Still going project crazy

Left over stain... Front porch and stairs.  I wish I could just snap my fingers and have it all done.

Coming together

Finally!!!! I feel like I am getting things done.  I don't know what happens, but I go through ages where I am a complete slug, then everything comes together at the same time.  This is a good thing.

Here is the update.  I just put the finishing touches on the table.  I will have pictures of that once it is installed in the dining room.  Currently it is drying in my garage.

The rental bedroom is just about done.  A couple pieces of trim and it will be finished.

The floors... What can I say... That was not a good idea.  Why didn't you all step in and say something.... Yes they needed to be done; should I have been the person to do them? I can emphatically say NO!  That was so much more work than I thought it would be.  I found myself mid project thinking in tweet form.  I think I started out with Sis is riding the power tool, then went to debating if inhalation of dust or how I look in the mask is worse, then no one should be doing this, to I am laying on my back and I can't move to everything hurts to I am at the mid project cry stage to friends don't let friends do ridiculous projects to does a wood floor truly need polyurethane?  I think that is where I ended my thoughts in 140 characters or less.  Seriously, I couldn't think in longer spurts than that.  It was just sad.

For the most part I am done.  I did not end up doing the polyurethane, so I will have to do that at another time.  For now the floors look good.  I have to thank BFFBase and son for helping me move all of the furniture out and then back in again.

So, there is a lot of good that came out of this.  I moved everything out of the living room, dining room and my bedroom.  I did not put it all back in.  I donated a LOT of stuff that I just didn't need.  It seemed like I was just storing stuff.  So, I now have clutter free spaces.  And, realistically I got it done in 6 days.  While it seemed horrible going through it the truth is it wasn't that long.

I have some tips for people who are insane enough to do this project on their own.

1.  The sanders are more powerful than they look.
2. Trying to sand paint off of the floor is useless.  Stain is ok.
3. Just because the old stain is off of the floor doesn't mean that the floor will look good.
4. Sanding is a 3 person job.  The sander, the sweeper and the extension cord holder.  Seriously.
5. You WILL have gouges from the sanders.
6. Make an appointment with you Chiropractor, Acupuncturist AND Massage therapist.
7. You should not only read the directions on the stain, but follow them.
8. Should you not follow them, you can manually scrub every square inch of the floor with mineral spirits after waiting 2 days in the noxious fumes for it to turn to a tar like substance.
9.  It will take longer than you think to dry.
10. The directions on line at the manufactures web site are not the same as they are on the can of stain, so plan accordingly.
11. Make more appointments will all above reference body workers. You may want to book out for the following week as well.
12. Moving straps and those furniture slide things are great!!!
13. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL TO DO THIS PROJECT!

I could have sworn I took more before pictures, but it seems that I did not.  At least you can see some of the difference.

Now what you have been waiting for:

Mom, don't be hating on my picture... I know you can see the dust on the floor.  I am hoping that when I get the polyurethane on there it won't be so obvious. (That was her big warning, the dark floors will show dust) :)