I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now. I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other material) on it to make a surface suitable for crawling on or putting things on. It will lay right on top of dirt. It doesn't have to look good as it's in a crawlspace in an unfinished basement. I't won't be exposed to rain but there will be some moisture coming up through the dirt. Also, i'm probably going to hose it off occasionally. In addition, every 5 years or so it will be underwater for a day or two when we get a hurricane as they usually flood the basement. Can anyone recommend something that will last but not cost me an arm and a leg? Again, i don't care how it looks.

On Sat, 23 Apr 2016 15:01:46 -0700 (PDT), Fredd Wright
wrote:

I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now.

PVC boards won't rot, that be my solution.

On Sat, 23 Apr 2016 15:01:46 -0700, Fredd Wright wrote:

I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now.
I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other material) on it to
make a surface suitable for crawling on or putting things on. It will
lay right on top of dirt. It doesn't have to look good as it's in a
crawlspace in an unfinished basement. I't won't be exposed to rain but
there will be some moisture coming up through the dirt. Also, i'm
probably going to hose it off occasionally. In addition, every 5 years
or so it will be underwater for a day or two ...

I'd be tempted to cover the dirt with black plastic sheeting and lay down
cheap 1/2" or 3/4" plywood on top of it. You could try sealing the
plywood, but with the flooding I think it's a lost cause. Just plan on
replacing it every 5 years or so.

If termites could be a problem I'd just go with the plastic sheeting :-).





--
When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and
carrying a cross.

Fredd Wright wrote in
:

I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now.
I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other material) on it
to make a surface suitable for crawling on or putting things on. It
will lay right on top of dirt. It doesn't have to look good as it's
in a crawlspace in an unfinished basement. I't won't be exposed to
rain but there will be some moisture coming up through the dirt.

Your plywood will rot, even if bugs don't eat it first.

If you have lots of money, Markem's suggestion of PVC boards
would work. Otherwise, you're probably better off just
leaving it alone.

John

On Sat, 23 Apr 2016 15:01:46 -0700 (PDT), Fredd Wright
wrote:

I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now. I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other material) on it to make a surface suitable for crawling on or putting things on. It will lay right on top of dirt. It doesn't have to look good as it's in a crawlspace in an unfinished basement. I't won't be exposed to rain but there will be some moisture coming up through the dirt. Also, i'm probably going to hose it off occasionally. In addition, every 5 years or so it will be underwater for a day or two when we get a hurricane as they usually flood the basement. Can anyone recommend something that will last but not cost me an arm and a leg? Again, i don't care how it looks.

If it's a very dry crawlspace, perhaps PT ply, preferably something
that's rated for ground contact. Other than that, PT 2x4s for
stringers with PT ply on them. Even if it's dry, the humidity may be
quite high, hence the PT.

On 4/23/2016 6:27 PM, Markem wrote:
On Sat, 23 Apr 2016 15:01:46 -0700 (PDT), Fredd Wright
wrote:

I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now.

PVC boards won't rot, that be my solution.


PVC, ply will rot.
Trex or something similar.

--
Jeff

On 4/23/2016 6:01 PM, Fredd Wright wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now.
I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other material) on it
to make a surface suitable for crawling on or putting things on. It
will lay right on top of dirt. It doesn't have to look good as it's in a
crawlspace in an unfinished basement. I't won't be exposed to rain but
there will be some moisture coming up through the dirt. Also, i'm probably
going to hose it off occasionally. In addition, every 5 years or so it
will be
underwater for a day or two when we get a hurricane as they usually
flood the
basement. Can anyone recommend something that will last but not cost me
an arm
and a leg? Again, i don't care how it looks.

While it has been mentioned in passing, I think the strongest negative
for putting wood, any wood product, on the ground in the crawl space is
the attractiveness to bugs, particularly termites. In fact if you do
put wood down there it may void your currently have a termite contract.
(Read the fine print)

I was under a house a couple of weeks ago, that someone had actually
poured an area of concrete under the house to provide an area exactly
what you area for exactly what you are talking about.

Properly prepared, a slab of 2 to 3" thick would seem to me to be
sufficient for a storage area under the house. You would not driving
cars on it and you will not be storing any heavy equipment.

On Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 9:02:52 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On 4/23/2016 6:01 PM, Fredd Wright wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now.
I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other material) on it
to make a surface suitable for crawling on or putting things on. It
will lay right on top of dirt. It doesn't have to look good as it's in a
crawlspace in an unfinished basement. I't won't be exposed to rain but
there will be some moisture coming up through the dirt. Also, i'm probably
going to hose it off occasionally. In addition, every 5 years or so it
will be
underwater for a day or two when we get a hurricane as they usually
flood the
basement. Can anyone recommend something that will last but not cost me
an arm
and a leg? Again, i don't care how it looks.

While it has been mentioned in passing, I think the strongest negative
for putting wood, any wood product, on the ground in the crawl space is
the attractiveness to bugs, particularly termites. In fact if you do
put wood down there it may void your currently have a termite contract.
(Read the fine print)

I was under a house a couple of weeks ago, that someone had actually
poured an area of concrete under the house to provide an area exactly
what you area for exactly what you are talking about.

Properly prepared, a slab of 2 to 3" thick would seem to me to be
sufficient for a storage area under the house. You would not driving
cars on it and you will not be storing any heavy equipment.

That would probably be best. Actually the crawlspace starts out as concrete and then after 2 or 3 feet, the concrete stops and the rest is dirt. Kind of like the original builders just gave up. I like the idea of concrete but i've never done it before and it seems like a lot of work. Plus, i wouldn't know how. Is there another type of material that wouldn't attract bugs?

On Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 9:02:52 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On 4/23/2016 6:01 PM, Fredd Wright wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now.
I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other material) on it
to make a surface suitable for crawling on or putting things on. It
will lay right on top of dirt. It doesn't have to look good as it's in a
crawlspace in an unfinished basement. I't won't be exposed to rain but
there will be some moisture coming up through the dirt. Also, i'm probably
going to hose it off occasionally. In addition, every 5 years or so it
will be
underwater for a day or two when we get a hurricane as they usually
flood the
basement. Can anyone recommend something that will last but not cost me
an arm
and a leg? Again, i don't care how it looks.

While it has been mentioned in passing, I think the strongest negative
for putting wood, any wood product, on the ground in the crawl space is
the attractiveness to bugs, particularly termites. In fact if you do
put wood down there it may void your currently have a termite contract.
(Read the fine print)

I was under a house a couple of weeks ago, that someone had actually
poured an area of concrete under the house to provide an area exactly
what you area for exactly what you are talking about.

Properly prepared, a slab of 2 to 3" thick would seem to me to be
sufficient for a storage area under the house. You would not driving
cars on it and you will not be storing any heavy equipment.

