They are still very popular. The most recommended brand is Sterling by Kohler - a material called Vikrell that is very strong - and a snap and lock systems that is leak proof. There are installation videos on Youtube. The problem that you hear about them is that the panels are usually damaged by poor handling in poor warehouse conditions, such as Home Depot. So you need to be prepared to open the box and inspect before taking home. There are several designs to choose from and even a deep soaking tub version. The tubs need to be set in a bed of mortar. A skilled handyman can install them or it is a nice DIY - read the Sterling directions and watch their videos. Make sure your framework is straight, plumb, true, etc. Here is a link that might be useful: Sterling shower/bath combos This post was edited by Anna_in_TX on Fri, Jan 31, 14 at 22:58

vacuumfreak, sounds like you have a great system working for you. I always find it helpful to run some hot water in the sink while I'm cooking. Not a full sink but some and any utensils I'm using can start to soak immediately. This helps me keep up with the dishes. I really have a problem with washing dishes immediately after a meal. I like to be able to enjoy the meal, relax, maybe have dessert later and not rush into doing the dishes. I like to have them soak and that way they're ready to quickly swish, rinse and dry in the rack. BTW, for the one who gets a flavor from the Direct Foam, I'm sure you're just not rinsing them right. Or you're using too much soap. I've always found Dawn & Joy to be the best for rinsing off easily. Sunlite is pretty good. Generics are the worst, Palmolive is pretty bad. Water makes a difference. Find what works best for you. A couple tips: It's a good idea to give brushes, sponges, etc an occasional bleach soaking to kill off the crud. I like having a small, cheap flexible plastic putty knife handy for cleaning things on the counter or on dishes. BTW, I'm not sure the advantage of having a dishpan in the sink. I just put less water in the sink. If you have only one sink, of course it's a benefit, but I don't understand the need. I have the drainer out of the sink. Have thought about leaving it in there and rinsing, but I often have more dishes so it would pile up over so I have the drain tray divert the water to the sink and use one sink for washing and the other for rinsing. Sometimes plug the sink to hold the water for rinsing. But if there's a lot, then you have to change the water or you'll leave soap on the dishes and get the taste. Don't want that! :)

I didn't put a protective coat on mine. MBR has never been an issue. Foyer I wasn't sure if it would be. We have no kids, but I have a DH who has to place his palms on the walls as he bolts up the stairs *rolleyes* . No harm done. I used the RL regular size roller for suede and mini roller. Wash walls with Dirtex, spackle any holes, prime with primer as recommended on can. First roll of paint looks like caca. (Do not despair, it gets better ;). You start at the top, apply on the roller from ceiling to floor, then do one final roll all the way from top to bottom. Then move to next strip and repeat, overlapping a bit. 2nd coat is where the effect comes in. I used a 4" wide brush, generously loaded, and you make random "X" patterns, working in about 3'x3' to 4'x4' sections (no bigger than that). When you move to next section, you overlap the prior section a bit for blending. This is where you have to watch for missed spots (easy to do). If you try to go back after it's dried and put more on, it will look like a spot of grease on the wall. I had two tiny areas I missed on the foyer. 14' wall no less. I was not about to do that puppy over. So I took one of my art brushes, gently applied the paint, then pounced it off with a bit larger art brush. I found if I didn't play with it much, I could get it to blend in with the pattern. I know where those spots are, but no one else does ;) acoreana: So you covered the textured paint with just primer and regular latex? I heard someone else say they did that, too. I can't grasp how it would cover and look like a smooth wall because the suede has the little bitty sand grits in it, but hey, if it works, great news for me if I ever change my mind! ;D mlraff53: IMHO it would be ideal on a textured wall, because it's paint with texture anyway. ;)

It's pretty hard to find one like this that you can buy. The ones I've seen like this are custom made. There may be some furniture manufacturers on here that could help you make a custom table. Hopefully they can reach out to you. I found a few console tables (see screen shots below) that are all 30" high. Since it's clear, will 5" make a huge difference for your view? I'm not sure what you plan to put on top of it. Also the last two images are a couple ways you can dress it up that will give it a more soft "natural" look.