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 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

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 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.

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

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 6:01 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.

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.

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 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)?

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 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 Sat, 23 Apr 2016 15:01:46 -0700 (PDT)
jesus christ is risen wrote:

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

rethought my previous advice

raise house up and safely mounted on piers

then create a proper basement matching the house floor plan

then lower house and reattach

On 4/23/2016 5:01 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.



After all of this discussion and weighing the pro's and con's I think
you should move to a home with out this issue ;~)

I think it would be cheaper in the long run. LOL