That would probably be best but it seems like a lot of work and i have no idea how to pour concrete. Others mentioned PVC. Would that attract bugs? I imagine not since it's plastic. Not as solid as the concrete but it may serve for my purposes. How hard is it to apply concrete if you've never done it before?

On Sat, 23 Apr 2016 18:21:31 -0700 (PDT), Fredd Wright
wrote:

On Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 9:02:52 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On 4/23/2016 6:01 PM, Fredd Wright wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now.
I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other material) on it
to make a surface suitable for crawling on or putting things on. It
will lay right on top of dirt. It doesn't have to look good as it's in a
crawlspace in an unfinished basement. I't won't be exposed to rain but
there will be some moisture coming up through the dirt. Also, i'm probably
going to hose it off occasionally. In addition, every 5 years or so it
will be
underwater for a day or two when we get a hurricane as they usually
flood the
basement. Can anyone recommend something that will last but not cost me
an arm
and a leg? Again, i don't care how it looks.

While it has been mentioned in passing, I think the strongest negative
for putting wood, any wood product, on the ground in the crawl space is
the attractiveness to bugs, particularly termites. In fact if you do
put wood down there it may void your currently have a termite contract.
(Read the fine print)

I was under a house a couple of weeks ago, that someone had actually
poured an area of concrete under the house to provide an area exactly
what you area for exactly what you are talking about.

Properly prepared, a slab of 2 to 3" thick would seem to me to be
sufficient for a storage area under the house. You would not driving
cars on it and you will not be storing any heavy equipment.

That would probably be best but it seems like a lot of work and i have no idea how to pour concrete. Others mentioned PVC. Would that attract bugs? I imagine not since it's plastic. Not as solid as the concrete but it may serve for my purposes. How hard is it to apply concrete if you've never done it before?

How about 1ftx1ft concrete paver stones of blocks, like you would use
in a garden path? Just lay it down with some mild scraping for
leveling, and you're good to go.

On Sat, 23 Apr 2016 21:02:44 -0400, Keith Nuttle
wrote:

On 4/23/2016 6:01 PM, Fredd Wright wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now.
I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other material) on it
to make a surface suitable for crawling on or putting things on. It
will lay right on top of dirt. It doesn't have to look good as it's in a
crawlspace in an unfinished basement. I't won't be exposed to rain but
there will be some moisture coming up through the dirt. Also, i'm probably
going to hose it off occasionally. In addition, every 5 years or so it
will be
underwater for a day or two when we get a hurricane as they usually
flood the
basement. Can anyone recommend something that will last but not cost me
an arm
and a leg? Again, i don't care how it looks.

While it has been mentioned in passing, I think the strongest negative
for putting wood, any wood product, on the ground in the crawl space is
the attractiveness to bugs, particularly termites. In fact if you do
put wood down there it may void your currently have a termite contract.
(Read the fine print)

I was under a house a couple of weeks ago, that someone had actually
poured an area of concrete under the house to provide an area exactly
what you area for exactly what you are talking about.

I'm certainly not a termite expert but I wouldn't expect them to be a
problem in a crawl space unless the house was already infested.

Properly prepared, a slab of 2 to 3" thick would seem to me to be
sufficient for a storage area under the house. You would not driving
cars on it and you will not be storing any heavy equipment.

In article ,
says...

On 4/23/2016 6:27 PM, Markem wrote:
On Sat, 23 Apr 2016 15:01:46 -0700 (PDT), Fredd Wright
wrote:

I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now.

PVC boards won't rot, that be my solution.


PVC, ply will rot.
Trex or something similar.

Why not just put down some pavers?

On Sat, 23 Apr 2016 21:02:44 -0400, Keith Nuttle
wrote:

On 4/23/2016 6:01 PM, Fredd Wright wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now.
I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other material) on it
to make a surface suitable for crawling on or putting things on. It
will lay right on top of dirt. It doesn't have to look good as it's in a
crawlspace in an unfinished basement. I't won't be exposed to rain but
there will be some moisture coming up through the dirt. Also, i'm probably
going to hose it off occasionally. In addition, every 5 years or so it
will be
underwater for a day or two when we get a hurricane as they usually
flood the
basement. Can anyone recommend something that will last but not cost me
an arm
and a leg? Again, i don't care how it looks.

While it has been mentioned in passing, I think the strongest negative
for putting wood, any wood product, on the ground in the crawl space is
the attractiveness to bugs, particularly termites. In fact if you do
put wood down there it may void your currently have a termite contract.
(Read the fine print)

I was under a house a couple of weeks ago, that someone had actually
poured an area of concrete under the house to provide an area exactly
what you area for exactly what you are talking about.

Properly prepared, a slab of 2 to 3" thick would seem to me to be
sufficient for a storage area under the house. You would not driving
cars on it and you will not be storing any heavy equipment.
Or level the area and lay a sheet of rigid foam insulation on the
ground, and PT plywood on top of that. Stake it down with 10 inch
spikes driven into the ground so it doesn't float away in the next
flood.

On Sat, 23 Apr 2016 22:13:54 -0400, krw wrote:

On Sat, 23 Apr 2016 21:02:44 -0400, Keith Nuttle
wrote:

On 4/23/2016 6:01 PM, Fredd Wright wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now.
I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other material) on it
to make a surface suitable for crawling on or putting things on. It
will lay right on top of dirt. It doesn't have to look good as it's in a
crawlspace in an unfinished basement. I't won't be exposed to rain but
there will be some moisture coming up through the dirt. Also, i'm probably
going to hose it off occasionally. In addition, every 5 years or so it
will be
underwater for a day or two when we get a hurricane as they usually
flood the
basement. Can anyone recommend something that will last but not cost me
an arm
and a leg? Again, i don't care how it looks.

While it has been mentioned in passing, I think the strongest negative
for putting wood, any wood product, on the ground in the crawl space is
the attractiveness to bugs, particularly termites. In fact if you do
put wood down there it may void your currently have a termite contract.
(Read the fine print)

I was under a house a couple of weeks ago, that someone had actually
poured an area of concrete under the house to provide an area exactly
what you area for exactly what you are talking about.

I'm certainly not a termite expert but I wouldn't expect them to be a
problem in a crawl space unless the house was already infested.

Properly prepared, a slab of 2 to 3" thick would seem to me to be
sufficient for a storage area under the house. You would not driving
cars on it and you will not be storing any heavy equipment.
Don't bet your house on it - - - - There have to be termites in the
area - but they don't need to be a problem on your property now to be
a problem when you leave wood on the ground.

In San Francisco CA in the 50's and 60's it was common practice to put
down a 2" to 3" layer of concrete
in the crawl space of the victorians. It was called rat proofing.

CP

On 4/23/2016 8:02 PM, Keith Nuttle wrote:
I was under a house a couple of weeks ago, that someone had actually
poured an area of concrete under the house to provide an area exactly
what you area for exactly what you are talking about.

