I purchased a box today at HD to try it before I buy a whole bunch. It seems very difficult to start a second row. The ends do not "lock-in" as stated in the directions. In the directions it explains to put the 2nd row together, then angle it at a 45 degree angle to "snap" it into the first row. This is not a likely option if the rows are more than 5 feet wide (it would take several people down the row for a 10 foot row to hold and angle before snapping it into the prior row- and with the ends not locking in properly each board slides out). Here's the toll free number (Imported) 1-877-630-1800 RN#104577. Has anyone had success installing this? I am weighing my options to take this back and get something else.

mclarke, Thanks for the welcome! I've actually lurked here for years--used the appliances forum to help select my Miele washing machine nearly ten years ago... In answer to your questions, I'd like to do as much of the work as myself (more time than money after closing), but I will NOT do something myself that is beyond my capability--I have too critical an eye, and would only see the blemish which would drive me bonkers... The house is a ranch (around here they call it a 'California ranch'), living room and attached dining room in the front of the house in an 'L' shape, kitchen filling in the 'L', entrance on the side of the house opposite the kitchen (back door is in the kitchen) with a small foyer leading to the middle of the house where one can enter the living room to the left, kitchen straight ahead, or hallway to the right that leads to the bathroom and three bedrooms. Outside is half brick (tan) topped with cedar shingle stained dark red. The house originally had a floor-to-ceiling picture window in the living room, which lent it just a little bit of prarie-style architecture (particularly with the stone fireplace), but that window was replaced with a giant bay window which only comes down to seat height now. Architecturally it kind of dumbs down the house a little, but it is a neat place for plants and things, and the bump-out makes it roomier as well, so I'm not complaining too loudly about it... Regarding the foyer, I was thinking more of a coarse, textured tile--specifically with Chicago winters in mind (I think we're on our 6th winter this year already)--the foyer is usually pretty messy from the glop on one's shoes, and I would like something durable and easy to maintain. I am concerned about style, though--I have the proverbial little house on the big block--I don't want to put in something tacky that doesn't fit with the neighborhood in terms of potential resale. Regarding the expression 'proud'--if it's regional, I think it's regional in occupation more so than geography--I'm a tool-and-die maker by trade, and in the toolroom referring to something sticking up a little as being 'proud' is not uncommon--didn't give it much thought, though it is kinda funny, now that I think about it. You can actually feel a difference in height of about three thousandth of an inch, believe it or not. And yes, the floor height difference is my largest concern, for aesthetic as well as safety reasons. Initially, I assumed matching the existing floor would be a major undertaking resulting in a major expense as well, but I do want it done 'right' and if that's what I have to do...

Hi - thanks for the info John and msgreatdeals. I went onto HD website and Lowe's site too, and I found the info about the $ off, 50% off finishes, and free kitchen base with order of 10+ cabinets. I sent these to my KD to see if they are honoring them. It turns out that the deals they are offering are store deals, not cabinet manufacturer deals. My KD contacted her KM rep, and was told that they will be offering the 50% off the finishes starting on 5/8. That is good news for me because I am selecting painted cabinets, so it's a savings of 7.5% on everything. KD also gave me some good information about how this all works - it seems I cannot price out apples to apples with her price vs. big box store because the BB stores contract for a lower per box price with the cabinet manufacturers, but their prices on molding, trim, toekick, brackets, specialty inserts, etc., are much higher. So, she gave me a price on one piece of molding so I could price it with a BB and see. Over $2k of my cost is in the moldings and accessories. She did not mention a price hike on 5/4 - I would assume her KM sales person would have said something about it - so again, this may be a BB vs. other dealer thing. Lynne

Thank you everyone for all the responses and photos. I am confident that the Montauk Black slate from HD will be great. But, I like the smoother look and feel of the F&D slate. I have samples of both slates and from a distance, they look very similar. The difference is the finish -- the F&D slate is as smooth as porcelain with a sheen while the HD slate is slightly textured without any sheen. I was hoping to hear good reviews for the F&D slate similar to the reviews for the HD slate, but it seems like the F&D slate is not as well known or used. I do recall a post by Mongo a while back indicating that honed slate should hold up well since the honing process might ruin fragile slate (I'm paraphrasing Mongo's post based on memory). By the way, HD in my area now stocks the Montauk Black slate. It is sourced from MSI, and I'm suspecting that most Montauk Black slate is from MSI since I have seen it in several flooring-specific stores, as well.