In early September I posted my thanks to the forum members whose sharing of knowledge makes hardwood flooring install possible for so many of us with very limited backgrounds in the craft. That post showed the results obtained in my family room.

Today, reiterating my thanks, I share my most recent efforts in our dining room.

The 26 year old carpet and wallpaper were removed. Picture moulding below the chair rail and indirect tray ceiling lighting were added, and door jamb moulding for removed swing doors replaced with fluted moulding. The hardwood is prefinished natural and stained Somerset oak 2-1/4" strip.

The completion deadline issued by the misses was Thanksgiving. I'll be giving thanks this Thanksgiving for having this room done in time. Thanks again to all who serve up their insight and experience so freely at this forum. It does make all the difference.

Before:


After:

Awesome, your hired.

Thanks! I have in-law doctors in Tucson, but have never been there.

I was redoing the stairs in between doing the family room and the dining room floors. I have to admit, I enjoy doing floors much more than redoing stairs and handrail.

Before:


During conversion:




And After:

I like painted risers myself. If you get a quality paint like sherwin williams acrylic alkaloid enamel it wears well. But costs like $80.00 a gallon on sale.

Agree with the safety aspect of contrast between riser and tread.

I've been getting a great deal on PPG paint, but will keep your SW suggestion in mind for the future.

I used an oil-modified water-based polyurethane on the treads. After sanding down the old existing stained hardwood in the foyer, I am planning to use the same on that red oak. Do you have any advice regarding that plan?

Thanks!

I'm not a finish guy but someone here might.

Oil modified water-based works fine.
It usually goes on thinner than regular oil poly, so I find it better to apply the first 2 coats of w/b without sanding between those coats. I then sand lightly prior to applying the final coat.

Your work looks great by the way.

I have 4 coats on the treads, and have been very happy with the finish.

Thanks for the compliment. After having done all of the upstairs bedrooms and hallway, less the master bedroom, in a standard prefinished hardwood install fashion and then doing two rooms on the first floor with inset field with border trim, I feel the need to do something more creative than standard install in the remaining first floor rooms - kitchen and living room.