Properly prepared, a slab of 2 to 3" thick would seem to me to be
sufficient for a storage area under the house. You would not driving
cars on it and you will not be storing any heavy equipment.

This is the solution that the OP wants, and the only viable one for cost
effectiveness and longevity.

When I build a house with a crawlspace foundation, I always pour what we
call a "mud slab" (3 - 4" of un-reinforced concrete) over the exposed
ground in the crawl space.

(I also put in French drains as part of the drainage plan, but that is
another matter)

Inexpensive, effective, can easily hold most yard items for storage,
makes for easier access, cuts down on mold, mildew and smells, and only
requires a minimum "finish" and leveling of the surface.

--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://www.google.com/+eWoodShop
https://plus.google.com/+KarlCaillouet/posts
http://www.custommade.com/by/ewoodshop/
https://www.facebook.com/eWoodShop-206166666122228
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)

On Sat, 23 Apr 2016 15:01:46 -0700 (PDT)
Fredd Wright wrote:

I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now.
I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other material) on it
to make a surface suitable for crawling on or putting things on. It

maybe first install a sump

then maybe a layer of large gravel

then marine plywood

then store stuff you do not care too much about as it will corrode
in that environ

On Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:01:51 PM UTC-7, Fredd Wright wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now. I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other material) on it to make a surface suitable for crawling on or putting things on.

For crawling, a few planks of 1/2" plywood (exterior) would be useful.
For storage, consider that you'd like ventilation around the stored
items; I'd try some old pallets, with optional 'wood preservative' painted on
(they won't weather, so stain or real paint are a waste).
I'm lazy, I just strap on some knee pads and a hard hat when it's time to crawl.

On Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 9:00:08 PM UTC-4, whit3rd wrote:
On Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:01:51 PM UTC-7, Fredd Wright wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now. I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other material) on it to make a surface suitable for crawling on or putting things on.

For crawling, a few planks of 1/2" plywood (exterior) would be useful.
For storage, consider that you'd like ventilation around the stored
items; I'd try some old pallets, with optional 'wood preservative' painted on
(they won't weather, so stain or real paint are a waste).
I'm lazy, I just strap on some knee pads and a hard hat when it's time to crawl.

Good ideas here. I have to admit that when i first posted, i wasn't thinking about the termite angle. I like the idea of the concrete but i have a feeling i'd make a mess of it as i don't know what i'm doing. However, the paver idea sounds interesting. I priced it and the pavers cost the same per square foot as 3/4" plywood and they would last indefinitely. However, that's also something i've never done. Do i just level the ground and lay the pavers on top letting gravity keep them in place or is there something else i need to do to secure them?

Fredd Wright wrote:
On Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 9:00:08 PM UTC-4, whit3rd wrote:
On Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:01:51 PM UTC-7, Fredd Wright wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right
now. I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other
material) on it to make a surface suitable for crawling on or
putting things on.

For crawling, a few planks of 1/2" plywood (exterior) would be
useful.
For storage, consider that you'd like ventilation around the stored
items; I'd try some old pallets, with optional 'wood preservative'
painted on (they won't weather, so stain or real paint are a waste).
I'm lazy, I just strap on some knee pads and a hard hat when it's
time to crawl.

Good ideas here. I have to admit that when i first posted, i wasn't
thinking about the termite angle. I like the idea of the concrete
but i have a feeling i'd make a mess of it as i don't know what i'm
doing. However, the paver idea sounds interesting. I priced it and
the pavers cost the same per square foot as 3/4" plywood and they
would last indefinitely. However, that's also something i've never
done. Do i just level the ground and lay the pavers on top letting
gravity keep them in place or is there something else i need to do to
secure them?

Use pressure treated ply and termite concerns go away.

Around here - central Florida - a sheet of PT 1/2" x 4' x 8' is about 25
bucks. That's about $0.78 sq/ft; pavers run from about $2.00 sq/ft up. An
exception is a 12" x 12" x 1 3/4" concrete "stepping stone"' that is $1.31.

On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:39:04 AM UTC-4, dadiOH wrote:
Fredd Wright wrote:
On Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 9:00:08 PM UTC-4, whit3rd wrote:
On Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:01:51 PM UTC-7, Fredd Wright wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right
now. I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other
material) on it to make a surface suitable for crawling on or
putting things on.

For crawling, a few planks of 1/2" plywood (exterior) would be
useful.
For storage, consider that you'd like ventilation around the stored
items; I'd try some old pallets, with optional 'wood preservative'
painted on (they won't weather, so stain or real paint are a waste).
I'm lazy, I just strap on some knee pads and a hard hat when it's
time to crawl.

Good ideas here. I have to admit that when i first posted, i wasn't
thinking about the termite angle. I like the idea of the concrete
but i have a feeling i'd make a mess of it as i don't know what i'm
doing. However, the paver idea sounds interesting. I priced it and
the pavers cost the same per square foot as 3/4" plywood and they
would last indefinitely. However, that's also something i've never
done. Do i just level the ground and lay the pavers on top letting
gravity keep them in place or is there something else i need to do to
secure them?

Use pressure treated ply and termite concerns go away.

Around here - central Florida - a sheet of PT 1/2" x 4' x 8' is about 25
bucks. That's about $0.78 sq/ft; pavers run from about $2.00 sq/ft up. An
exception is a 12" x 12" x 1 3/4" concrete "stepping stone"' that is $1.31.

My experience with PT ply is that it will cup unless well secured. Pavers are a great idea. Place over a vapor barrier such as 6mil visqueen on leveled grade. You could always spread sand or quarry fines on top of the existing soil to make leveling more easy, but in your application, I really don't see where that is necessary. I would keep an eye on your local craigslist for pavers. Around here they are pretty plentiful...

On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:56:03 AM UTC-4, wrote:
On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:39:04 AM UTC-4, dadiOH wrote:
Fredd Wright wrote:
On Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 9:00:08 PM UTC-4, whit3rd wrote:
On Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:01:51 PM UTC-7, Fredd Wright wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right
now. I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other
material) on it to make a surface suitable for crawling on or
putting things on.

For crawling, a few planks of 1/2" plywood (exterior) would be
useful.
For storage, consider that you'd like ventilation around the stored
items; I'd try some old pallets, with optional 'wood preservative'
painted on (they won't weather, so stain or real paint are a waste).
I'm lazy, I just strap on some knee pads and a hard hat when it's
time to crawl.

Good ideas here. I have to admit that when i first posted, i wasn't
thinking about the termite angle. I like the idea of the concrete
but i have a feeling i'd make a mess of it as i don't know what i'm
doing. However, the paver idea sounds interesting. I priced it and
the pavers cost the same per square foot as 3/4" plywood and they
would last indefinitely. However, that's also something i've never
done. Do i just level the ground and lay the pavers on top letting
gravity keep them in place or is there something else i need to do to
secure them?

Use pressure treated ply and termite concerns go away.

