3/25/2015

Creating stain for wood flooring


I am doing this project on a strict budget. The insurance company wasn't fair.
The cost to buy the t molding, transition strips, oak pieces between marble kitchen
and entry and have it custom stained to match my warm matte wood was approximately
two thousand dollars. No way.
I went to Ganahl Lumber in Orange with my careful measurements and they sold me oak
and some pine pieces (some 15 feet long). Again I didn't want to spring for the delivery
cost so I wrapped them in blankets and red flags hanging out the back of my BMW X5
This was not a great idea and I do not recommend it. I drove home surface streets worried
the whole trip.

Because the wood type isn't an exact match with the floor and I want to make the
stain penetrate deeply into the moldings I used acrylic artist paints that I have
and coffee ( no sugar no cream) to thin the stain. I painted all sides of the strips
seven times and finally the color was deep into the center. After each  stain job I
allowed them to dry thoroughly.

Layering the stain color and correcting with each coat was a fun DIY job. I suggest
you begin light and work up to match your desired shade.








Did you know you can apply for a Homestyle Mortgage loan that can
finance new wood flooring? Refinance or purchase ask me how
949- 637- 8190 cell

Hard Wood Flooring Install


Progress of laying the hardwood floor over concrete.
First we ripped up carpet, pad and the wood stripping that was
nailed into the concrete. This work is slow and with three pry bars
or crow bars and goggles it took the three of us about three weeks
working a couple hours after work and weekends. I don't think I
could have done it full time seven days- the stress on the hands is
tough.
Next all the glue, paint and glop was sanded and scrubbed down to
reveal the clean concrete. A few spots had dents from whatever the
original contractors dropped on the wet concrete and those took some
grinding.

Next organize the wood to fit within each room (I have some sizable
antiques that have marble tops that took some nephews assistance in moving)
All out downstairs furniture went upstairs or into the garage.

We cut about half a room of flooring and arranged after using a t bar and
chalk line to make sure the lines were straight. Of course my house is not
square.

Then the messy gloppy gluing...
Wear disposable clothing as after each glue session just toss them and
use disposable rags, paper runners and junk cardboard. The boxes that
the flooring were shipped in were useful. Nothing went to waste.

See below we used the unopened boxes of flooring to weigh down the finished
areas. Then stay off for 30 hours, to let them start to set. The actual glue set on the
label says 24 hours but in my damp coastal weather it took 48.

This DIY project is not really that difficult. It is messy, the cutting requires an electric
miter saw, careful measuring and patience.
Order about 11% more square footage than your measurement to lay straight and about 15%
more if you are going diagonal.
I always wanted to do a palette wood floor in my place in Wyoming.
I now have the confidence to execute the project, but perhaps not the
time - yet.







House Before Photos


Thanks Moulton Niguel Water makes our PSI almost 180
my pressure regulator blew AGAIN- 3rd time in two years.
Causing pin hole leaks and the whole downstairs flooded on Christmas
My journey of getting back to normal has not been fun
Insurance covered about 30% of the damage, claiming they
depreciated everything- dry wall, molding, carpet, tile, cabinets
all which were in excellent condition.
Most water restoration companies are a scam in their own.
I opted to rent wet vacuum equipment, fans, and have myself and
children tear out the carpet flooring.
It didn't save me anything on the claim - go figure, after months of labor.

However I learned a great deal about flooring and installing
new wood. In the end (I'm not totally done putting back my beautiful
nest) it looks beautiful.
1120 feet of hardwood six in plank that is flat, recycled barn siding now
feels like a million bucks.
Here are some before pictures





Do you know that a Homestyle mortgage loan can finance 
construction repairs and remodeling costs up to 50% of value?
Call me if you want the details on a new kitchen, new flooring
or upgrading