[Dave]

This old house we live in has been used for many things over the years. A family home, a real estate office, I've heard a dentist office and law office, and now it's back to being a home again. In there someplace it was the Bradley house, a transitional residence for men released from prison.

Apparently, when this was the Bradley House, they decided the hardwood floors on the second floor needed something. Unfortunately, the something was carpeting. That ugly institutional type carpeting that looks sort of like felt. And they glued it down. Lots of glue.

I managed to tear up the carpeting in one small room, remove the glue with some really nasty chemical stripper, and sand the floor, and it looks pretty good. Needs a couple of coats of polyurethane, but very pretty.

I've decided that I don't really want to do the rest of the second floor myself, however. Anyone know a good floor refinisher?

In addition, one of the most striking things in our house is the main staircase, which you see when you walk in the front door. Lots of beautiful oak there. However, the stairs are loose and some of the balusters are missing. I need to find someone who can do some custom turnings to duplicate the missing balusters, and probably a carpenter to tighten up the newel posts and fix the creaky/loose steps.

I'd appreciate any suggestions or recommendations. I'd like to spend the money here in town if possible. I'm not made of money though, so economy is an issue!

[ChickenCityRoller]

This old house we live in has been used for many things over the years. A family home, a real estate office, I've heard a dentist office and law office, and now it's back to being a home again. In there someplace it was the Bradley house, a transitional residence for men released from prison.

Apparently, when this was the Bradley House, they decided the hardwood floors on the second floor needed something. Unfortunately, the something was carpeting. That ugly institutional type carpeting that looks sort of like felt. And they glued it down. Lots of glue.

I managed to tear up the carpeting in one small room, remove the glue with some really nasty chemical stripper, and sand the floor, and it looks pretty good. Needs a couple of coats of polyurethane, but very pretty.

I've decided that I don't really want to do the rest of the second floor myself, however. Anyone know a good floor refinisher?

In addition, one of the most striking things in our house is the main staircase, which you see when you walk in the front door. Lots of beautiful oak there. However, the stairs are loose and some of the balusters are missing. I need to find someone who can do some custom turnings to duplicate the missing balusters, and probably a carpenter to tighten up the newel posts and fix the creaky/loose steps.

I'd appreciate any suggestions or recommendations. I'd like to spend the money here in town if possible. I'm not made of money though, so economy is an issue!

I know that Holtman floors over across from the Old Enchanted forest does good for wood floors. There is an artist named Larry "Lars" Jensen in Beverly Shores who turns wooden bowls. I'd imagine he could easily replicate the parts for the banister if you could get him to tackle the job.

[Roger Kaputnik]

John Blough. I will check on the spelling. Beautiful work.