013-03-25_0002These pavers are cast concrete and are available from Peacock Pavers.  The color is buff and the pattern is ashlar.  We’ve been using these beautiful pavers for over 25 years now (when we first started specifying them, they were being hand cast by a bunch of guys in a little roadside shed in Atmore, Alabama).  They have a lovely, aged finished and almost look like reclaimed antique castle stone.

CONCRETE
2013-03-25_0001Polished concrete is an inexpensive (structurally, it’s often already in place) and contemporary feeling material.  We typically saw cut a pattern into the surface, acid etch it with a stain and finish with a special wax.  The result almost looks like time-worn leather.  It’s virtually indestructible at home or work.

Faithfully,
Greg Tankersley, for McAlpine Tankersley Architecture

9 comments

  1. Dana Faler says:

    Hi, I love Peacock Pavers as well! For the concrete flooring, do you use a commercial wax or one specially made by the finisher? Thanks for all the wonderful posts!

  2. You have definitely given us some beauties today. Loving this post so much. The high ceilings, the neutral palettes, all of it!

  3. Tiffany henkel says:

    I just got my samples from peacock pavers. On the last photo were two colors used? No one in my area uses them so I only have the 4 in samples to go by. What color grout do you recommend. I am also assuming they are over grouted a bit in fill in the crevices? I am was trying to explain these to an installer and my architect. Any tips would be apreciated.

    • Only one color was used in that installation -buff. Peacock can recommend a grout color (we selected a standard matching grout that they keep on file for such queries). The crevices are absolutely not filled in. Similar to an unfilled travertine marble, they are left as is. I hope this is helpful.

  4. Amy Harbarger says:

    Do you stain the Peacock Pavers? Or seal them? If so, what do you use?

  5. dianne tankersley says:

    What stain and wax do you use on the Concrete floors? They have a nice patina and I want to be able to give the correct info to the sub-contractor. Also, should a flooring sub that stains floors do the concrete or should a painter do them?
    Thank you,
    Dianne

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