Day 80 - Screw screws
Removing tiles seemed easy, especially with the right tools. A lesson learned is sometimes, the right tool makes the hardest task much, much easier. We decided that although manual labor is actually enjoyable and we could use some exercise, a tool would help make this job done in a more timely and efficient manner. Purchasing a rotary hammer was one of the best decisions we had made so far. It brought up the tiles like a knife through warm butter.
Unfortunately, this useful tool doesn't clean up the tiles. Destroying is fun. Cleaning up after the destruction leaves plenty to be desired.
The porcelain shrapnel and dust managed to sneak its way past the work gloves and goggles, making the experience less than ideal. After cleaning up tile after tile, we realized just how intensive floor removal was actually going to be.
Beneath the tile was a lovely array of linoleum flooring. Some sections were similar to what was under the new floor in our laundry room. Some were a lovely shade of green. There were also brown sections attempting to bring a cobblestone aesthetic to the house. Either way, the linoleum had to go so more hickory hardwood could take its place.
Initially, removing linoleum seemed like it should be easier than heavy, porcelain tiles. However, whoever installed the linoleum had a love of screws, nails, and staples as they were everywhere. This floor was built to live forever.
Until we moved in.
In my younger days, I might have had more endurance and energy but in my early forties, I had to take plenty of breaks as I tried to painstakingly remove every staple, nail, and screw in sight. After many scrapes, scratches, and punctures, the linoleum and everything associated with it was removed and the floor was ready for professionals to lay down the hardwood.
There is a certain amount of pride and accomplishment in getting a job completed. Similarly, there is also joy in being able to let people more knowledgeable and precise take care of the finishing details.
These updates made the house immediately more attractive but they also set off a rabbit hole of renovations. Let the hopping begin.
