The Great Wood Flooring Project - Part 1

One of the major projects we've been wanting to do in our new house is the flooring.  The carpet, which we believe is original to our ten year old home, is super gross and pulling away from the walls in some places.  We had it professionally cleaned right before we moved in because we were bringing home a new baby and the previous owners had owned two large dogs.  Six months later the stains were showing again and it looked worse than before.

Well we finally have the money to put in new laminate wood (thanks to Leland's employer deciding to cancel everyone's 401k).  We'd already decided on a stain color at Ikea so Leland went today and picked it up.  We had planned on getting the floors prepped over the next couple of days and starting in over the weekend, but my husband, ever the motivated (more like impatient) man decided he wanted to get started tonight.  And my father-in-law (the great man that he is) decided he'd come help Leland out.

So I whipped out my camera and began the arduous task (not really, but I have to be involved somehow) of documenting The Great Wood Flooring Project.

Leland and David begin the tile removal.  Not a fun job.

One of the tiles had been sealed in with Liquid Nail, which made the removal a little bit trickier.

The rest of the the living room before carpet removal.

Finishing up the tile removal, it only took them about 30 minutes to get it all out.

The TV area before.  The TV is covered because bits of tile were flying EVERYWHERE!

The men had to make a quick run the Home Depot for a few more supplies so I captured their progress.

Taken from the back door, you can see where they've removed some of the baseboards and pulled up a little carpet.

Carter was allowed back in after the tile stopped flying.  Then he was locked safely in his high chair.

And one more baby photo for good measure.

Laying the first line of wood.  YAY!

Here's some of tonight's progress but I'm sure they'll get even more done before they call it quits for the night.

What a great start to this project!  I can't wait to see it all done.  Yay for new floors!