Around here - central Florida - a sheet of PT 1/2" x 4' x 8' is about 25
bucks. That's about $0.78 sq/ft; pavers run from about $2.00 sq/ft up. An
exception is a 12" x 12" x 1 3/4" concrete "stepping stone"' that is $1..31.

My experience with PT ply is that it will cup unless well secured. Pavers are a great idea. Place over a vapor barrier such as 6mil visqueen on leveled grade. You could always spread sand or quarry fines on top of the existing soil to make leveling more easy, but in your application, I really don't see where that is necessary. I would keep an eye on your local craigslist for pavers. Around here they are pretty plentiful...

I'm in NJ. 1' square pavers (or "step stones") are about $1.56 each. Not out of the question. visqueen will add about $100. What does the plastic do? What would be the downside if i just decided to level the ground and put pavers right on top of it? Do you put anything between the pavers in the cracks (i.e. like grout in bathroom tiles)?

Fredd Wright wrote:
On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:56:03 AM UTC-4, wrote:
On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:39:04 AM UTC-4, dadiOH wrote:
Fredd Wright wrote:
On Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 9:00:08 PM UTC-4, whit3rd wrote:
On Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:01:51 PM UTC-7, Fredd Wright
wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right
now. I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other
material) on it to make a surface suitable for crawling on or
putting things on.

For crawling, a few planks of 1/2" plywood (exterior) would be
useful.
For storage, consider that you'd like ventilation around the
stored
items; I'd try some old pallets, with optional 'wood preservative'
painted on (they won't weather, so stain or real paint are a
waste).
I'm lazy, I just strap on some knee pads and a hard hat when it's
time to crawl.

Good ideas here. I have to admit that when i first posted, i
wasn't
thinking about the termite angle. I like the idea of the concrete
but i have a feeling i'd make a mess of it as i don't know what i'm
doing. However, the paver idea sounds interesting. I priced it and
the pavers cost the same per square foot as 3/4" plywood and they
would last indefinitely. However, that's also something i've never
done. Do i just level the ground and lay the pavers on top letting
gravity keep them in place or is there something else i need to do
to
secure them?

Use pressure treated ply and termite concerns go away.

Around here - central Florida - a sheet of PT 1/2" x 4' x 8' is
about 25
bucks. That's about $0.78 sq/ft; pavers run from about $2.00 sq/ft
up. An
exception is a 12" x 12" x 1 3/4" concrete "stepping stone"' that
is $1.31.

My experience with PT ply is that it will cup unless well secured.
Pavers are a great idea. Place over a vapor barrier such as 6mil
visqueen on leveled grade. You could always spread sand or quarry
fines on top of the existing soil to make leveling more easy, but in
your application, I really don't see where that is necessary. I
would keep an eye on your local craigslist for pavers. Around here
they are pretty plentiful...

I'm in NJ. 1' square pavers (or "step stones") are about $1.56 each.
Not out of the question. visqueen will add about $100. What does
the plastic do? What would be the downside if i just decided to
level the ground and put pavers right on top of it? Do you put
anything between the pavers in the cracks (i.e. like grout in
bathroom tiles)?

You don't need visqueen. You don't need anything under the stepping
stones...just use the back side of a rake to level the ground to a
reasonable degree. You don't need anything in the joints, they aren't going
to move; the exception might be those along an edge if you push them while
crawling around. In that case, just put them back. Or, cut some rebar into
1' lengths and hammer one into the ground at the side of and below the top
side of each stepping stone (I wouldn't bother).

Somone mentioned that ply would warp. It will. So?

On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 10:23:41 AM UTC-4, dadiOH wrote:
Fredd Wright wrote:
On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:56:03 AM UTC-4, wrote:
On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:39:04 AM UTC-4, dadiOH wrote:
Fredd Wright wrote:
On Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 9:00:08 PM UTC-4, whit3rd wrote:
On Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:01:51 PM UTC-7, Fredd Wright
wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right
now. I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other
material) on it to make a surface suitable for crawling on or
putting things on.

For crawling, a few planks of 1/2" plywood (exterior) would be
useful.
For storage, consider that you'd like ventilation around the
stored
items; I'd try some old pallets, with optional 'wood preservative'
painted on (they won't weather, so stain or real paint are a
waste).
I'm lazy, I just strap on some knee pads and a hard hat when it's
time to crawl.

Good ideas here. I have to admit that when i first posted, i
wasn't
thinking about the termite angle. I like the idea of the concrete
but i have a feeling i'd make a mess of it as i don't know what i'm
doing. However, the paver idea sounds interesting. I priced it and
the pavers cost the same per square foot as 3/4" plywood and they
would last indefinitely. However, that's also something i've never
done. Do i just level the ground and lay the pavers on top letting
gravity keep them in place or is there something else i need to do
to
secure them?

Use pressure treated ply and termite concerns go away.

Around here - central Florida - a sheet of PT 1/2" x 4' x 8' is
about 25
bucks. That's about $0.78 sq/ft; pavers run from about $2.00 sq/ft
up. An
exception is a 12" x 12" x 1 3/4" concrete "stepping stone"' that
is $1.31.

My experience with PT ply is that it will cup unless well secured.
Pavers are a great idea. Place over a vapor barrier such as 6mil
visqueen on leveled grade. You could always spread sand or quarry
fines on top of the existing soil to make leveling more easy, but in
your application, I really don't see where that is necessary. I
would keep an eye on your local craigslist for pavers. Around here
they are pretty plentiful...

I'm in NJ. 1' square pavers (or "step stones") are about $1.56 each.
Not out of the question. visqueen will add about $100. What does
the plastic do? What would be the downside if i just decided to
level the ground and put pavers right on top of it? Do you put
anything between the pavers in the cracks (i.e. like grout in
bathroom tiles)?

You don't need visqueen. You don't need anything under the stepping
stones...just use the back side of a rake to level the ground to a
reasonable degree. You don't need anything in the joints, they aren't going
to move; the exception might be those along an edge if you push them while
crawling around. In that case, just put them back. Or, cut some rebar into
1' lengths and hammer one into the ground at the side of and below the top
side of each stepping stone (I wouldn't bother).

Somone mentioned that ply would warp. It will. So?

"So" will depend on how much warpage, the use of the space, what is stored
on it, etc.

If there is a need to slide items to get them in or out or get to items
behind other items, raised edges (or middles) of warped plywood could make
that very difficult.

Excessive warpage could certainly make crawling around more difficult.

Raised edges will allow dirt and other debris to get caught. Even the
smallest pile of dirt can catch weed seeds and allow them to grow.

