Hi Teyo, Expanded clay we talked about before is not available in Denmark for personal use. The DSB Danish Transport department buy this expanded clay from Sweden. I talked with DSB employees they advised me to buy it from Sweden just like they do. They call it "sand sne = sand snow" For the Al's 5:1:1 proper screening is very important, my opinion is based on my experiences. These sapwood has no problems for me : But this one has real problem, it is water retentive and when it dried the size getting smaller that shrunk the soil . Really I hate it. These pine bark fine is after multiple screening it works so good for me: I made a second batch with it, I love it. It is so good for the plant. I really respect Tapla and Josh's efforts to help us to have a good potting soil. Have a nice weekend everyone :) Caelian

Notice that, for the most part, her cabinets do NOT go to the ceiling. Why does this matter? To make her method work, you either have to have your cabinets and crown molding stop a few inches from the ceiling or you have to have a perfect ceiling height (floor-to-ceiling height). [The few cabinets that do go to the ceiling are far enough apart so the differences are not noticeable.] Unfortunately, the vast majority of kitchens have uneven ceilings...meaning the floor-to-ceiling height varies from one point in the kitchen to another. If your cabinets or crown molding go to the ceiling and you don't handle it properly, it becomes very obvious once the cabinets and/or crown molding are up. If you try to adjust an "ornate" piece to accommodate the difference, it is also obvious. The best way is to have a plain "filler" piece b/w the cabinet and the top decorative/ornate crown piece. The ornate piece(s) remain the same throughout the kitchen, the filler piece is what changes height. Often, the filler piece is put b/w two "decorative" pieces, forming a 3-piece crown. This makes it very easy to adjust the crown installation so it looks like your ceiling is all one height as well as looks like a "pro" did it. It works b/c your eyes focus on the ornate piece(s) and skim over the filler piece...the ornate piece(s) are the same height, so you think everything is all one height. However, if your cabinets are several inches (probably at least 5 or 6 inches) from the ceiling, you usually don't have to worry about the ceiling height difference. With a big enough gap, you don't notice it. You might be able to do this using baseboard, but it will entail cutting down the baseboard piece...which is then probably no better than using true stacked crown molding. Negatives of cabs not going to ceiling: Loss of storage space (even if just for seldom-used items) Dust nightmare...especially problematical if anyone in the home has allergies or asthma Somewhat out dated/builder-grade look. Not always, but in many cases.

For me it is simple, while I appreciate many granites and some ss appliances, they are not for everyone. I also find many granites to be downright ugly and many ss appliances to be boring looking (hard to distinguish from all the others I have seen that day). I think the best plan is to figure out what you like by having an open mind. Shopping out your options and getting what works for your home, family and budget. What I have heard repeatedly on this thread that just because the masses think that granite and ss are "musts" that one should follow their own instincts and not worry that you are not part of the trend. We got 3 ss elements in our kitchen (hood, wall oven and micro shelf), 4 in white (fridge, freezer, micro and range) and a black dw. No one can accuse us of following the herd. Each one was chosen on its merits. If we had found a perfect granite, we might have gotten that, but over time, I think we came to the conclusion that it would not work with the vintage homey vibe we were shooting for. It was not for lack of trying though. We met with fabricators and walked miles in granite yards trying to pick one if it hit us right AND worked in our space. We saw many that were lovely but were not the right color scheme or look for this particular kitchen. I think if people don't consider their options, then they will have a limited kitchen (and life). We ended up with Corian counters which I would have bet heavily against going into the project. An open mind and patience led us to our right choices. Others will find their own answers, but hopefully not look down on kitchens that don't have ss or granite. Luckily, we have GW where we can read about others' experiences, see their choices and learn about more options. I'd know so much less if I had not practically lived here for a few years, lol!

We are just wrapping up our kitchen reno. Backsplash left to install and we are done. Well, I think so..Are we ever really done? The backsplash is ordered and hopefully will be installed next week. Pics will be posted then. Here's the background.....our house is a 1970's ranch which was built for us in the late 70's. Now I can say good grief...what does a couple in their 20's know about having a house built. Everything was builder's grade because that was what we could afford. Bare basics. Over the years, every room was remodeled, basement reno done (not basementy--all dry wall and carpeting, built ins etc) leaving the kitchen for last knowing it would be the most expensive. Going forward, we are empty nesters. We are both still working but soon to retire. We set our budget at $50,000 but did go over that by about $5-10,000 I think. I haven't counted the beans yet. Funding came from savings. We do not have a mortgage. There were things I would not compromise on...the GC was first and foremost. He was just the best..excellent work and super to work with. The cabinets were another area. I have solid maple cabinets with dovetail and soft touch drawers. Mostly drawers on the lowers. The cabinets with doors all have pullouts. The perimeters are white, the island is a stain with glaze. These priced out at around $13,000. Not top of the line but very nice and we are happy with them. Quartz and butcherblock countertops were around $4,500 Hardwood floor and installation for kitchen, dining, foyer, hallway and stairs to lower level-- $7,000 Electrician and plumber--I think around $9,000. There was relocating of water lines, extending and relocating heating/air ducts for addition, up the amps for the bigger range, some unexpecteds. Building materials around $8,000 Labor for GC around $9,000 Appliances around $5,000. All appliances were bought at Sears..DH is retired Sears employee with lifetime employee discount. I waited until there was the extra family and friends discount night + employee discount + discount for putting on sears credit card. They were also on sale when I bought them. I bought all upper end--Kenmore pro dual fuel range, large french door refrigerator, top dishwasher and Sharp microwave drawer. Incidentals I haven't even added up yet...lighting fixtures, faucets, cabinet hardware, window treatments etc. All part of the big picture. Keep in mind that this was a complete gut down to the studs and we did have a small addition to the dining area--about 8x10. The only DIY we did was taking out the cupboards, taking up the vinyl flooring, removing moldings and painting. DH travels a lot so DIY in the construction etc was not an option. My advice would be to expect the unexpected because it will happen. These things can bust a budget big time. Don't settle for what you really don't want but keep reality in check. It's exciting to find that great light fixture or cabinet hardware on ebay or the tile from someone on craigslist. A lot of the fun is in the hunt. I came upon GW when we were well into our reno and wished I had found it sooner. There I things I would change of course. There are great people here with a wealth of information and oh so willing to offer great advice and share all the ups and downs of planning and executing amazing kitchens. Oh yes--I just remembered. We still have to put stone on the front of the house where the addition is. More $ that wasn't budgeted for. And so it goes....... Good luck as the journey begins.