Today, Ray and I spent our time installing a laminate snap and lock floating floor in our basement. There was a small learning curve, such as having to postpone the “Pergo Party” from last week to this because we found out that the flooring had to “acclamatize” to the temp of our basement for 48 to 60 hours. (oops, guess it pays to read the directions in advance) We didn’t have some of the essential equipment that would have made things a little easier and less painful, such as a soft mallet for pounding the joints into place, and knee pads. (How do babies crawl all over for months on those little knees? Must have LOTS of fatty padding). And hands only work for so long before they get really sore.
We did pretty well and only messed up a couple of pieces by cutting them wrong. Mostly it was a straight shot, but we did have to do a couple of diagonal cuts and fancy cutouts to get around doorways.
We worked for a couple of hours and then took a break for lunch. Then Ray had to go to Lehi (25 miles away) for 1 (one) hearthstone to complete the stonework on the fireplace wall. Poor calculating. I cleaned house because potential buyer #3 was coming through the rental we are in. I gave it a “lick and a promise” because basically it’s not my house, so I don’t care if it gets sold. Truth be told: the best thing that could happen to this house would be for it to burn to the ground (without setting the surrounding woodland ablaze). I think he would have better luck trying to sell the land under the house than the house. It is old, poorly designed and layed out and very outdated. I have to say, I am glad we are not here permanantly.
Papa and Noni came after lunch and helped us finish the floor. Papa was better prepared; he had a mallet and knee pads. It went pretty quickly with extra hands. The floor is a nice cherry color and looks pretty much like real wood flooring. If it holds up well, then I am happy.
Granite countertops are being constructed and the stair railings are almost finished. There is still some electrical stuff to be done and the kitchen and bathroom cabinets to be completed. Oh, and pantry organizers. I still need to get wardrobe supplies from Ikea and put them together, which will take some time as there are several cupboards and the instructions are all just pictures, no words. Guess that saves them translating Swedish into all the other languages where they have stores. Then a few final tying up of loose threads and then CARPET. The final step.
Can I hope for move in by Halloween? Fingers crossed!
