Finally Finished

Our new floor is complete. Now it's time to put things back together and attempt to conquer dust, dust, and more dust. Who'd have thought new floors would create such a mess?  But I digress.

The project took nearly 5 full days. The young men who installed the floors were polite, thorough, and did an awesome job. Take a look at the foyer.

The great room.

The precision cuts that fit wood neatly against curves of stone.

The kitchen.

The barely noticeable connection between tile and wood.

Bottom line? I'm thrilled and so are the fur kids.

Now it's time for some fun. Let the slip-sliding games begin!

Pillaged

Hey, Mom! Somebody stole our floor!!!!

Stamp of Approval

After the agony of looking and the ecstasy of finding, an order was placed. And today, our new hardwood arrived. 

The boxes must sit inside for at least 3 days before installation.  Like a new puppy or kitten, hardwood apparently needs to adjust to its new home.

We need to be sure that everything is ready to go. My top-notch on-site team took over the job.  Team members include Indy, Bogey, and visiting grand-dog, Tinker Bell.

Inspection complete, two of my troops give 4 paws up to the new addition.

The other is still undecided. 

Pet-ter Homes and Gardens

I'm not one to make quick decisions. Especially when it comes to home decorating.  Give me a magazine and I can swiftly identify what I like. Put me in charge of picking paint colors or curtains and I become a babbling idiot, making pitiful requests for advice from any stranger in the vicinity.

My carpet needs to be replaced. But what replaces carpet when you have pets? Not such a simple answer. Some people say hardwood. Some swear by linoleum. Others tout ceramic tile. One person even admitted to using acid washed concrete for flooring. She's had it five years now and despite her two king-sized labradors, she proudly says her floors still look brand new.

I'm not planning to do a concrete floor, but any way you look at it, being a pet owner influences what we put in our house. If I'm sure Bogey will knock over that gorgeous vase, I don't buy it no matter how cool it is. What's the point? I'd only feel frustrated while I sweep up all the tiny pieces.

Now it's floor decision time. I'm currently leaning toward hardwood. Sort of a medium toned hickory with a variety of color shades (the better to disguise dog nail scratches).  Or maybe a nice white oak. Cherry wood? Then there's the beautiful Brazilian Teak...

Though it's interesting and pretty, one thing has definitely been crossed off the list. Cork. I really liked it until I read the disclaimer.

"Not recommended for households with pets."