Would you start with this to create the floor of a crawlspace? If not,
why would it would acceptable if it happened a year later?

http://theplywood.com/wp-content/upl...ed-plywood.jpg

On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 10:42:32 AM UTC-4, DerbyDad03 wrote:
On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 10:23:41 AM UTC-4, dadiOH wrote:
Fredd Wright wrote:
On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:56:03 AM UTC-4, wrote:
On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:39:04 AM UTC-4, dadiOH wrote:
Fredd Wright wrote:
On Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 9:00:08 PM UTC-4, whit3rd wrote:
On Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:01:51 PM UTC-7, Fredd Wright
wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right
now. I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other
material) on it to make a surface suitable for crawling on or
putting things on.

For crawling, a few planks of 1/2" plywood (exterior) would be
useful.
For storage, consider that you'd like ventilation around the
stored
items; I'd try some old pallets, with optional 'wood preservative'
painted on (they won't weather, so stain or real paint are a
waste).
I'm lazy, I just strap on some knee pads and a hard hat when it's
time to crawl.

Good ideas here. I have to admit that when i first posted, i
wasn't
thinking about the termite angle. I like the idea of the concrete
but i have a feeling i'd make a mess of it as i don't know what i'm
doing. However, the paver idea sounds interesting. I priced it and
the pavers cost the same per square foot as 3/4" plywood and they
would last indefinitely. However, that's also something i've never
done. Do i just level the ground and lay the pavers on top letting
gravity keep them in place or is there something else i need to do
to
secure them?

Use pressure treated ply and termite concerns go away.

Around here - central Florida - a sheet of PT 1/2" x 4' x 8' is
about 25
bucks. That's about $0.78 sq/ft; pavers run from about $2.00 sq/ft
up. An
exception is a 12" x 12" x 1 3/4" concrete "stepping stone"' that
is $1.31.

My experience with PT ply is that it will cup unless well secured.
Pavers are a great idea. Place over a vapor barrier such as 6mil
visqueen on leveled grade. You could always spread sand or quarry
fines on top of the existing soil to make leveling more easy, but in
your application, I really don't see where that is necessary. I
would keep an eye on your local craigslist for pavers. Around here
they are pretty plentiful...

I'm in NJ. 1' square pavers (or "step stones") are about $1.56 each.
Not out of the question. visqueen will add about $100. What does
the plastic do? What would be the downside if i just decided to
level the ground and put pavers right on top of it? Do you put
anything between the pavers in the cracks (i.e. like grout in
bathroom tiles)?

You don't need visqueen. You don't need anything under the stepping
stones...just use the back side of a rake to level the ground to a
reasonable degree. You don't need anything in the joints, they aren't going
to move; the exception might be those along an edge if you push them while
crawling around. In that case, just put them back. Or, cut some rebar into
1' lengths and hammer one into the ground at the side of and below the top
side of each stepping stone (I wouldn't bother).

Somone mentioned that ply would warp. It will. So?

"So" will depend on how much warpage, the use of the space, what is stored
on it, etc.

If there is a need to slide items to get them in or out or get to items
behind other items, raised edges (or middles) of warped plywood could make
that very difficult.

Excessive warpage could certainly make crawling around more difficult.

Raised edges will allow dirt and other debris to get caught. Even the
smallest pile of dirt can catch weed seeds and allow them to grow.

Would you start with this to create the floor of a crawlspace? If not,
why would it would acceptable if it happened a year later?

http://theplywood.com/wp-content/upl...ed-plywood.jpg

That makes me think that the plastic might be a good idea after all. if for no other reason, it could keep dirt and weeds from coming up through the cracks. Sliding things around may still be an issue with the cracks in the pavers, though. Especially since i'm not confident in my "leveling skills". However, i think i can live with that.

On 04/25/2016 9:09 AM, Fredd Wright wrote:
....

I'm in NJ. 1' square pavers (or "step stones") are about $1.56 each.
Not out of the question. visqueen will add about $100. What does
the plastic do? What would be the downside if i just decided to
level the ground and put pavers right on top of it? Do you put
anything between the pavers in the cracks (i.e. like grout in
bathroom tiles)?

As other said you don't "need" the vapor barrier but it would certainly
cut down on the humidity thus keeping anything stored there less likely
to suffer severe rusting or the like.

OTOH, if it really does flood and you're not going to prevent that from
happening, it'd be a huge detriment afterwards as there wouldn't be
anywhere for the water to go down through to be (eventually) absorbed
back into the ground so in that case I'd definitely strongly recommend
_against_ it and the plywood or any other wood solution. While PT is
certainly better with respect to sustaining water and termite/other
pests damage than non, if it's going to be inundated from time to time
it just isn't suitable material for the long haul.

The pavers seem just the ticket; here they're generally available at
cut-rate prices from the Waly-World or other BORGs "garden" sections
late in spring after the frenzy has worn off and they're getting rid of
remaining stock plus they'll often just let one have broken ones for the
effort of getting them off their hands. I picked up a bunch of 1-1/2"
12x24 that were nothing worse than being two halves that way last year
for some fill-in in an area in the barn where had never gotten around to
finishing pouring a floor--work perfectly fine and who cares about a
crack for such a purpose; they're not in a show area...

--

On Mon, 25 Apr 2016 04:00:22 -0700 (PDT), Fredd Wright
wrote:

On Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 9:00:08 PM UTC-4, whit3rd wrote:
On Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:01:51 PM UTC-7, Fredd Wright wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now. I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other material) on it to make a surface suitable for crawling on or putting things on.

For crawling, a few planks of 1/2" plywood (exterior) would be useful.
For storage, consider that you'd like ventilation around the stored
items; I'd try some old pallets, with optional 'wood preservative' painted on
(they won't weather, so stain or real paint are a waste).
I'm lazy, I just strap on some knee pads and a hard hat when it's time to crawl.

Good ideas here. I have to admit that when i first posted, i wasn't thinking about the termite angle. I like the idea of the concrete but i have a feeling i'd make a mess of it as i don't know what i'm doing. However, the paver idea sounds interesting. I priced it and the pavers cost the same per square foot as 3/4" plywood and they would last indefinitely. However, that's also something i've never done. Do i just level the ground and lay the pavers on top letting gravity keep them in place or is there something else i need to do to secure them?

First off how big is the area, a cubic yard of concrete will cover an
area of 100 square feet at 3 inches deep. Getting it into a crawl
space is the hard part (shoveling the old school way) or new school a
concrete pump would make it easy. Finding a contractor to do a small
job is also problematic.

Not being able to see the situation it is hard to come up with a plan.

On 4/25/2016 6:00 AM, Fredd Wright wrote:

I like the idea of the concrete but i have a feeling i'd make a mess of it as i don't know what i'm doing.

If you can make a cake, You can lay a concrete mud slab.

However, the paver idea sounds interesting.

Same material, different form, and possibly more manageable in tight spaces.

--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://www.google.com/+eWoodShop
https://plus.google.com/+KarlCaillouet/posts
http://www.custommade.com/by/ewoodshop/
https://www.facebook.com/eWoodShop-206166666122228
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)

On 04/25/2016 9:47 AM, Fredd Wright wrote:
That makes me think that the plastic might be a good idea after
all.

