A Basement Series...Really?

Today is cold, and clearly the early stages of winter. I am missing gardening. It reminds me of my very first post, gardening in my mind. That's the strange fun thing about blogging, you can see if you actually finished started any of your projects, or if you have stumble across a better idea! I know that I am constantly changing my vision...only to find, that usually, I still LOVE my original inspiration. Sound familiar?

If there is one project area of my home that needs immediate attention, it would be my basement. My basement is small but super functional....it is the sewing/craft room....video game/friends over room....fort making/puzzle building room......etc.....This last Spring, our basement flooded! It was the second time in 12 years. Time to install a drainage system with a sump pump

Obviously, this was done by a professional crew

The built-in's that I installed a few years ago were spared because I built them on a 2x4 platform off the concrete floor, everything else....was wet

A couple of months ago, I started lining up my "Inside ideas" pictures to help keep myself busy so winter would feel like it was moving faster! For self motivation, I have decided to invite you into my basement. Since my upholstery project will be finished soon....I will try to keep my basement project moving along by posting weekly updates (it forces me to stay on track).

*****Update - Faux Crown Molding in the Basement*****

Do you have a room in your home that you close the door and avoid at all costs?

Refinishing Basement Stairs

I love power tools! I am currently in the process of refinishing the basement stairs. My goal is to have a beautiful runner down the center of the stairs, and have exposed wood on both sides.

 

before

I have had my electric sander for 10++ years.

...it's time to move on. I will miss her!


On a recent trip to Home Depot, I felt like this

When I saw this

 

I knew this was the one. 

First, it has a dust bag attached. 

Second, the square corners will get into those tight corners like this

 

and finally, the replacement papers are MUCH cheaper! 

Here are my tips......

1) Save the manicure

 

These are no ordinary gloves. They are the kind my hairdresser uses when she puts my natural color back on my head. I buy them from a beauty supply store. They are twice as expensive as the clear ones you find everywhere, but well worth the investment!

2) Load the sandpaper from the back first. It is much easier to wrap it over the front to finish

3) Make perforations in the paper to allow the dust bag to work properly

The case has a template you press the paper on

and get this

 4) Wear a mask

This is my preference. I also use it for spray painting.

That's it! When I was at Home Depot, a couple came in looking for a sander for "the wife" I gave them a quick tutorial on this one, and they bought it.....Hey Home Depot, I want a commission.

.....Oh, one last tip. Be sure to cover your smoke detector when you do a lot of indoor sanding, or you will have a visit from

Hope this was helpful.

Stair runner

I need a stair runner for the basement. This is not easy. I don't like many of the "over the counter" ones. Too dark. I am thinking of using a cotton rug (maybe several). Something like this

I'm not sure if this is a good idea. It might wear down fast?