Period Decor

[tobydog]

Moo - we have a solid floor so the oak was glued directly onto the screed covering the underfloor heating pipes. Very solid and stable.

We laid ours wall to wall and sat the kitchen on top. Our view was that if we ever changed the kitchen we wouldn't have to worry about where the floor ended. Having said this, the builder was initially only going to go up to the units.

Not sure about the chipboard but bear in mind that good engineered oak is quite thick to start with so if you add the depth of ply as well, and only butt up to the legs on the cupboards, then you are suddenly going to feel rather tall when the kitchen finally goes in (unless I've misunderstood what you meant).

 

[Moo]

So -

Having studied all those wise words, and that excellent link, I'm going to tell the builder to get the best ply ( how thick?) and take the engineered boarding right up to the walls, allowing an expansion gap all round.

It still seems a bit odd, paying someone else to do this work. But I just can't persuade the OH to tackle anything more energetic than assembling Ikea wardrobes, and my muscle tone just ain't what it used to be.

 

[Moo]

Sonya - returning to the topic of period decor, I wonder how much the size of a room affects the colour-scheme?
And it would be interesting to hear Gareth's views about the reinstatement of panelling.

 

[Gareth Hughes]

Sonya - returning to the topic of period decor, I wonder how much the size of a room affects the colour-scheme?
And it would be interesting to hear Gareth's views about the reinstatement of panelling.

If it's only covering up recent dull surfaces, and won't compromise breathability, I'm all for it. Not necessarily "reinstatement" (of something that may have been there before) but unashamedly "new" panelling (painted rather than varnished or waxed, for preference), capturing the essence of a period flavour without slavishly copying - thought that can have its place.

 

[JoceAndChris]

Panelling is so lovely, I hope Sonya might think of doing one room like that, at least.

Nothing wrong with the colours Sonya's chosen but I think a look through Nancy Lancaster's and John Fowler's designs can be inspirational:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/John-Fowler-Decorators-Martin-Wood/dp/071122711X

 

[Moo]

Another question for Gareth: when did they start painting woodwork?

 

[Sonyaclegg]

I've thought of panelling a room, or two but I think just a small room to start with and see how we go, but that's far into the future as other essentials like rainwater goods are vital before winter sets in. The colours I posted are just examples of the types of colours, not actual ones. I need someone who knows about paint and buildings to come and have a look and help me with colours and tones. Im aware we need paint that can breathe as otherwise it will all fall off when moisture gets behind it. Anything I post is just ideas at this stage. I need I'm help with rainwater goods so I will do a new post.

 

[Sonyaclegg]

Moo,

We put in engineered oak boards in a house, well a man that can did, and left some tolerance around the edges that were covered by skirts. I don't like the beading strips that can but placed against the new floor and the existing skirts. We just whipped the skirts off and re fitted. Much cleaner finish. It allows for expansion and contraction and worked very well thought the bottom floor of the house.

 

[JoceAndChris]

I need someone who knows about paint and buildings to come and have a look and help me with colours and tones. Im aware we need paint that can breathe as otherwise it will all fall off when moisture gets behind it. Anything I post is just ideas at this stage..

Never think that this is knowledge that's denied to you, you can be informed enough to make the best choices.Rose of Jericho will always listen on the phone to your woes, and advise kindly and well. Read through their product sheets to get an idea of what the traditional paints are and how they're used.

http://www.rose-of-jericho.demon.co.uk/index1.htm

Have you got all the Womersleys's sample ranges? They're beautiful, and also available as limewashes and distempers.If you telephone them they send you a massive pack with hand painted cards of all the colours.

http://www.womersleys.co.uk/acatalog/Building_Products_4_8.html

 

[JoceAndChris]

My first link to Rose of J didn't work out. You click on Products, and scroll down to paints. There you'll find links to the products sheets on soft distemper, casein distemper, Claircolle, etc.

 

[Moo]

Thanks for that nugget, Sonya. Another piece of the jigsaw has just dropped into place.

xxx

 

[Penners]

I'm going to tell the builder to get the best ply ( how thick?)

To a certain extent that depends on the frequency of your joists, but within reason the thicker the better. Personally I would probably go for 18mm.

 

[Penners]

Moo,

We put in engineered oak boards in a house, well a man that can did, and left some tolerance around the edges that were covered by skirts. I don't like the beading strips that can but placed against the new floor and the existing skirts. We just whipped the skirts off and re fitted. Much cleaner finish. It allows for expansion and contraction and worked very well thought the bottom floor of the house.

I quite agree, provided you can get the skirtings off without too much hassle/damage.