See my (barely) earlier note--in your original post you mentioned it
floods occasionally. If you have the vapor barrier down, then you've
made a swimming pool with nowhere for that water to go. I'd not even
_think_ of wood if that's going to happen even infrequently...

--

On 4/25/2016 10:42 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
Raised edges will allow dirt and other debris to get caught. Even the
smallest pile of dirt can catch weed seeds and allow them to grow.
In the crawl space under the house with no light?

On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 11:32:03 AM UTC-4, wrote:
On 4/25/2016 10:42 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
Raised edges will allow dirt and other debris to get caught. Even the
smallest pile of dirt can catch weed seeds and allow them to grow.
In the crawl space under the house with no light?

sorry, I missed the flooding part...in that case, might I suggest a sump pit/pump in addition to the above...

On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 11:32:03 AM UTC-4, wrote:
On 4/25/2016 10:42 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
Raised edges will allow dirt and other debris to get caught. Even the
smallest pile of dirt can catch weed seeds and allow them to grow.
In the crawl space under the house with no light?

btw, (IMHO) a poured in place rat slab/mud mat will cause the same drainage problems, if not more, than a simple poly vapor barrier...a sump pit/pump would make sense for for a poured in place slab as well...
Just curious, where is the flood water coming in? From above or below the crawl space floor?

On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 10:47:59 AM UTC-4, dpb wrote:
On 04/25/2016 9:09 AM, Fredd Wright wrote:
...

I'm in NJ. 1' square pavers (or "step stones") are about $1.56 each.
Not out of the question. visqueen will add about $100. What does
the plastic do? What would be the downside if i just decided to
level the ground and put pavers right on top of it? Do you put
anything between the pavers in the cracks (i.e. like grout in
bathroom tiles)?

As other said you don't "need" the vapor barrier but it would certainly
cut down on the humidity thus keeping anything stored there less likely
to suffer severe rusting or the like.

OTOH, if it really does flood and you're not going to prevent that from
happening, it'd be a huge detriment afterwards as there wouldn't be
anywhere for the water to go down through to be (eventually) absorbed
back into the ground so in that case I'd definitely strongly recommend
_against_ it and the plywood or any other wood solution. While PT is
certainly better with respect to sustaining water and termite/other
pests damage than non, if it's going to be inundated from time to time
it just isn't suitable material for the long haul.

The pavers seem just the ticket; here they're generally available at
cut-rate prices from the Waly-World or other BORGs "garden" sections
late in spring after the frenzy has worn off and they're getting rid of
remaining stock plus they'll often just let one have broken ones for the
effort of getting them off their hands. I picked up a bunch of 1-1/2"
12x24 that were nothing worse than being two halves that way last year
for some fill-in in an area in the barn where had never gotten around to
finishing pouring a floor--work perfectly fine and who cares about a
crack for such a purpose; they're not in a show area...

--

Interesting point about the flooding. Although the crawl space is about 3 feet above the basement floor, when we get a hurricane, the basement fills up to right below the ceiling so the crawlspace will be underwater. However, when the water level goes down, it will pour out of the crawlspace onto the floor where the sump pump will pump the water out so i think it's a moot point if the water can't drain under the pavers.

On 04/25/2016 10:48 AM, wrote:
....

btw, (IMHO) a poured in place rat slab/mud mat will cause the same
drainage problems, if not more, than a simple poly vapor barrier...a
sump pit/pump would make sense for for a poured in place slab as
well... Just curious, where is the flood water coming in? From above
or below the crawl space floor?

His original post said the occasional hurricane floods it so one
presumes that's high water doing it.

The solid slab certainly has the same issue in spades as being no outlet
altho I note in another followup OP says he had ideas of washing it out
occasionally -- don't know where that water is to go but mayhaps there
is a drainage built in specifically for the issue, who knows?

If not, certainly putting in a sump is a possibility but on a 5-yr or
longer frequency probably just dealing with it at the time is sufficient
if there were a collection point.

As almost always, there's more unknown of a situation than is known...

--

On 04/25/2016 11:01 AM, Fredd Wright wrote:
On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 10:47:59 AM UTC-4, dpb wrote:
....

OTOH, if it really does flood and you're not going to prevent that from
happening, it'd be a huge detriment afterwards as there wouldn't be
anywhere for the water to go down through to be (eventually) absorbed
back into the ground so in that case I'd definitely strongly recommend
_against_ it and the plywood or any other wood solution. While PT is
certainly better with respect to sustaining water and termite/other
pests damage than non, if it's going to be inundated from time to time
it just isn't suitable material for the long haul.

The pavers seem just the ticket; here they're generally available at
cut-rate prices from the Waly-World or other BORGs "garden" sections
late in spring after the frenzy has worn off and they're getting rid of
remaining stock plus they'll often just let one have broken ones for the
effort of getting them off their hands. I picked up a bunch of 1-1/2"
12x24 that were nothing worse than being two halves that way last year
for some fill-in in an area in the barn where had never gotten around to
finishing pouring a floor--work perfectly fine and who cares about a
crack for such a purpose; they're not in a show area...

Interesting point about the flooding. Although the crawl space is
about 3 feet above the basement floor, when we get a hurricane, the
basement fills up to right below the ceiling so the crawlspace will
be underwater. However, when the water level goes down, it will pour
out of the crawlspace onto the floor where the sump pump will pump
the water out so i think it's a moot point if the water can't drain
under the pavers.

Ah, that's a wholly different geometry than had envisioned -- altho as
noted in another comment wondered about how you envisioned washing it out.

What's the headroom and dimensions of this space; maybe you said but
I've not seen. If it's a full basement and only 3' above its floor
would seem to be nearly 5' or so which would make working reasonably
easy. If it does get flooded I'd be pretty keen on a solid floor to
simply stop the bulk of the mud after the events.

--

On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 12:01:33 PM UTC-4, Fredd Wright wrote:
On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 10:47:59 AM UTC-4, dpb wrote:
On 04/25/2016 9:09 AM, Fredd Wright wrote:
...

I'm in NJ. 1' square pavers (or "step stones") are about $1.56 each.
Not out of the question. visqueen will add about $100. What does
the plastic do? What would be the downside if i just decided to
level the ground and put pavers right on top of it? Do you put
anything between the pavers in the cracks (i.e. like grout in
bathroom tiles)?

As other said you don't "need" the vapor barrier but it would certainly
cut down on the humidity thus keeping anything stored there less likely
to suffer severe rusting or the like.

OTOH, if it really does flood and you're not going to prevent that from
happening, it'd be a huge detriment afterwards as there wouldn't be
anywhere for the water to go down through to be (eventually) absorbed
back into the ground so in that case I'd definitely strongly recommend
_against_ it and the plywood or any other wood solution. While PT is
certainly better with respect to sustaining water and termite/other
pests damage than non, if it's going to be inundated from time to time
it just isn't suitable material for the long haul.

