Well the other problem with the hardwood floors is all the nail holes and the boards have a sizeable gap in them from all the contraction and expansion. Also tile floors in the kitchen add more value. (not to say that hardwood isn't good or anything)

I laid about 800 sq ft of 16"x16" slate tiles about 5 years ago. Biggest PIA but well worth the effort. It was my first job but it came out very well.

I agree with starting in the center (esp for those who are new to the job) and depending on how quick you work and how much tiling you plan on doing I would suggest buying a tile cutter instead of renting. 2 or 3 days of rental can add up. I bought this one from harbor freight.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95385

Best buy I made. It has been loaned out for several jobs and the only things replaced are the belt and the blade. Other than that it works great.


Since floor pics are being included here are two of mine.


Starting out.
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g8...s/P1010012.jpg


The end result.
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g8...s/P7230015.jpg

N/A to my knowledge; should be able to send pdf's from the CD version.

davidmash,

:beerchug:

That room looks NICE!

Someday in the FAR off future, I'd love to lay some slate on my patio.

In that case, go with Easyboard, from Custom Building Products Co. It's super lightweight, does the same job as the two you mentioned, and may be less money.

X2. And if the stains in the wood are too deep to remove, floor paint can make a hardwood floor look very good. I have a number of painted wood floors in apartments. Black floor paint solves the problem of wide gaps between boards.
This won't solve the wife problem in and of itself, but pointing out that she'll be able to change the color of her kitchen floor in an afternoon might be enough to convince her that wood is not such a bad idea.

In my apartments the grooves are pretty wide. Its an old commercial store built in 1913. Sanded professionally and refinished it looks really great and characterful. The apartments are always rented. Folks think its pretty cool looking.

It cost a lot more than carpet to put down initially but only requires damp mopping from time to time. and between tenants we put down a mop on wax.