Thanks to all contributors on this forum, I gained a lot of valuable information during this project. I completed installation of 1200 sq ft of walnut stained Hickory throughout our entire second floor. Four bedrooms and the hallway. Despite all the cursing and walking up and down the stairs to make cuts in the basement I have to say this was an enjoyable project - especially when you get to see the finished work. By the time I got to the last BR, I was able to lay the floor, install the molding, and put the furniture back in one day.

I stripped the stair railing, stained it walnut and installed off white balusters. Prior to that everything was poly'd natural oak. This weekend project is installing the stair treads.

Here are some completed pics of how it turned out. Just don't tell my wife I'm sharing pictures of of bedroom without the bed being made.

Bedroom
http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m50 ... G_4030.jpg

Office
http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m50 ... G_4032.jpg

Bonus Room
http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m50 ... G_4015.jpg

Hallway MBR to Bonus Room
http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m50 ... G_4039.jpg

I'm glad you had the time to do it yourself. Wood floors are beautiful are they not? Luckily most people I work for don't have the time or the skill level to do that.

They are beautiful. I am contemplating hiring out the downstairs just to get it done. Got a few quotes from $1.50 - $2 per sq ft. For a basic install $1500-$2000 for 3 days work is some pretty good coin. I may end up taking a few days off work and banging it out over a long weekend and putting the cash towards something else.

Great Job. It says a-lot when you dont "rack" a floor. I looked at all your joints and they are well scattered. again superb job!

for the guys hiring out the job. Ensure these guys that install the floor are not on a Speed trip just to make some fast coin. Takes skill a patients to select the right plank to put down. anyone can open a box of flooring a staring nailing it down. I get a chuckle when I see vids on you tube. If the job looks like a shingled roof than Id be ashamed.

Thats pretty cheap. Have to agree with TiMn8er about those youtube videos. Most of them are just awful at racking.

Thanks fellas. I've completed the downstairs as well, about another 1000 sq ft. Just have to snap some photos.

Although raking makes the job much faster, I semi racked I guess you can say, and hand selected the boards I wanted for each location...tossing the ones that were badly milled or totally out of whack. Downstairs took me about 5 days, and than I installed new baseboard. Redid the fireplace and stone, and completed the trim out.

Pics to come..