Notice: I am not looking for help, simply posting something that others may empathize with or find as astounding as I do (we often assume that because someone specializes in something that they really know what they are talking about. I know that's not true, but still am surprised when it happens.) So, I'm still on the hunt for products I can use to make different soil mixes that are a bit faster than what I'm using now. I want to do some experiments both with wicking large containers and wicking small containers, like for small houseplants. I have a friend who works at a florist and I mentioned it to her. She said she works with many of the growers so maybe they would know where to find these products. Today she was over, so we called the grower she thought might help. This grower has been growing flowers in greenhouses for many years. Tracy called, explained I was looking for some things, then turned the phone over to me. The conversation went something like this. "Hi Betsy, thanks for taking time to take to me. I do mostly container gardening and am looking to change my potting mix" blah, blah. "So, I'm looking for the following things, pine bark...." "Oh, why don't you just use my mix?" Great! I think. She's got one already made with bark in it. "What's it made of?" I ask. "Well, it's all natural soil. We don't believe in soilless mixes, especially not in containers. I mean, how are plants going to get nutrients, especially the minors?" "Um, from a fertilizer that supplies the minors?" I offered. "Oh, but that's not the same. You should try our mix." "Thank you, but that's not what I want to do at this time." "But, all of our customers love it! You really should try it." I won't go through the rest of the painful call, but suffice it to say, she didn't have what I wanted, nor could she point me to someone who did. I'm sure I'll get them all eventually, but I'd much rather get them easily in one place since I mostly ride a bike and will have to borrow or rent a car to run this all down. Just hoping anyone else who's had problems with this might get a chuckle out of the story. And, also, pointing out how amazing it is that even people with a LOT of experience can know very little when it comes to science or research.

For the added 1/2" use plywood not OSB. With the added information: 1) Add your 1/2" plywood over the existing osb. 2) Dryfit your heating mat. Take a reading off the ohm meter and record that reading. Then pull up the mat and set aside. 3) Caulk all joints/holes in the floor to contain the slc. Add a dam at any doorway to contain the slc. 4) Add 1/2" thick foam around the perimeter of the floor to give a cushion between the slc and the wall's sole plate. 5) Prime the floor with slc primer 6) install the heating mat, test the leads with an ohm meter and record the reading. At a minimum use a squawk box. 7) Put slc primer in a garden spray can and spray another coating of slc primer on the floor and on the heating mat. 8) Mix and place the slc, have a squeegee to coax it into place. While it flows well, it's truly self leveling only if you help level it yourself. 9) record another reading off the ohm meter. Tile over the slc after it's fully cured. Plan on pouring about 3/8" of SLC, have enough on hand for a 1/2" pour just in case. You can always return unused bags, but if you have to run out mid-pour to get more product, you;re installation is toast. That 3/8" depth is for a perfectly level floor. If you floor is sloped, plan on having the thinnest part be 3/8", that thickness will fully cover the wire mats. Now that you're planing on using slc, you don't need cement board, you don't need ditra.

I too am very disappointed, having the same issues with my Shaw; chips, hairline type cracks under(crazing) and doesnt drain properly. One section of the sink creates a little pool that keeps the water from draining, although the sink is level. We have a metal grid, but chips were developing even with that. I rarely use it now because it is too difficult to get the water and debris from under it. Bar keepers Friend is helpful. I occasionally make a little paste and let it sit a few minutes before wiping-I find the powder and liquid to be great. Also Mr. Clean Magic eraser is very helpful especially on the grey surface cracks and around drain. Love the look, but this has been frustrating. I've had it since around 2009 I got no help from the manufacturer.

Rules are meant to be broken. Lol. If there is a new mantel i like the width. Smaller will encourage more accents on mantel. But all in the eye of the beholder. Art is personal. I like the clean look of this art. A new fixture would also enhance the room But just offering other options.