House renovation WIP (the woody bits)

[FishChipsAndBeans]

As a new member of the UKWorkshop forums and very much a beginner woodworker, I've got a lot out of other people's WIP posts.

I thought I'd share some photos of our house renovation, which started last year and is ongoing (and probably will be for the next 25 years).

I can't claim credit for the stairs/landing (though I did have a hand in the design) but I'm so enamoured with them, I had to share some photos. They're made out of ash and were done by a joiner in Ashbourne (the common 'ash' bit being a coincidence - we just wanted a pale wood).

I did varnish them though.... (Ronseal Diamond Hard Clear Satin in case anyone is interested)

I also had the joiner cut MDF drawer fronts and doors for our kitchen, which I'll prime and paint. I did get my hands dirty on these.... (fitting the hinges and cutting the hole handles). Who knows how long the doors will last in the kitchen environment. Hopefully long enough for me to learn the skills to make some fancy ones next time....

My next project is to build a TV/DVD cupboard in an alcove next to the chimney. I've been inspired by (which means essentially I will copy) the tutorials on this UK forum roundup post: built-in-wardrobes-tutorials-t67926.html

Here is the MDF, cut to size by a very helpful timber yard in Derby (I know, I should probably cut the board myself....):

I'll probably aim to start building it this weekend....

Wish me luck...

 

[mahomo59]

Nice work, stairs look great. Looking forward to the alcove units, one of my favourites.

James

 

[blackrodd]

Lovely Ash stairs, after Elm, one of my favourite timbers.
I would suggest you keep his name in you're 'phone book!
Did you have any "before and after" pic's taken, and what can I see you have you used for the newel post cappings?
Are you having any ash skirting fitted to complement the job?
A job well done!
Regards Rodders

 

[FishChipsAndBeans]

I've attached some more photos of the stairs being fitted.

The dog-legged section of the landing hangs from a steel purlin in the roof:

Then the main stair being fitted (brawn being provided by my builders)

More progress:

Me testing out the stairs for the first time. The red plastic ducts are for the mechanical ventilation/heat recovery system.

The joiner cut individual pieces of hardboard to protect each step, riser and the inside of the strings...

Underside of the landing showing the boards being clamped together:

Going back to the original photos (of the finished stair) - there is no capping on the newel posts. Well no permanent capping. It's tape that the joiner has put on to protect them until I finish varnishing. It's not obvious from the photos but the handrails are also protected, either with more tape or clingfilm...

And yes, I've definitely got the joiner's phone number stored (plus I like to drop into his workshop to have a squiz at what he's working on...)

And this is the before before... (this section of the house used to contain a utility, WC and larder and had another floor above it):

 

[blackrodd]

Excellent job! thanks for the pics, very interesting to see it all coming together, in the older traditional manner!
Nice neat job with the protective hardboard and tape, from the bottom pics, very well done.
It will be a very fine house when completed.
What sort of finish did you choose, was it a water based flooring grade?
Regards Rodders

 

[FishChipsAndBeans]

Thanks Rodders. As mentioned, I can't claim any of the credit (other than paying for it....).

The finish is Ronseal Diamond Hard Clear Satin. I think it is water-based given the brushing washing instuctions (hot soapy water) but I'm not sure. Either way, it was pleasant to work with and went on well. You do have to make sure you brush it in rapidly to avoid a milky white finish. (Apologies if this is teaching grandmother to suck eggs...)

I'm pleased with the finish. We've got two young children and we live in the country, so I can see it getting some wear.