HAMPDEN DESIGNS ~ Floorcloths

Our Floorcloths are virtually limitless in design, color and size.  From a bathroom mat to a "frame" around a 12ft kitchen island, we can create a rug to suit your needs and your whims!  Read on to learn more about our floorcloths.

Floorcloth Construction

We begin with a very heavy weight canvas, double primed and mounted to prevent shrinkage.  The artwork is applied, multiple coats of finish are applied, and the canvas is released from its frame and hemmed.

 

Durability & Maintenance

A floorcloth is ideal for high-traffic areas such as hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens.  With almost no "lip", they are often the perfect solution for under dining or breakfast room tables or a swinging door with little clearance.   Maintenance is as easy as mopping with soap and water or any non-abrasive cleaner.   After years of use, perhaps a light coat of water-based polyeurethene can be applied to refurbish the shine and protect the artwork.  The only no-no is letting a floorcloth rest in sitting water.  The natural fibers absorb the liquid regardless of the many coats of finish, and wrinkling results.

Mat size, area rugs and Runners

Smaller sizes (5'x7' or less) can be laid over a non-skid waffle matting (available at any home center).  Larger sizes are installed using double-sided carpet tape which prevent the floorcloth from sliding as well as adding a barrier to keep sand or dirt from collecting underneath.

 

Wall-to-Wall Installation

Floorcloths can be semi-permanently installed (wall-to-wall) over any hard-surfaced floor (ex: wood, cement, linoleum) or sub-flooring (luan).   This process is ideal for covering an existing vinyl or wood because it can be installed directly on top.  (For tiles with grouted seams, it is recommended that luan is installed first, then the canvas.  This prevents the floorcloth from adapting the profile of the seams.)  For wall-to-wall installation, the artwork is applied off-site, the floorcloth is installed and then the multiple coats of finish are applied.  Finally, toe moulding is applied around the edges to conceal the tacking.

Pricing

Prices start at $20 sq/ft for simple designs, and go as high as $30 sq/ft for more complicated or intricate artwork.  The majority of our floorcloths are between $22 and $25 sq/ft.   We work with you to design your layout and artwork so ultimately, you can determine the design to that best fits not only your needs but your budget as well!  Call us for a quote.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

~ If your floorcloth accidently ends up sitting in a puddle of water, it will most likely dry with wrinkes or waves.  Worry not!  Make sure the floorcloth is dry, or almost dry.  Slide it under an existing rug (the heavier the better) and leave it for a few days.  It will flatten out again. 

~ If the "slider" on the bottom of a chair comes off and you deeply scratch your floorcloth, this, too, is a fairly easy repair.  Lightly sand around the area, and fill the scratch with any water based paint that closely matches the surrounding color.  Then apply 2 - 3 coats of water based poly (non-yellowing). 

~ The life of a floorcloth is  indefinite.  If, after a few years, your floorcloth seems dull, apply a light coat of non-yellowing water-based poly. 

~ How do I install my floorcloth?   Easy!  For small or area sized rugs, use the non-skid waffle-weave matting, cut to fit.  For the larger area rugs, we recommend double-sided tape to attach the rug to the floor.  This will not only prevent slipping, but more importantly, it will prevent dirt, small pebbles, etc from working their way under the rug. 

~ Are floorcloths slippery?  No, the surface of a floorcloth is no more slippery than any tile or finished hardwood floor.  You just want to be sure that the floorcloth itself is on a non-skid mat or taped to the floor. 

~ What kind of floor can a floorcloth be used on?  Any hard surface, including but not limited to hardwood, cement, linoleum, or tile.