Merrily we floor along

I've been busy installing the new bathroom flooring this week. It's not difficult, but it is time consuming. I feel as though I've been on my hands and knees for three days straight now, but it's really been on and off. I've been priming and painting all the casing and baseboards that will trim out the bath, too, so that gives me a chance to stand and stretch! The contractor should be back tomorrow to begin installing the trim, which is exciting. The room is really starting to come together.

Underlayment puttied, caulked, and sanded smooth

My working position 75% of the time

Almost done!

Weekend Work

Jeff and I enjoyed a fairly laid-back weekend. We had a church chili supper Saturday evening and didn't get home until very late, so the extra hour we gained was spent in much needed sleep. But then we got busy.

I finally found time this week to put the final coats of Waterlox on the floors, so this weekend we moved a few furniture pieces back in. Until the finish has really cured, we don't dare bring the antique piano or a couple of the heavier items in, but just having the rooms straightened up a bit has helped the rest of the house not feel so disordered.

Dining room floors before

Dining room after refinishing

Before view in living room

After

Our other project was hanging the living room ceiling fan. Jeff prefers ceiling fans and I like attractive fixtures, so we were excited to find a version we both love.

Unattractive (but functional) fan

Stained glass Craftsman style fan

Dining Dream

The dining room is completed and back together. Jeff got home from CA yesterday evening and stayed up late to get the quarter round molding cut and installed. I caulked and touched up this morning and moved the furniture back in, all just in time for company this evening. It's coming together very nicely!

We've been meaning to do this flooring for over a year now, so it's nice to have it completed. It was the same situation back in Arkansas; we got all the lingering projects done just to pass on the beauty and convenience to new owners. Ah well; if this house doesn't sell, then we simply get to enjoy it ourselves!

The overview
(I know the area rug is too large, but it's what I had extra in the garage)

Come on over and join us for dinner!

Dining Done (almost)

The floors are done! The quarter round trim still remains (the paint is drying as we speak), and the transition strip to the family room carpet needs to be cut and stained, but that is much less back-breaking and knee-aching work, so I don't really count it.

I almost had the job done in one day. I could have, too, except yesterday was the quarterly evening Master Gardener meeting and I had to stop to clean up and get decent, make something for the covered dish dinner, and attend the two hour plus gathering. So when I installed the last piece this morning before 10:30, I was rather pleased with my pace overall. Especially considering that this flooring was purchased as seconds, so I was constantly hunting for a board with the "right" flaw that would be cut off or hidden. I can only imagine the luxurious ease of installing perfect flooring where you can grab any piece you want. Maybe on the next house!

Race to the finish

We are really striving to work our commanded six days a week! After a few months of relaxing Sundays with tennis, leisurely yard work, and miscellaneous activities around the house, we are back at it full force. The house goes on the real estate MLS officially at the end of this week, and I have to get the dining room floors laid.

Jeff is presenting at a conference in San Diego this week, so it's a good thing I decided not to accompany him this trip. He'll be gone about four days, which should be plenty of time to get underlayment, flooring, and trim in place (plus some other odds and ends around the house). He'll be back just in time to help move the furniture back in!

We got the old carpet and padding out together Sunday morning before he had to pack for his trip. Jeff snapped this lovely picture in progress.