One other reason Dr. Cummins may be suggesting that planting depth is that it also discourages suckering: Apple Rootstocks- Domoto, Iowa State "Suckering is a problem; can be reduced by planting interstem-rootstock graft union below ground." I wanted to get the most dwarfing possible out of mine, so I planted them with the entire interstem and a few inches of the MM111 exposed. Of the 5 G11/MM111 interstems I planted last spring 3 have some suckering this spring. Of the other ~15 in-ground apple trees (on G11/G16/B9/G65/M27), none of the others have any suckering, except for one on G65. But, I don't think that suckering is all that bad a problem- I just quickly pinched them off. I wouldn't have expected it from the literature, but In terms of size, the G11/MM111 interstems have actually lagged behind the G16 and B9 which were planted at the same time (~.2" scion caliper and ~9" in height after the first season of growth). When I looked back at my records, the G11/MM111 were actually a bit smaller when they came from the nursery, so it's quite possible that they are just staying even. I'll keep an eye on it. I also have a B9/B118 interstem, which hasn't suckered and has been more vigorous than the G11/MM111's, similar to the B9 and G16, or maybe a bit bigger.

You just might want to think about installing plenty of hand-rails, and do be sure you wear your slip-proof booties in there at all times. OR, you could use honed stone intead of polished. As for the booties, you'd be better off in bare feet. That being said, I HAVE installed plenty of polished marble bathroom floors, as well. That includes one in statuary white I had in my last house, and never had a problem with slipping.

mugnaini Heat Pumps are always a consideration especially in a dual fuel application(HP with nat gas furnace backup) in a climate like yours. I like HPs as well-for the right application. HPs are not for everyone or every application. There are many factors to consider for HPs and those include location/winter climate, comfort, home's envelope/insulation properties, and electric rate vs other alternative heating fuels. I want to go back to furnace sizing and the statement made in my previous post. I don't know why dealers want to oversize. I would want a load calc performed on heating. I still believe the 100K mdls are oversized. More of a big deal on the Trane furnace than the Carrier furnace. Your heat sourse fuel is nat gas, not propane? The Carrier quote #2 is a nicer system than the Trane system. That Carrier furnace is 3 stg while the Trane is two stg. The Carrier quote includes a new correctly sized refrigerant lineset and new box filter? dealers have inspected your ductwork system? you have damper control on supply lines to main floor, upstairs, and basement zones? If not bthey should be added to better balance airflow. I can provide the AHRI performance/eff numbers if you are interested. IMO

I have been working with Acrylic products for over 15-years...both as a former employee of Re-Bath...the worlds biggest acrylic bathroom remodeling co and more recently as owner of my own bathroom remodeling co. People often confuse acrylic with fiberglass. They are both plastic...but very different in nature. Acrylic is a non-porous surface and therefore stain resistant. Many acrylic companies take the extra step of adding products like Microban...this chemical literally fights bacteria. Companies that offer acrylic shower bases to the homeowner are Kohler...MTI...Americh...Jacuzzi...HydroSystems...Maax...among others. Hope that helps.