Finally, floors

A big step recently. The floor crew showed up on Monday and got to work. The kitchen wood floor went in first. It is a light-colored hickory, a tree native to Missouri. The crew used nailers to secure it to the subfloor. The most meticulous part of the job was picking out contrasting pieces to make the layout more interesting. I actually think the crew enjoyed composing the floor. It took three days to complete the kitchen floor.

The bathrooms and laundry room will have vinyl flooring. Not too much effort here, the hardest part of this was patching the old floor gaps. These next two pics show the downstairs bath and the floor comparison – old floor, subfloor and new vinyl. I takes work to make it all level. Sort of.

The master bath will have ceramic tile. The first part of this went down the other day. The surround around the tub will also be tiled.

A bridge to nowhere

On the previous deck, I built a set of steel stairs leading up to the backdoor. Well, I certainly wanted to reuse the steps on the new deck. But the problem was the height of the new deck structure. So, what can I do? I know, let's make a bridge! I poured some concrete columns and reinforced the deck posts. On top of the whole deal sits the stairs. I can envision a stream or cool plantings under the stairs. That will be a good project for next spring. Until then, I have to make some additional steps so people can safely make it up or down.

Another metal project

You know I get excited when the contractor asks me to create something out of metal for the house. I'm thinking something arty, funky, maybe even something utilitarian. However, this request was plain and simple. I needed to make a metal plate that would create a smooth transition from the old to the new. When the window and wall was removed to make a doorway, a large steel girder revealed itself. The girder helps support the rear of the original house. Unfortunately, the girder poked above the floor about a 1/2-inch, with gaps on each side. I took a large piece of steel plate and cut it to fit the doorway. Then I welded it to the girder and screwed down the ends. Its not a perfect transition, but at least it is smooth and firm. Plus, its the first time I've welded in the house.

A constant junkyard

So much debris and trash in a project like this. Our backyard is demolished. Piles of debris just appear. This particular mound is filled with deck, trim, cardboard and other stuff. The neighbors have been over to pick through, trying to find decent wood and such. I hate sending all of this to the dump.

Careful with the paint

This is a shot of the balcony deck railings getting their final coat of paint after installation. I spray the lag bolts and any other scuffs after they are secure. It takes more time to tape off and protect the surroundings from wayward paint than it actually does to paint the rails. Who says newspapers are irrelevant? They make a perfect mask to keep the house free of black paint.