PaintGuy22 - The tinting process is "almost" fool proof. It is highly automated with the name of the paint color being scanned from the bar code on the color card, or from the label on top of the previously mixed paint can. The scan guns prevent paint from being dispensed if the information on the computer screen does not agree with the bar code on the paint can. It is incumbent upon the paint associate to accurately determine what type of paint, color, sheen and amount the customer needs. The tinting machines are extremely accurate, with amounts as little as 1/ 768th of an ounce capable of being dispensed. But, anything mechanical can now and then malfunction. Anything being run by humans can also be screwed up, but if the original information was properly entered into the computer, there should not be problems. HD doesn't spare the equipment expense when trying to provide a good end product. There is over $20K of paint dispensing equipment in every HD store, this times over 2000 stores throughout the US and Canada. I would not argue that there is sometimes a problem with finding and keeping good paint counter personnel. This is not only a problem with the "big box" stores, but with other retailers. Even Sherwin-Williams has its turnover problems. The problem is that retail never pays as well as what a knowledgeable tradesman can make out working in the field, so, retailers are forced to try to train people without a paint background.

We priced Sensa granite from Lowe's and we found that we could get it much cheaper from the flooring/countertop company that we are going to go with instead. We were looking at the Baltic Cream color at Lowe's and it was approximately $50/sq. foot (I can't remember if that included installation). The same Sensa granite from the other company was $17/sq. ft. plus $24/sq. ft. for fabrication and installation. We're going with a different granite instead (not Sensa), but I added a 15-year stain warranty (Pro-Advance Sealer) to it. We might rent this house in the future, so I thought adding the stain protection would be a good idea. We also found out that Lowe's would probably have a 3 week turn around time from templating to installing the granite. The company that we are going with has about a week turn around, so *hopefully* we'll be able to get back in our kitchen that much sooner!

To install each piece, peel the adhesive backing off of the plank and stick it to the subfloor. That's the best you can do.

I hesitated to respond to this thread because my experience with Kiss Me Kate is still very limited...but I'll share what I've experienced so far. I planted two bands purchased from Northland Rosarium in the late summer of 2020. I needed bands because I had to shove them into tiny planting spaces. I chose this rose because it stays on the small and mannerly side. I only need it to climb up the front of the small porch over my front door. I already have two Madame Caroline Testouts climbing along the eaves and over the roof of the porch. I'm sorry I don't have a better picture! You can see the Madame Caroline easily. The Kiss Me Kates are the two small roses tied to the lattice on either side of the front of the porch. The one on the left gets more sun and has grown about seven feet. The one on the right is shorter, but has more branches. Anyway, this is a tough spot because it faces full west. So it's in the shade until around noon, then gets blasted by sun and heat radiating off the stone patio and gravel driveway. So far, Kiss Me Kate has done pretty well! It has grown slowly, but so did Madame Caroline. The foliage is very pretty: dark green and very healthy. This first pic was taken on June 17, and i think it had bloomed or was about to bloom. The flowers lasted longer than Mdame Caroline's. ALso, it's self cleaning, which I really appreciate. There was a lovely sprinkling of pink petals on the steps which was charming. This second picture was taken in early September. I seem to remember buds and blooms on the plant all season long, although not many. I chalked that up to it being so small...but maybe that's par for the course for this rose. Hopefully over time it will bloom more heavily! So, probably not a very helpful report...but I'm hoping for better things this next season. Both plants put on a lot of growth last summer, and we were able to train the roses so that they touched in the middle of the lattice over the opening this winter. Maybe when the canes get more horizontal, they will bloom more. Fingers crossed! The flowers on this rose are really pretty, and have a wonderful scent. It's a very classic looking pink rose, with absolutely beautiful foliage. Of course, that doesn't matter as much as the bloom, so the jury's still out on this rose in my garden :)