Hmph, I guess I shouldn't have said anything about the haan. The first one I got failed after about two days of use and was replaced. I've had the replacement about four months with no problems and I've faithfully followed all their instructions and used the little cleaning packet as directed, but today the new one started dribbling hot water instead of steam. So I guess I would say to get a steam mop, but not a haan.

The tubing is 1/2" Zurn. The controls, valves I believe were a pre-packaged wirsbo that the HVAC installer put in. I fabricated my own heat transfer panels with flashing that I cut to length and pressed using a form made from a 1/2" piece of PVC screwed to a plank, with a "mating" plank that had 2 pieces of 1" furing strips screwed 5/8" apart. By simply placing a piece of flashing between the positive and negative forms, and standing on the stack, I was able to press a "U" shaped channel into the flashing stock. This was then stapled up to the bottom of the oak planks enclusing the PEX in the "U". It worked well. The flashing is sized to fill the entire joist bay from joist to joist. Then as said above, I put 3.5" fiberglass right up against the metal flashing. In terms of "barrier" do you mean the foam barrier that I put down between the playwood layer and the finished laminate? I used Unison 2 in 1. So your saying I can raise the floor temp a bit? thanks

If it is some kind of floor wax Armstrong's "Once N Done" floor cleaner should take it right off. I buy it at Home Depot. Or you could try diluting some ammonia on a rag and rub it to see it that takes it off, then you would know you need an ammonia based cleaner which is what Armstrong's cleaner is. I use it in a Hoover Floor Mate, it puts the solution down, scrubs the floor then sucks the water up.

Hi all, thanks so much for your input; I wouldn't call myself creative-minded and it's hard for me to picture the space empty/ redone!! I was thinking a soft oak laminate as pictured below. I would consider real wood-- need to see if quotes come within budget. The tiling by the door and fire place will not be staying. :) I really like farmhouse style, rustic, etc. I like decor in lighter colors as opposed to cherry wood or darker accents of that sort. Ideally all accents will brighten the place :)