There's something about putting your heart in an old home that brings me a deeper fulfillment than living in a brand new home. Perhaps it's keeping the history of this 1902 home alive, maybe it's the enjoyment of driving up in front of the house and smiling when I see the beautiful architectural detail.

As a kid, this home is one that I rode my bike in front of nearly every day. It that had a quirky zig zag in the sidewalk to go around a huge elm tree and all of us kids in Corson needed to be ready navigate the turn. I am so thankful that the owners were ready at just the right time to sell, when my daughter and I needed to call it our home.

With the colder weather creeping up quickly and my winterizing list growing each day, I needed a quick fix to get me through the next few months when it came to the soft flooring on my front porch.

Beth Warden/Results Radio
Beth Warden/Results Radio
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So here's the problem.  The spongy floorboards were weakening and cracking each day.  Knowing that to do this right, I would need to pull up the floorboards and likely attach sister studs to the supporting boards below, I just wanted something done to get me through till next summer.

Beth Warden/Results Radio
Beth Warden/Results Radio
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The solution I envisioned was a sturdy sheet of plywood, extending beyond the quarter-round trim on the edge, covered in material to make it look appealing. My Dad and I measured the length and cut it on site.

Beth Warden/Results Radio
Beth Warden/Results Radio
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Finding a sweet price on some surprisingly modern indoor/outdoor carpet, we unrolled it on the dining room table and stapled it to the underside of the plywood panel.

Beth Warden/Results Radio
Beth Warden/Results Radio
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The project was actually a fun thing to do on a Sunday afternoon with my parents.  Dad stapled, while Mom folded the corners and I cut the excess material.

Beth Warden/Results Radio
Beth Warden/Results Radio
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Well look just above the steps!  The finished project looks pretty good for a band-aid fix if you ask me.  I may even put matching carpet on the stairs for continuity, but that would be after removing and cleaning storm windows, caulking and a few other things screaming to be done before winter settles in.


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