New Floors

[Jim Stoltz]

As much as I like Paul's horizontal installation, the more I look at this the more I'm thinking long-ways is the way to go. Opinions?

[Russell E Johnson]

Yes it is, but at least at walwart you have come to expect screwups, for the price one would expect lowes to be better.

[Jim Stoltz]

I've had similar experiences at Lowe's and HD. The stuff you need is never there - empty bin. I don't set foot in the place without checking online first and even then it's hit or miss.

The flooring is special order - I knew they didn't carry it in the store. It's a Lowe's only pattern but they don't stock it. Some boob in the distribution warehouse mistook "Mahogany" for "Maple".

[Russell E Johnson]

At least the alliteration was correct LOL

[Jim Stoltz]

Yep. Close but no cigar. The b*tch is that I have TWO PLANKS to go. One in the galley, another in the rear bedroom. I waited a week for the wrong stuff. But it happens. The guy was embarrassed about it, and it wasn't his fault. Dealing with people who genuinely care about making it right makes it worthwhile.

[Jimco_W001]

Hi Jim.Please post a photo of your new floor.Ready or not.

[Jim Stoltz]

Just saw this now for some reason. The pics I posted are most recent. The new stuff should be here tomorrow or Tuesday, but I'll be in Cleveland all week. I'll have to pick it up Memorial Day weekend.

[Jimco_W001]

Hey Jim, Lydia and I live 45 minutes east of downtown Cleveland.Would you have time to visit.It would be nice to see you in person.Here's my # 440 296 5127

[Jim Stoltz]

Cool! I can probably find the time. I'm there (North Royalton) for training. Class is 3PM-midnight Tuesday through Friday. I *should* have days free if the people back home leave me alone! Are you around during the day?

[Jim Stoltz]

So I was foolish enough to think I could get away with being "free" during the days since my training was 3PM to midnight. But I had to work my day job until about 2:30, and then head to the training center. Still, it was cool to be out of the office but I didn't have an opportunity to sync up with Jimco.

When I got home I scooped up the last box of flooring and finished up the floor. All that's left is to put up the 1/4 round and to do something with the entry step. A little creativity is in order....

[Jimco_W001]

Hi Jim, you could always come back to Ohio for the Jamboree this summer.

Tina Paul will be driving her Allegro from your area to the Jam.

Sure would be nice to see your new floor in person. 

[Jim Stoltz]

I'd love to do that. I'll search for the date (I don't recall when it is) and see if I can pull it off.

In the meantime, here are the "done" pics. I still need to do something with the entry step, but all the planks are cut and installed. Next step is to put in some 1/4-round to hide the expansion gaps/imperfect cuts. The cuts by the sink and oven were a pain in the butt. And that stuff EATS saw blades like candy. 

[Jim Stoltz]

Word to the wise for those installing wood laminate floors (Pergo, Allure, etc.). They aren't kidding when they say to not let it get wet. I put a 6-mil poly barrier everywhere under mine, except for the entry step where I just set out a few scrap planks I had laying around. I have a stubborn leak in the area of the fridge vent that makes its way to that entry step foot well. The Pergo sucked up the water like a sponge and the laminate is bubbled and lifting. 

When I put the permanent pieces in there I will be sure to put a moisture barrier there, too. And I have to find that leak!