I initially primed the floor with brown paint to prepare for my floor covering, but later decided it would be easier to apply the covering to a template instead. To create the template, I used copy paper to trace the foyer floor and then transferred it onto cardstock poster board. It's important to check the fit frequently and trim the edges as needed until it fits perfectly. The template should sit comfortably on the floor, with edges close to the walls. Minor gaps won't matter, as they will be covered by baseboards.
Once the cardstock template fits well, paint it with brown or any color that closely matches your intended floor finish. For my project, I am using Greenleaf's Wooden Floor Tiles to create a parquet-style flooring inspired by the photo below. These birch veneer tiles are great for making wooden inlays and other designs. They can be easily cut with scissors and feature a beautiful grain. You can finish them with stain or paint as desired. As I applied the tiles to the cardstock template, I alternated the wood grains and used hot melt glue. This glue is ideal for flooring because it adheres quickly, preventing the pattern from shifting, and it won’t warp the tiles. If you need to cut smaller pieces of tile for intricate patterns, consider using wood or tacky glue instead. This will provide a neater appearance since hot melt glue dries thickly, which can be noticeable on smaller pieces. Place weights over the tiles while they dry to prevent warping and shifting. Work slowly and let small sections dry at a time.
After gluing all the tiles in place, I checked the fit of the tiled template on my floor and made any necessary adjustments. Next, I stained the tiles in an alternating pattern using light and dark stains. To achieve a darker color, I applied additional coats of stain, allowing it to dry between applications. Once the stain was dry and reached my desired color, I applied two coats of satin varnish, though gloss can also be used. Finally, I glued the template to the dollhouse floor using tacky glue and held it down with weights until it was dry.
Remember not to install your staircase post trims until your flooring is in place.
