And a layer of high density foam sandwiched between two sheets of
plywood would be more practical for an exterior door than one made
out of quarter sawn fir with leaded glass inserts.

I think you're missing the point of my post and probably this newsgroup
in general. I speak for myself but this probably applies to others in the
group as well: we take on these types of challenging projects because
they are interesting and they show craftsmanship. Whether for ourselves
or for others, they are satisfying. There are a lot of things we do to our
homes that are not neccessarily "practical" but are satisfying.

All the problems you pointed out are things I'm already aware of. That's
why I posted. I'm looking for solutions, not a restatement of problems
I already know.

Never-the-less, thanks for your reply.

Cheers,
Dave.

"Patriarch" wrote in message
. 97.136...
"Dave Rathnow" wrote in
news:3Obee.34342$vN2.20658@clgrps13:

I would like to put in a new floor into my house that is a combination
of hardwood and with tile inserts. Each tile is framed by 3-4 inch
strips of flooring. I saw this in a couple of show homes and really
liked.

Unfortunately, I can't find any information on doing this. I've laid
hardwood
and tile separately but never done anything like this.

Can anyone give me some advice on how to start? I'm not sure if I
need to use regular flooring (i.e. tounge and groove) or go with
straight planks? When should the finish to the wood be applied?

If anyone has any suggestions, I would really appreciate it.


This seems like one of those processes better suited to showing off than
to
everyday living. Maintenance seems like it would be a problem.

Expansion rates differ. Rigidity differs. Surface tolerance for abrasion
differs. Adhesives _may_ differ.

I suggest that, if you are serious about the project, that you find
whoever
did the show homes, and ask for a reference from someone for whom they did
a similar project 2 to 3 years ago, and go talk to that person, and see
how
the project stood up.

A lot of show homes just aren't practical, IMO.

Patriarch