Knot to be undone...

 In case you didn't catch  the blurb on my blog, my house was built in 1881. That is pretty dang old for a house. Well in America. In Europe that is a tweenager of houses. Anyhoo, the floor is original. As in decrepit. The dining room floor is well quite frankly falling apart. Literally and figuratively. There is nothing left to salvage on these floors. Some of the knots have completely fallen out, so I have actual holes in my floor. You can peek into the basement/ dungeon with out opening the door. That's kind of nifty untill things like really important screws roll off the table and fall into the dark basement/ dungeon abyss. It's all funny until someone gets hurt or until you lose a critical fastener.

Perfect for storing scissors

Although having the holes in the floor is not without amusement. Especially when you tell little kids to look at them and my hubbs may or maynot be in the basement /dungeon. And then pokes his fingers up through the holes.  Hehehehe. We wouldn't be that evil? Would we?  Ok--to be fair we have pulled that prank on the dogs. They didn't like it either.

If someone forgets to turn off  the basement light, at night, the light will show through every crack, pinhole and knot. It does provide a certain ambiance, no? A 1000 points of light in my floor.

 If I weren't so technologically challenged and knew how to use the camera I would have a better picture.

Oh yeah besides, having holes in the floor, there is a major slope issue. So much so you don't need to roll the ball for the dogs. There are levelers on everything. Want a cheap buzz. Don't wast your money on booze. Spend sometime in my dining room. After walking around on the slanted floor you will feel like you have knocked a few drinks back.

On the bad days I perceive my house as this

http://www.flickr.com/photos/imrickndakota/2911498067/

Yes, yes I KNOW it's really not that bad. Sometimes the quirkiness of my house grates on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. Other days I am smitten and googley eyed like a teenage girl , drawing little hearts and saying I love my house (ok not really). So fickle...

The good news is I have decided on my flooring. Given the imperfections of the floor (slope etc), we are going to level it the best we can but linoleum is the best option for us due to durability, price and the imperfections of our floor. I like it because it looks like slate, has a slight texture and will be so easy to clean.  Especially with 2 dogs. And me and the hubbs stomping in and out from the garden. We are going to have linoleum in the kitchen, first floor bathroom. laundry room and dining room. Since I have such a small house I don't want the rooms to look choppy by using to many floor patterns.

Tarkett Grande in Multi/Green

Now I just have to pull the trigger and order it. Currently Menards has it for $1.69 sf. It was originally $1.99. Not bad. Not great.  Sometimes you just have to have pay a little more to get the look you want.  As soon as the floor goes in I can have my new baseboards.  I am  thinking of installing the 4 inch cottage style base molding.

Next project on the list for ME to tackle is my stairwell. I had talked about it here. I have procrastinated long enough. I think we are actually making progress. So perhaps I will love my house a little more and will  view my house like this...

http://rcd.typepad.com/photos/travel_2007_new_orle/2007_04_29_img_3164.html

SO what is on your house project list? 

Flooring options and pets

Lets face facts. It is not easy to keep a pristine house when you have pets. There will be fur, paw prints, nose spots and the dreaded butt scoot. (Sorry I had to mention it!)  Unless you are Martha Stewart or have a cleaning crew at your beck and call--perfection is not gonna happen! So what's a domestic diva to do?

There are countless flooring options on the market and it can be a bit overwhelming. Begin by choosing pet compatible flooring options.  First and foremost, don't expect the animals to understand "Paws Off".  


Wall to wall carpet, generally speaking, is not an optimum choice for pets. Animal fur, oils and dander (among other body fluids ) can get trapped within the carpet, creating a petri dish of odors and bacteria. If you must have carpet choose a the best quality you can afford consisting of nylon or olefin non-looped fibers. The synthetic fibers will provide the best wear and stain resistance. Non looped fibers are optimum because they are less like to get snagged on the pet's nails or collar's resulting in permanent damage to the carpet. Pay to have the stain resistant treatment! Know that accidents will happen. Here's a great video on how to clean pet stains.

Area rugs (especially those made of natural fibers) are great for adding additional color, texture and act as a barrier to gunky grimes and stains. It is much easier and cost effective to roll-up an area rug to have it cleaned (or replaced) than wall to wall carpet.

Carpet tiles are an excellent alternative. What was once a commercial use is now in increasing in residential use. They come in great color and patterns, offering you an unique design option.  They very easy to install, even for a novice DIY'er . If one (or more) get soiled simply remove, clean and/or replace. Floor tiles typically have a thick rubber backing which is an added layer of protection against moisture penetration AND helps minimize noise. These can be found on-line and at most big box stores.


Hard surface flooring such as stone or ceramic tile provide a great look. Choose a surface that is non porous and grout will need to be sealed periodically. If you are lucky enough to have in-floor radiant heat your animals will love this (and so will your toes!). In floor heat can help reduce the cycling of your furnace off/on which will lower your bills AND who doesn't want that? For more information on radiant heating, click here.


Hardwood-nothing exudes visual warmth more than wood floors . Be advised that softer woods are more inclined to show scratches than hard wood. Wood floor hardness rating are ranked on a Janka scale found here. When choosing hardwood make sure the wood is sealed. A high quality top coat does wonders for extending the life of your floor. Another advantage to hardwood is the floor can be refinished. Disadvantages are cost, installation (not typically a DIY project UNLESS you are experienced) and not compatible for high moisture areas. Hardwood floors are a great re-sale feature!


Laminate is affordable, DIY install and easy to maintain. When determining what types of laminate look for HPL (High Pressure Laminate), those with a high AC (Abrasion Coating) rating and those with a higher core rating. The thicker the core the stronger and more resilient the laminate. This is measured in mm (millimeters). Look for laminate with tight seams to avoid moisture penetration. Unlike hardwood, in the event of damage it cannot be refinished as this product is an image laminated between a backer core and topcoat. Another drawback is laminate can be slippery depending on finish and your pets nails will make a clicking noise.


Vinyl (also known as resilient) flooring comes in an array of colors, textures, patterns, forms and there is a product for every budget! You have traditional tiles in a variety of sizes, planks and sheets. Tiles can be installed as peel-n-stick (novice DIY), and troweled adhesive. Some tiles now have vinyl grout for an even more realistic look! Vinyl sheets can be installed as glued contact (100% adhesive underneath), perimeter glue (just the edges) or floating. Finishes are no-wax (requires frequent cleaning to maintain shine), urethane and enhanced urethane (most durable, less maintenance). Vinyl is great with pets due to easy clean, moisture resistant and reduces noise.


Cork flooring is also rising in popularity. Because is it is a renewable and sustainable product this appeals to to the "green factor'. This can be installed in tile, sheet or plank form. Cork flooring offers comfort under foot, reduces noise and acts as a thermal insulator. Combined with ease of maintenance and scratch resistance, this is a good pet friendly option.


Concrete can be painted, stained, and polished. Apply a topcoat and it is impervious to just about anything. Easy to clean and maintain. Definitely not a DIY install for the inexperienced. Great with radiant heat option. And this is a good alternative for allergy sufferers. 


I realize this is a lot of information and hopefully this helps your zero in on the floor best suited to you, your lifestyle and your pet!