1756  all-weather tango surfaces: a report

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2003 14:44:08 -0700
From: Margaret Davis <MDavis@PORTLANDTRIBUNE.COM>
Subject: all-weather tango surfaces: a report

Hola Tangueros,

I wrote to the list awhile back asking for suggestions on what materials to
use in a tango porch.

Here are the responses I received:

1) You might look into bamboo flooring. It usually comes in sections and
you can choose the amount of varnish protection you want. Bamboo is
incredibly durable and would be a lot more forgiving than concrete.

2) There is a synthetic material that similate a wood block, the blocks then
would be put together like a parquet floor. The blocks sit on a grid of
substructure (linear synthetic beams), which in your case, will rest of your
deck or concrete or cement floor. There is s small gaps between the blocks
where the water can be drained away.

They are permanent, you can not remove it. It is good for thicker heels for
the ladies to avoid the heels being trapped.

Also pls contact Tom Stermiz, I attended their festival where they have open
air dancing by a Park. One year they used a plastic mat which is
removeable. The mat is made of many square open framed (means not solid, it
looks like a waffle) plastic tiles that interlock with each other. Same
problem, and worst, not good for narrow heals. That can be rested directly
on your timber deck

Both are good enough for pivots.

3) Have you thought of polished marble or granite? I have no idea if it
works, but would think they would work well. I know both are very strong
and tough materials and last for a long time.

I appreciate the time people took to respond to my query. As for me, I've
opted for concrete. I know it has impact issues, but it's all I can afford!
I have been assured, though, that it can get a smooth finish, so smooth that
my contractor worries whether it will be _too_ slippery. I'm opting for
tinted concrete, with the dye already mixed in, rather than worry about
painting and repainting. And because the area is big enough that it has to
be scored, I went for "saw-cut" scoring, which -- I'm told -- shoes will be
able to bridge just fine.

Again, thanks for all the responses. The Tango Ranch should be open for
dancing business soon in Portland.

Cheers, Margaret