Our entry way and mudroom are tile…but the rest of the first floor is hardwood (it’s my second house with hardwood in the kitchen). Like @VeryHappy , all of our downstairs is continuous. But I actually like the hardwood in my kitchen. I do have rugs in front of the kitchen sink area and the stove. But I would probably have those no matter what the flooring was.
But in a mudroom…no hardwood. And I would agree with those upstream who suggested tile (not vinyl…but ceramic).
Interesting - my aunt and uncle put that on their deck, that faces the water on their waterfront home. I may have to consider it. That will likely be next spring’s project.
Recently we’ve had some people over for dinner. Now that it’s heading toward fall, it gets dark earlier and earlier, but the weather is till lovely so we’ve been eating on the deck. But the problem has been that it’s too dark at the table to see what we’re doing – even with candles. I’d love to have an arc lamp that goes over the table, but this is outdoors, so I’m not sure that’s practical. Does anyone have any good ideas for what I might use for more light?
We have several of these Pina lights and use them instead of candles. We bought the original ones when they were still a novelty. Now Amazon sells plenty of cheaper knockoffs.
https://www.amazon.com/Zafferano-Rechargeable-Cordless-Controls-2200-3000/dp/B0C4LJ1D1D/
Various solar lights have come a long way. You can get solar lanterns, solar light strings, solar lights that light up inside your table umbrella - there are endless versions! Also lots of table top rechargeable lamps
I have a question for the hive. Our windowsills are showing a lot of wear…some water marks, some scratches from the cat. I want to do something to them, but I’m not sure what will work. The stain is Provincial 211. Anything I can do to even out the finish on these windowsills? I would do every one in our house! It’s 32 year old stain and finish.
We had that problem on our window bench in our old house. Before we moved, we had our guy come to fix it – he wound up sanding it down to get rid of the scratches and then re-staining it.
Thanks, @BunsenBurner . I just ordered some cheaper knockoffs!
I sure hope there is an easier solution than sanding down over 30 windowsills!
Painting them might be easier… but it would also require a quick pass with sandpaper. Are these windowsills varnished? If so, sanding and stripping varnish will be necessary. It is unglamorous job. BTDT!
None of the other wood trim is painted. I was hoping there was some way to perk these up…but it’s sounding like there just isn’t.
@BunsenBurner they are stained with polyurethane over the stain.
Ugh. I hear you! With so many windows, I’d hire a pro. They have the tools and the muscle power to do the job quickly.
And they will be able to match the wood stain well…
I guess I need to make some calls…
Wood stain pens?? https://a.co/d/0gUpnSEv
I have wood pens. These aren’t little scratches. These windowsills need a smoothing out of the finish entirely.
Minwax used to make a stain and poly combo that I think would have worked. But I don’t think they make it anymore.
If you’re willing to share a photo you might garner some additional ideas!
All of the windowsills in our cabin have deep scratches from all the years of wear from previous owners, window A/C units, and pets. I have no intention of refinishing them because I consider them rustic and charming reflections of life in the woods. DH eyes them critically, and I have to keep diverting his attention elsewhere. (Oh look, DH! A chipmunk!)
The only way to “fix” them is to sand and restain. It’s really straightforward and not a big job if you do them a few at a time but, if you’ve never done it before, you probably should hire it out.
(If this were my primary house, I would refinish them, but it’s a cabin. Let’s not pretend the Queen might drop by.)
It sort of looks like some of the finish has rubbed off. you could trial one window doing light hand sanding and the applying varnish and/or stain.
I agree. You could try doing one yourself and may be surprised at how well it turns out and save yourself a lot of $$$. If your effort is not to your satisfaction, you haven’t lost anything, just time to call a professional who can also re-do your attempt.
