FWIW, we just moved into new construction, and have a LOT of Brazilian Cherry floors. With two dogs, a two year old, and the "punch-list" people in and out, it was getting very dirty very quickly. I tried water on a microfiber mop, and it was only ok. Finally called the store where we bought the wood (duh!). They (and other places I researched on the web) said not to use water for regular cleaning. They like the Bruce hardwood cleaner, or similar, with a microfiber mop. Having researched similar cleaners, I got the Bona today - and it's amazing how well it cleaned. The new microfiber mops are great, too - 8x15", so can cover more territory more quickly. The store said to only use the cleaner every week or two; in between, you can swiffer/microfiber mop/vacuum dry, and spot clean as needed. FWIW, the big microfiber mops are now at Lowe's and Home Depot - about $15 for a mop and one cover; about $5 for replacement covers. They're on wood poles, though - so may not be as nice as the aluminum ones. Be aware that the big ones are a little hard to use when using the cleaner though - so if that's an issue, get a smaller one. Emily

During the pandemic my husband and his sister & brother in law installed LL red cumaru flooring in our downstairs kitchen, living room, dining room, one bedroom, 2 closets, entryway and hallway. The in laws had previously professionally installed the same flooring in their home, and had purchased installing equipment and helped other family install the same flooring. We really had very little waste, far less than the 10% recommended. We took the time to take wood from at least three boxes and lay them out for the best color arrangement. We love the flooring (we did a nail in install). I am very sensitive to chemicals, so the glue down install was not an option for us. We don't have the skill to do the stairs, so have put off that install until we find someone who can install it for us. Our top step up is almost two inches taller then the rest of the other twelve stairs so not sure how to adjust for this. If anyone has any ideas/suggestions for the stairs please comment/reply. We have flooring left over to do the other downstairs bedroom which I am currently using as a closet/sauna.

@K H Have you looked into cork? It has great properties and I loved having it in our basement. I have seen it for prices as low as $3.00 sq.ft. Also, we've had carpet in the basement. It's definitely not something that I would recommend. Though our basement was "dry," we had water infiltration occur due to a broken sprinkler (chipmunks were chipmunking!). Because it was hidden for quite a bit of time, we didn't notice any problem until small spots of mold showed up in a closet. When we pulled up the carpet in that area, it was a horrible, moldy, soggy mess! After that, we replaced all of the carpet in the basement with floating vinyl floors. If we had not been on a budget and, also, preparing to sale, we would have gone with cork instead. For our current build, we plan on using Marmoleum. But, cork will always be high on my list for basement flooring--especially with loud and wild kiddos! ETA: if cork is not an option, the floating vinyl is more appealing due to noise absorption and the "softer" feel underfoot. But, because of some of the inherent issues with vinyl, I would probably take the risk with engineered wood if the basement is dry. Ultimately, rugs would help warm of the space, help with sound reduction, and soften the feeling.

I'm late with my replies but just wanted to say that everyone's progress and finished projects look great! @nhb22 I do hope all improves for you in the new year. Your house turned out beautifully. And, Nola is so cute and sassy! @Kat I am still here. Just been trudging along with all of the chaos of my build and life. Just had what seems to be a "rogue" cold-virus running through my household. I used a couple of lateral flow tests for two of my kiddos and they were negative for covid but I have never seen a cold like the one that has hit 5 of the 6 of us (excluding SO so far). BTW, I LOVE the exterior of your home! The Victorian details are beautiful. Do you plan on continuing any of those period details inside of your home? My update: After a few delays, we were able to get our Marmoleum for the basement, which was installed last Friday. I really like this product much more than the LVT and cork that we installed in previous homes. There was no smell and it feels very solid under foot (i.e., no hollow sound or bounce). And, on sale, the price was the same. Our carpenter finished the lower level of our stacked, open staircase. So far, he has met the challenge of the reproduction work that we have thrown at him. He had to radius a triple-build skirtboard, and it turned out great! He is also reframing the main-level staircase stringer which I hope will allow for radiused soffits. The more I experience his work, the more I realize that not all finish carpenters are equal. He is definitely part of a very small group who have the skillset to attempt to recreate the level of work produced by carpenters of the past. The electricians were supposed to come out on Monday but, instead, they are out today and began work on the upper level electrical and fixtures. Then tomorrow and Sunday, they will continue on to the main and lower levels, and exterior. Our lighting is a little out of the "norm." We do not have any can lights but a ton of large pendants and chandeliers. They seem to be moving on quickly. I can't wait to see the finished work! @Kat when they are done, I will share some pics in the January thread.