Don Livingston asked about seeing a picture of my finished floor.  I had considered putting some up the first time that I used it but decided against it at the time.  I really wanted to show it off a bit, strut my stuff as it were and that was the very reason that I decided against it.  I realized that if I put up the pictures because I wanted to show off what I had done that I was feeding my own ego and would turn my floor from a dedicated space to a mere vaunted object.  By keeping it to myself I made sure it was not an object of my own pride but that it remained a space full of satisfaction and personal well being.  Now each time I fold out my floor, it really does transform this room into a sanctuary and so now I have no qualms about sharing my humble practice space.

The first image shows the floor folded and against my bedroom wall.  The second shows the floor on the floor.  It is about 8 feet (2.44m) by 4 feet (1.22m) and about 3/4 of an inch (1.91cm) thick.  I believe I said before that I used oak (red oak actually) because I wanted to use a hardwood for durability and it was readily available.  The end result is one heavy floor which is one of the reasons I went with two hand holds instead of one.  I could have trimmed off nearly two feet from the length to reduce the weight but I’m finding that the extra length adds to the sense of seclusion.  The width is perfect, no edges to interupt svasana which was one main reason I did not go with a premade floor.  Things I would do differently if I were to do it again:  Add a router attachment to my wood working tool as sanding the edges and hand holds was labor intensive.  I would also hold out for 1/2 inch (1.27cm) wood as that is plenty thick and much lighter than thicker lumber.  Evenso, I’ve been very pleased with the end result.  Feel free to email me with furhter questions.

Namasté