The wainscot is tongue and groove planks - this is just the white primer, but they are getting painted white, so the look will be the same. This was one of the design things my contractor initially didn't understand - the horizontal install. He had always seen it vertically installed. Once I showed him a few pictures he caught on! Yes, he is a gem (why I got references from three neighbors who used him for a combined total of 2 kitchen and 4 bathroom remodels with unequivocal praise for his work)

Hi Dedtired, I'm pleased that the "putting it on the credit card" was only a very temporary action. Just goes to show how we jump to unwarranted conclusions, at times, doesn't it? Often learning more of the facts enables better communication. All of us have goofed over a $50. deal (even more), long before having achieved my advanced years. Do you know folks who've had brick repointing done and are pleased (or less so) with the contractor? If you'd listed names, phone and email of everyone you know - it would be easy to send out a general email inquiring about such experiences. There used to be a "Home Service Club" in Toronto that helped members find capable service providers, e.g. plumbers (often young ones just starting in business) willing to come to one's home at 2 a.m. to deal with burst pipe, etc. - sometimes even at minimal surcharge for off-hour service. Used to get some discount on heating oil, etc. also. Good wishes for getting a quality job done at a fairly reasonable price, with a congenial contractor. I believe that there are some such still around. joyful guy

Monica, that floor is gorgeous in her inspiration photo!! The tile showrooms (at least here in the Northeast) are all showing dozens of wood/tile varieties. I'm sure she could find several wide pine options like her Photo. I would do real wood anywhere except a bathroom. I was afraid of the moisture on it. Have her post updates here! Farmhouse coastal is a gorgeous look. I redid my kitchen 3 years ago with New England coastal theme and still love it as much as I did on day 1! Last night, I took my first bath in the new bathroom and love the tub and how deep it is. Haven't tried the handheld yet...

OK, NEW PROBLEM. I don't know why I did not mention this before. Every time we touch the countertops the oil from our hands turns the countertop dark and it will not go away with just soap and water. It will only go away with "Rejuvenate" Kitchen & Bath Countertop Polish. My husband talked to 3 different people at HomeDepot who said that there is something very wrong with the Silestone product if it does that! It must have happened at the factory & was sold as "Seconds". They said the contractor must have purchased the product knowing this & should have told us before selling it to us!!! Some people don't mind this and will purchase it anyway, but must be informed in advance. Have any of you ever heard of this or had experince with this before? I am so frustrated, I don't know what to do. They are installing the backsplash as I type this. It looks OK so far. Wish me luck with it.