Earthen Floors, Second Edition: A Modern Approach to an Ancient Practice

by Sukita Reay Crimmel, James Thomson

Overview

The essential guide to making, installing and living with beautiful, all-natural earthen floors – now fully revised and updated

This full-color guide includes complete step-by-step instructions for installing your own earthen floors as well as the history, use, and maintenance of this beautiful, durable, non-toxic flooring material. Updated to reflect current best practices, it is the only resource of its kind, widely recognized as an essential tool for anyone wanting to work with this beautiful and environmentally friendly construction method.

From sourcing and processing raw materials to applying the final finish, each stage of this exciting technique is demystified. Topics include:

• The story of earthen floors through the ages and their role in modern green building
• Tips and tools for site preparation, mixing, pouring, burnishing, sanding, oiling, sealing, and more
• Recipes and ratios for the ideal earthen floor mix, subfloor insulation and vapor barrier options, and how to achieve the perfect pour
• Beyond the basics – inlays, color washes, prints, patterns, alternative fibers, and other creative options
• Radiant heat, electric wire heated floors, and other improvements for cooler climates
• Updated resources section with suggestions for tool and material suppliers.

Packed with new in-depth case studies and inspirational photographs, and drawing on the collective knowledge of the most qualified and experienced practitioners, Earthen Floors, Second Edition is a must-read for natural builders, homeowners, architects, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781771423977
Publisher:	New Society Publishers
Publication date:	10/07/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	288
File size:	153 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Sukita Reay Crimmel is considered one of the preeminent experts in the modern field of earthen floors. As well as presenting extensively on this exciting technique with organizations such as Aprovecho and Yestermorrow, she is the developer of Claylin – the first commercially available ready-made earthen floor product in North America. Sukita holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies and architecture from the University of Oregon, and is co-author of the original edition of Earthen Floors. Sukita lives in Portland, Oregon.

James Thomson got his start with earth building in 2004, and since then has facilitated dozens of workshops and trainings in multiple states and countries, including Panama, Guatemala, Jamaica, India, and France. He also has a background in general construction and a driving desire to find ways to integrate natural building practices into more conventional modern homes. James has participated in many floor installations, both in workshop settings and for paying clients. He has lived on (or near) earthen floors for most of the past two decades and is co-author of the original edition of Earthen Floors. James lives in Williamsburg, MA.

Sukita Reay Crimmel is a natural building consultant, workshop presenter, and one of the preeminent experts in the modern field of earthen floors. She is the developer of Claylin – the first ready-made earthen floor product in North America. Sukita is co-author of the original edition of Earthen Floors and lives in Portland, Oregon.

James Thomson has been teaching about and building with earth since 2004. James strongly believes that earthen materials, and especially earthen floors, can have a place in any type of home, and he has made it his mission to spread this technique far and wide. He is co-author of the original edition of Earthen Floors and lives in Williamsburg, MA.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction

Section 1: About Earthen Floors
Chapter 1: The Story of Earthen Floors
Chapter 2: Understanding Earthen Floors

Section 2: Technical Information
Chapter 3: Tools
Chapter 4: Identifying, Gathering and Processing Materials
Chapter 5: Oil and Finish
Chapter 6: Making the Floor Mix
Chapter 7: The Subfloor
Chapter 8: Preparing the Work Area
Chapter 9: Pouring the Floor
Chapter 10: Applying Oil and Finish
Chapter 11: Living on, Maintaining, and Removing an Earthen Floor
Chapter 12: Color and Artistic Touches
Chapter 13: Options and Alternatives
Chapter 14: Contracting Earthen Floors
Chapter 15: Stories From the Field

Appendix A: Glossary
Appendix B: References
Appendix C: Resources
Appendix D: Building a Compacted Gravel (On-Grade) Subfloor
Appendix E: Earthen Subfloors and Base Coats
Appendix F: Installing Radiant Floor Heat
Index

Editorial Reviews

This book brings together all my favourite elements of natural building: experience, humor, wisdom, and color photos! The authors have achieved something rare—an update of a classic text that completely elevates the new edition above and beyond the original. Earthen floors are solid, beautiful, and the best thing in the world to stand on... and so is this book!
—Chris Magwood, director, Builders for Climate Action, author, Making Better Buildings and Essential Sustainable Home Design, co-author, Build Beyond Zero

