So the Mrs told me yesterday over dinner she wants hardwood! I'm thinking no problem. Have a buddy that works for Tri-West a decent sized distributer out here and I'll try to get some samples from him and I will install it. I've read enough about flooring and even installed it several years ago for 2 years. As a finish carpenter I think I can tackle it. Question is she wants it on a 45* angle no problem there I can lay it out and work from the center out each direction. as to the stairs she wants white risers which i will spray lacquer onto but the treads she wants hardwood. Is it better to use pre-made treads or use hardwood for the treads. Also has anyone installed base shoe in the same species as the hardwood or do you usually just install painted shoe moulding? Keep in mind the base is sprayed white lacquer.

Michael

Solid, factory made treads (11.5" x 1.125" x random length) are the way to go, if you can. Not always EASILY available in the more obscure exotics. But easy to get in oak (either red or white), maple, b. cherry, fir, walnut, etc. These are typically unfinished so they require finishing. If you're trying to match a prefinished floor, that can be done but it is tricky.

I've done it both ways. I prefer the look of the painted baseshoe over the look of the wood toned baseshoe but the wood tone is easier, IMO. Prepaint the baseshoe if you're going to use painted baseshoe. Then caulk and touch up paint after it's installed. BTW, you do not HAVE to spray lacquer paint again. A quality acrylic enamel can be used instead and color matched and no one would no the difference. Easier to apply and touch-up, IMO.

Gary I agree, I'm just partial to the finish quality that can be achieved with lacquer, plus it matches the rest of the trim and doors in the house. much easier to install base and casing and spray in place instead of finishing it offsite.

Michael

Yes, unless the house is already finished, occupied and furnished. And if you only have a little bit of trim to do, is it worth the risk and hassle of spraying lacquer? Who will be inspecting the quality of the paint job on baseshoe? I mean, just get the paint on it. Use a good enamel and it would look fine, IMO. But hey, some are fanatical about some things. Doors, jambs and casing? Yes, those need to be done well. They're at eye level and folks touch them. Baseshoe? Who goes around inspecting and touching that? When I'm doing flooring projects with my builder accts. I recommend to them to trim every thing out and let the painters come in and spray all the trim and get it completed. All EXCEPT the baseshoe. That goes on AFTER I lay and finish the floors, for obvious reasons. This methodology has worked very well for everyone. And the areas that don't get wood and baseshoe are ready for carpet.

You know they do have medicine for that sort of stuff......with that topic I was expecting to get spam for Viiiagra or something!