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gma2rjc · 04-23-2009, 06:13 PM

It looks beautiful. I like the pic with the dog peaking around the corner.

Happy birthday. Got any big projects planned for your 50th? LOL

ConstantChange · 04-24-2009, 11:45 PM

It looks great!

Quadfam4 · 05-01-2009, 01:17 PM

all I can say is WOW!!!! so very beautiful. great job!

Knucklez · 05-06-2009, 07:58 PM

wow, that's a smooth finish.

i wonder if it would have been easier to stain your design boards before install?

anyway, the ends justifies the means. great job!

Knucklez

What have I done · 05-07-2009, 01:39 AM

yeah i thought about prestaining the design boards before install, but with the unfinished flooring it is off a little bit and needs to be sanded smooth after install.
Now that we have done for a few weeks it wasnt bad!

I do remember a Sunday morning laying on the floor disconnecting the dishwasher and just wanting to DIE. The previous couple of days of nailing, squatting, getting up/down wore my ass out.

But I rebounded and we are very happy with the outcome.

DeFex · 05-09-2009, 09:36 PM

What an amazing job. something to see every day and be proud of.

schlitzi · 10-12-2009, 11:36 AM

The only drawback of doing such a nice job is that your wife will think of other things for you to do.

**Scuba_Dave** · 10-12-2009, 11:47 AM

That's a great job

I really like the accent pieces/stain
At 1st I thought you did the accent with just stain

What have I done · 10-15-2009, 08:47 PM

nope they are the real maccoy... 16 lil pieces to each corner Design. I used all red oak. In hindsight I will probably use a different species in the future to make it stand out with out having to stain the design darker. Maybe Cherry or Elm to go with the red oak.

it was a lot of work but we love them. thanks for commenting. I have been watching your work and posts and am very impressed with your projects!

Oh by the way..Schiltz- that was the wifes IDEA. she has some doozies. Here is another one. what started as a plain white wall in the kitchen. She decided we could cut into it and make a pantry for canned goods. It turned out to be a very good idea.. bad thing we ddint take many pictures before and during...But I am learning

sbmfj · 10-16-2009, 10:19 AM

super nice work!

roxksears · 10-25-2009, 03:27 PM

I'm resurfacing my hardwood floors and am wondering what brand stain and polyurethane you used. I'll be using oil based poly but am unsure which brand will be best.

I don't have much experience with stains or polyurethanes. The only ones I've used are Minwax, but I've read unfavorable comments on Minwax so I'm open to anyones opinions here.

After doing all the hard laborous work I sure want it to look the very best it can after the stain & poly is on!

I can relate with 'just wanting to die'. that was yesterday. Today I can move again, ever so slowly however. Tomorrow I'll have to go back at it. I keep forgetting that I'm getting older and my body doesn't like doing all I put it through. Oh well, this old granny has LOTS more projects to do. No time to whine!

Lazy_Jake · 10-25-2009, 07:16 PM

Amazing.....

What have I done · 10-26-2009, 12:16 AM

roxksears I used Min-wax, stain and Minwax Poly-urethene. When I do floors I always use GLOSS for the 1st couple coats. I dont know if it is true or not, but I was told the gloss has more Polymers and fills better.
I usually do 2 coats of gloss then the final coat, semi gloss or Satin. On these floors at my house I did 4 coats of all gloss. Figured with the dogs it would hold up better.

I like min-wax, becasue if I am working after hours I can get more at the box-stores. I also like vare-thene brand, they carry that at Lowes and Menards.

Good luck take lots of pictures. Ones the body stops aching it is fun to look back at the b4 and after pics

roxksears · 10-26-2009, 12:39 AM

Thanks for the response What I Have Done!

I was looking at the Varethane at Lowe's. They said it was a much harder poly, therefore would hold up better. Who knows? Advertising/Marketing...

I had also heard that using High Gloss for the first coat or two would create better grain definition (visually).

I was advised to use a mohair short napped roller to apply the poly in a manageable size (say 3-4ft square), then use a natural bristle brush on it.

Yep, taking lots of pictures. Thanks again!

What have I done · 10-26-2009, 12:54 AM

I dont like the rollers. I have tried a couple times and ended up with bubbles. I hve the best luck with a flat 9" flat pad. unfortunately you have to crawl around on the floor to apply it. Just put a paint pan on a towel (makes it slide along with ya), and go to town. the 9" works good as you can do 3 rows of flooring with each pass with a little overlap.

I also like using lambswool pads, they sell them with the varethene displays. put the applicator on a broom handle, goes easier but I always need a second person to act as a "spotter" I tend to get it on too thick in areas and leave puddles. the spotter can stand back and see them easier and tell me to go over that area to drag the puddle out b4 it is out of reach!

I have used minwax for years for refinishing and dont have any issues with it. I do like varathene also, but it is a little more pricey. Plus the Varathene gives more of a amber/golden color, subtle but it is there. Nice look!