How to Harden a Dirt Floor
- 1). Moisten the dirt with a garden hose. This allows you the ability to work the dirt for leveling.
- 2). Rake the surface of the dirt with a rake and use a shovel to fill in any depressions in the ground. If necessary, fill in holes with stone and then backfill with dirt. You must have a flat, level surface to work with before you can proceed.
- 3). Mix two parts dirt and one part ashes in a wheelbarrow and add enough water to create a thick putty-like paste. Apply the paste over the ground in a 1/2-inch-thick layer. Work the layer to make sure it remains even and level. Use a rake and trowel to level the paste. Allow at least 48 hours of drying time.
- 4). Mix two parts ashes and one part dirt in a wheelbarrow, and add enough water to create a very thick putty-like paste. This ratio is the exact opposite of the mixture used in Step 3. Apply the paste over the ground in a 1/2-inch-thick layer. Again, work the layer to make sure it remains even and level.
- 5). Create tile formations across the surface of the dirt with a ¼-inch-thick wooden board that measures long enough to extend across the dirt floor. Hold the board over the surface of the dirt and then press the edge of the board into the dirt to create a line. Place evenly spaced lines that run parallel to each other across the floor. You can use a spacing of your choice. Reverse the direction of the board and create a second set of evenly spaced lines with the board to create square faux tiles. You can also create free-form tiles with a trowel as you lay the second coat of dirt. You can scribe designs into the surface of the dirt as well. Allow 37 hours for the floor to dry completely.
Source...