The pavers seem just the ticket; here they're generally available at
cut-rate prices from the Waly-World or other BORGs "garden" sections
late in spring after the frenzy has worn off and they're getting rid of
remaining stock plus they'll often just let one have broken ones for the
effort of getting them off their hands. I picked up a bunch of 1-1/2"
12x24 that were nothing worse than being two halves that way last year
for some fill-in in an area in the barn where had never gotten around to
finishing pouring a floor--work perfectly fine and who cares about a
crack for such a purpose; they're not in a show area...

--

Interesting point about the flooding. Although the crawl space is about 3 feet above the basement floor, when we get a hurricane, the basement fills up to right below the ceiling so the crawlspace will be underwater. However, when the water level goes down, it will pour out of the crawlspace onto the floor where the sump pump will pump the water out so i think it's a moot point if the water can't drain under the pavers.

Fredd, please stop leaking out details piecemeal.

Why not give us the dimensions and any other pertinent details so we know what
question we are actually trying to answer?

Pictures are good too.

On Mon, 25 Apr 2016 04:00:22 -0700 (PDT), Fredd Wright
wrote:

On Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 9:00:08 PM UTC-4, whit3rd wrote:
On Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:01:51 PM UTC-7, Fredd Wright wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right now. I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other material) on it to make a surface suitable for crawling on or putting things on.

For crawling, a few planks of 1/2" plywood (exterior) would be useful.
For storage, consider that you'd like ventilation around the stored
items; I'd try some old pallets, with optional 'wood preservative' painted on
(they won't weather, so stain or real paint are a waste).
I'm lazy, I just strap on some knee pads and a hard hat when it's time to crawl.

Good ideas here. I have to admit that when i first posted, i wasn't thinking about the termite angle. I like the idea of the concrete but i have a feeling i'd make a mess of it as i don't know what i'm doing. However, the paver idea sounds interesting. I priced it and the pavers cost the same per square foot as 3/4" plywood and they would last indefinitely. However, that's also something i've never done. Do i just level the ground and lay the pavers on top letting gravity keep them in place or is there something else i need to do to secure them?
Glue them down with PL --- Just kidding.

On Mon, 25 Apr 2016 07:42:27 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 10:23:41 AM UTC-4, dadiOH wrote:
Fredd Wright wrote:
On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:56:03 AM UTC-4, wrote:
On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:39:04 AM UTC-4, dadiOH wrote:
Fredd Wright wrote:
On Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 9:00:08 PM UTC-4, whit3rd wrote:
On Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:01:51 PM UTC-7, Fredd Wright
wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right
now. I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other
material) on it to make a surface suitable for crawling on or
putting things on.

For crawling, a few planks of 1/2" plywood (exterior) would be
useful.
For storage, consider that you'd like ventilation around the
stored
items; I'd try some old pallets, with optional 'wood preservative'
painted on (they won't weather, so stain or real paint are a
waste).
I'm lazy, I just strap on some knee pads and a hard hat when it's
time to crawl.

Good ideas here. I have to admit that when i first posted, i
wasn't
thinking about the termite angle. I like the idea of the concrete
but i have a feeling i'd make a mess of it as i don't know what i'm
doing. However, the paver idea sounds interesting. I priced it and
the pavers cost the same per square foot as 3/4" plywood and they
would last indefinitely. However, that's also something i've never
done. Do i just level the ground and lay the pavers on top letting
gravity keep them in place or is there something else i need to do
to
secure them?

Use pressure treated ply and termite concerns go away.

Around here - central Florida - a sheet of PT 1/2" x 4' x 8' is
about 25
bucks. That's about $0.78 sq/ft; pavers run from about $2.00 sq/ft
up. An
exception is a 12" x 12" x 1 3/4" concrete "stepping stone"' that
is $1.31.

My experience with PT ply is that it will cup unless well secured.
Pavers are a great idea. Place over a vapor barrier such as 6mil
visqueen on leveled grade. You could always spread sand or quarry
fines on top of the existing soil to make leveling more easy, but in
your application, I really don't see where that is necessary. I
would keep an eye on your local craigslist for pavers. Around here
they are pretty plentiful...

I'm in NJ. 1' square pavers (or "step stones") are about $1.56 each.
Not out of the question. visqueen will add about $100. What does
the plastic do? What would be the downside if i just decided to
level the ground and put pavers right on top of it? Do you put
anything between the pavers in the cracks (i.e. like grout in
bathroom tiles)?

You don't need visqueen. You don't need anything under the stepping
stones...just use the back side of a rake to level the ground to a
reasonable degree. You don't need anything in the joints, they aren't going
to move; the exception might be those along an edge if you push them while
crawling around. In that case, just put them back. Or, cut some rebar into
1' lengths and hammer one into the ground at the side of and below the top
side of each stepping stone (I wouldn't bother).

Somone mentioned that ply would warp. It will. So?

"So" will depend on how much warpage, the use of the space, what is stored
on it, etc.

If there is a need to slide items to get them in or out or get to items
behind other items, raised edges (or middles) of warped plywood could make
that very difficult.

Excessive warpage could certainly make crawling around more difficult.

Raised edges will allow dirt and other debris to get caught. Even the
smallest pile of dirt can catch weed seeds and allow them to grow.

Would you start with this to create the floor of a crawlspace? If not,
why would it would acceptable if it happened a year later?

http://theplywood.com/wp-content/upl...ed-plywood.jpg
The slivers from PT lumber are a real PITA too when you are crawling
arond on it - - -

On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 12:56:59 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On Mon, 25 Apr 2016 07:42:27 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 10:23:41 AM UTC-4, dadiOH wrote:
Fredd Wright wrote:
On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:56:03 AM UTC-4, wrote:
On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:39:04 AM UTC-4, dadiOH wrote:
Fredd Wright wrote:
On Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 9:00:08 PM UTC-4, whit3rd wrote:
On Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:01:51 PM UTC-7, Fredd Wright
wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right
now. I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other
material) on it to make a surface suitable for crawling on or
putting things on.

For crawling, a few planks of 1/2" plywood (exterior) would be
useful.
For storage, consider that you'd like ventilation around the
stored
items; I'd try some old pallets, with optional 'wood preservative'
painted on (they won't weather, so stain or real paint are a
waste).
I'm lazy, I just strap on some knee pads and a hard hat when it's
time to crawl.

Good ideas here. I have to admit that when i first posted, i
wasn't
thinking about the termite angle. I like the idea of the concrete
but i have a feeling i'd make a mess of it as i don't know what i'm
doing. However, the paver idea sounds interesting. I priced it and
the pavers cost the same per square foot as 3/4" plywood and they
would last indefinitely. However, that's also something i've never
done. Do i just level the ground and lay the pavers on top letting
gravity keep them in place or is there something else i need to do
to
secure them?

