Hi all:
Just found this site and wondered if I can tap into your collective knowledge. I recently came accross a reference in a "Dwell" article to using Hardie panel exterior siding as finish flooring and was intrigued. I assume it was one of the pre-colored siding panels since it didn't mention any other finish altho' there was reference to it "looking like concrete". My interest comes from the fact that I own some Class "C" apartments which I am trying to upgrade. It's hard to find "C" tenants who take good care of carpeting (which is the norm in units like this) and buying acres of new carpet is getting old so I'm gradually switching to laminate. In a couple of years I'll know if this has solved the problem - but laminate ain't cheap and installation isn't fast. And my back aches ! The article said that the Hardie Board worked out to $1:00 sq foot which sure got my interest but my question is, how durable is the product used in a way for which it wasn't designed ? I'm all for thinking outside the box (so other durable flooring suggestions welcome) but want to be as informed as possible before I do a trial unit. By the way, some of the units are on slab, most have plywood subfloors. Thanks !!
Just found this site and wondered if I can tap into your collective knowledge. I recently came accross a reference in a "Dwell" article to using Hardie panel exterior siding as finish flooring and was intrigued. I assume it was one of the pre-colored siding panels since it didn't mention any other finish altho' there was reference to it "looking like concrete". My interest comes from the fact that I own some Class "C" apartments which I am trying to upgrade. It's hard to find "C" tenants who take good care of carpeting (which is the norm in units like this) and buying acres of new carpet is getting old so I'm gradually switching to laminate. In a couple of years I'll know if this has solved the problem - but laminate ain't cheap and installation isn't fast. And my back aches ! The article said that the Hardie Board worked out to $1:00 sq foot which sure got my interest but my question is, how durable is the product used in a way for which it wasn't designed ? I'm all for thinking outside the box (so other durable flooring suggestions welcome) but want to be as informed as possible before I do a trial unit. By the way, some of the units are on slab, most have plywood subfloors. Thanks !!