Wow! I have never been more pleased to see a second edition of one of my most beloved and referenced building guides. This edition brings us up to date on technical developments of the last decade, as well as expanded sections on such important topics as hydronic floor heating, earthen subfloors, and advice from, and for, professional installers. I used to tell people that earthen floors could be any color they wanted, as long as it was chocolate brown. No longer! The stunning color photos make clear that a new era of earthen floors is upon us.
—Michael G. Smith, author, The Cobber's Companion, co-author, The Hand-Sculpted House, The Art of Natural Building, and Essential Cob Construction

This second edition of Earthen Floors is an excellent and vital addition to anyone's library of natural building tools. With great photos and in-depth information, it's the kind of book that is useful and inspiring to the beginner and the professional alike. What a gift—all the hard work and research this book represents makes incorporating natural materials into buildings even more practical and accessible.
—Lydia Doleman, Earth Dragon Natural Building LLC, author, Essential Light Straw Clay Construction

There is nothing quite like walking barefoot on an earthen floor. Sukita and James provide an approachable and thorough reference accessible for anyone interested in learning about or crafting their own earthen floor. This clear and comprehensive guide will motivate both the practicing professional and enthusiastic DIYer to pick up a trowel and get muddy!
—Tyler Hash, owner, Mountain Ash Natural Building

Who'd have thought this book could get even better? The depth of knowledge and experience shared is incredible.
—William Stanwix, author, The Hempcrete Book

It's so great to see this second edition bringing together not just Sukita and James' deep knowledge, but the experience of earthen floor installers from around the world. I've picked up so many great tips and ideas—even after years in the trade. This book is an incredible resource for anyone working with earthen floors, whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your technique.
— Jeffrey Hart, The Earthen Floor Company / Building Sustainability Podcast

With the first edition of Earthen Floors, Sukita and James gave us a wonderful mix of inspiration, experience, technique, and instruction. With the second edition, we get full (and useful) color in the photographs and more color (and practical guidance) in the added case studies, stories, and information shared. This new edition is beautifully improved by the intervening years of experience by the authors and many others. Whether experienced practitioner or someone just dipping their toes into earthen floors for the first time, this book is an essential resource. Well-written, clear, and practical, with informative personal stories interwoven, this book makes a great contribution to the field on every level.
—David Eisenberg, director, Development Center for Appropriate Technology

Sukita and James are our go-to authorities for creating beautiful, durable earth floors. Having spent 15 years with our current earthen floors, which Sukita helped us create in a workshop setting, we can personally attest to their performance and the unique grounded and peaceful quality that they contribute to the home. We can recommend an earthen floor option to our clients without reservation based on our experience, and are so pleased that Sukita and James continue to refine, expand, and share this craft in this new edition.
—Paula Baker-Laporte and Robert Laporte, EcoNest Founders, co-authors, The EcoNest Home

This book has my full endorsement! Gold Hill Clay Plaster is a manufacturer that sells clay and earthen floor mixtures. This book is the go-to manual that I tell customers to follow. With its clear breakdown of theory and insulation tips, it is very helpful in understanding the expectations and scope of earthen floors.
—Kyle Alexander, Gold Hill Clay Plaster

Go find a house with an earthen floor, then take off your shoes and socks and walk around on it. Sold! Now buy and read this book and get your own. Earth is the new glam, the height of luxury. It's dirt-cheap, but better than gold!
—Bruce King, PE, author, The New Carbon Architecture, co-author, Build Beyond Zero

What I really like about this second edition of Sukita and James's book is that they have taken the time and made a really solid effort to incorporate into this edition all that they and others have learned since the first printing. I think aspiring earthen floor builders will find this a very useful tool in helping them be successful in their efforts. Thanks for another fine book.
—Bill Steen, The Canelo Project, Arizona, co-author, The Straw Bale House

For years we've been referencing and recommending Earthen Floors to our students and clients, and we look forward to sharing this indispensable second edition. Well-organized and detailed, this book could guide a beginner through every step of the process, and also inspire a seasoned builder wanting to improve techniques or innovate artistically. We love the new sections on contracting earthen floors, and lessons learned from professionals' and DIYers' personal experiences. Thank you James and Sukita for this comprehensive, informative, and beautiful book!
—Greg Allen and Danielle Ackley, owners, Mud Dauber School of Natural Building

Earthen floors have become an important tool in our architectural toolbox of natural, beautiful, low carbon materials. We are particularly excited about this new edition that builds on the experience of many practitioners, from expert modern plasterers in the Pacific Northwest, to the amazing work of EarthEnable, addressing health, climate, and the need for creative, dignified jobs that can literally change the world.
—Anni Tilt, Principal, Arkin Tilt Architects

From the Publisher