Use pressure treated ply and termite concerns go away.

Around here - central Florida - a sheet of PT 1/2" x 4' x 8' is
about 25
bucks. That's about $0.78 sq/ft; pavers run from about $2.00 sq/ft
up. An
exception is a 12" x 12" x 1 3/4" concrete "stepping stone"' that
is $1.31.

My experience with PT ply is that it will cup unless well secured.
Pavers are a great idea. Place over a vapor barrier such as 6mil
visqueen on leveled grade. You could always spread sand or quarry
fines on top of the existing soil to make leveling more easy, but in
your application, I really don't see where that is necessary. I
would keep an eye on your local craigslist for pavers. Around here
they are pretty plentiful...

I'm in NJ. 1' square pavers (or "step stones") are about $1.56 each.
Not out of the question. visqueen will add about $100. What does
the plastic do? What would be the downside if i just decided to
level the ground and put pavers right on top of it? Do you put
anything between the pavers in the cracks (i.e. like grout in
bathroom tiles)?

You don't need visqueen. You don't need anything under the stepping
stones...just use the back side of a rake to level the ground to a
reasonable degree. You don't need anything in the joints, they aren't going
to move; the exception might be those along an edge if you push them while
crawling around. In that case, just put them back. Or, cut some rebar into
1' lengths and hammer one into the ground at the side of and below the top
side of each stepping stone (I wouldn't bother).

Somone mentioned that ply would warp. It will. So?

"So" will depend on how much warpage, the use of the space, what is stored
on it, etc.

If there is a need to slide items to get them in or out or get to items
behind other items, raised edges (or middles) of warped plywood could make
that very difficult.

Excessive warpage could certainly make crawling around more difficult.

Raised edges will allow dirt and other debris to get caught. Even the
smallest pile of dirt can catch weed seeds and allow them to grow.

Would you start with this to create the floor of a crawlspace? If not,
why would it would acceptable if it happened a year later?

http://theplywood.com/wp-content/upl...ed-plywood.jpg
The slivers from PT lumber are a real PITA too when you are crawling
arond on it - - -

I think I would look to store things in a place that doesn't get wet. Otherwise, maybe mount (with foam compatible liquid nails) to your PT plywood on 6" of extruded insulation in the crawlspace, laced together so it floats as a unit??? Good luck

On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 1:20:57 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 12:56:59 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On Mon, 25 Apr 2016 07:42:27 -0700 (PDT), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 10:23:41 AM UTC-4, dadiOH wrote:
Fredd Wright wrote:
On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:56:03 AM UTC-4, wrote:
On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 7:39:04 AM UTC-4, dadiOH wrote:
Fredd Wright wrote:
On Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 9:00:08 PM UTC-4, whit3rd wrote:
On Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:01:51 PM UTC-7, Fredd Wright
wrote:
I have a crawlspace in the basement that has a dirt floor right
now. I'd like to lay some sheets of 4x8 plywood (or other
material) on it to make a surface suitable for crawling on or
putting things on.

For crawling, a few planks of 1/2" plywood (exterior) would be
useful.
For storage, consider that you'd like ventilation around the
stored
items; I'd try some old pallets, with optional 'wood preservative'
painted on (they won't weather, so stain or real paint are a
waste).
I'm lazy, I just strap on some knee pads and a hard hat when it's
time to crawl.

Good ideas here. I have to admit that when i first posted, i
wasn't
thinking about the termite angle. I like the idea of the concrete
but i have a feeling i'd make a mess of it as i don't know what i'm
doing. However, the paver idea sounds interesting. I priced it and
the pavers cost the same per square foot as 3/4" plywood and they
would last indefinitely. However, that's also something i've never
done. Do i just level the ground and lay the pavers on top letting
gravity keep them in place or is there something else i need to do
to
secure them?

Use pressure treated ply and termite concerns go away.

Around here - central Florida - a sheet of PT 1/2" x 4' x 8' is
about 25
bucks. That's about $0.78 sq/ft; pavers run from about $2.00 sq/ft
up. An
exception is a 12" x 12" x 1 3/4" concrete "stepping stone"' that
is $1.31.

My experience with PT ply is that it will cup unless well secured..
Pavers are a great idea. Place over a vapor barrier such as 6mil
visqueen on leveled grade. You could always spread sand or quarry
fines on top of the existing soil to make leveling more easy, but in
your application, I really don't see where that is necessary. I
would keep an eye on your local craigslist for pavers. Around here
they are pretty plentiful...

I'm in NJ. 1' square pavers (or "step stones") are about $1.56 each.
Not out of the question. visqueen will add about $100. What does
the plastic do? What would be the downside if i just decided to
level the ground and put pavers right on top of it? Do you put
anything between the pavers in the cracks (i.e. like grout in
bathroom tiles)?

You don't need visqueen. You don't need anything under the stepping
stones...just use the back side of a rake to level the ground to a
reasonable degree. You don't need anything in the joints, they aren't going
to move; the exception might be those along an edge if you push them while
crawling around. In that case, just put them back. Or, cut some rebar into
1' lengths and hammer one into the ground at the side of and below the top
side of each stepping stone (I wouldn't bother).

Somone mentioned that ply would warp. It will. So?

"So" will depend on how much warpage, the use of the space, what is stored
on it, etc.

If there is a need to slide items to get them in or out or get to items
behind other items, raised edges (or middles) of warped plywood could make
that very difficult.

Excessive warpage could certainly make crawling around more difficult.

Raised edges will allow dirt and other debris to get caught. Even the
smallest pile of dirt can catch weed seeds and allow them to grow.

Would you start with this to create the floor of a crawlspace? If not,
why would it would acceptable if it happened a year later?

http://theplywood.com/wp-content/upl...ed-plywood.jpg
The slivers from PT lumber are a real PITA too when you are crawling
arond on it - - -

I think I would look to store things in a place that doesn't get wet. Otherwise, maybe mount (with foam compatible liquid nails) to your PT plywood on 6" of extruded insulation in the crawlspace, laced together so it floats as a unit??? Good luck

Sorry for the confusion. I can post pictures later when i'm home, but for now, the crawl space is on the side of the basement and goes around the back of the house in an L shape. There are cellar doors on the side of the house and, if i'm leaving the basement through those doors, right before i get to the doors the crawlspace is on the left. It's raised so the floor of the space is about chest-height. The space is about 4 feet wide and maybe 2-3 feet high and goes back about 10 feet to the back of the house where it takes a 90 degree angle left. I've actually never seen the crawlspace area behind the house as i've never crawled back that far. Just planning on doing the 10 feet on the side for now. As far as water draining when i hose it, there are plenty of holes and spaces in the side of the house where animals have gotten in (my backyard goes right into a park) so no problem with drainage there. I'm planning on storing things in waterproof containers.