I can see why you're having a problem. I can only tell you my own personal view. I wouldn't make it a deal breaker to decide between all-plywood and MDF. There have many discussions here and the MDF seems to hold up fine and has some plusses over plywood. My picky DH is doing all plywood, where I would have gone with MDF and the savings...and the easy clean interiors. 3/4" drawer boxes seem like overkill. As I said, dh is picky, especially about sturdiness, and we're having 1/2". 3/4" will be heavier and take up more space...Not a lot, but why give up any if not necessary. I'd worry much more about how the corners were joined over the thickness of the material. I'm not a fan of soft-close...Lots of money for drawers that close slower. Is slamming that much of a big deal? Not to me, even with 8 kids. We'll have full-extension slides at around 1/3 the cost and dh thinks they're heavier. (He was pushing for the soft close until he compared the sturdiness between those and what we got.) I think it would be a pain to have some drawers that have it and some that don't. You'll have to think about what 'touch' to use, depending on which hardware they have. I would like the flush finished ends for cleaner look on the crown. But it's possibly one of those things you'll never notice after it's in. Have you looked at examples of each so you can see what you think? As I said, all of those things are my opinion, and don't necessarily say anything for one of your choices over another. Have you spoken to anyone who has used any of these companies? Do they come in on budget and on time? Is their work wonderful and do they fix any mistakes without a hassle? How far are the less expensive 2 from meeting your vision? Can they come closer to it? $13K is a lot of money for other things if you won't notice any difference in the kitchen after you're using it. It depends a lot on your financial circumstances and priorities. Getting it 'right' may be worth $13,000 to you, while saving the money and having it 'close' may be preferable...Only you know that. Is this the house you'll stay in or a house you might sell in a few years?

Thanks, Kristen. I'm not sure why he's suggesting 6". Because I always do things a little different, lol...our waterline tiles are actually 8". It's hard to visualize that non-infinity wall right now as it's just steel. That's a good point, though..I need to ask them about that. The outside wall will be done in large porcelain tiles that match a water feature wall we're doing. I'm supposed to give an answer soon (yesterday, actually) We had our pre-gunite inspection and wouldn't you know it..she couldn't complete it because it was raining. We haven't had rain since January, and it's supposed to rain all week. I'm taking it as a sign. I need more time to make up my mind! Anyone out there have glass in your spa? I need to hear from ya...

Solid covers are more money. Free forms cost more. Paver decks are more money. Covers are typically priced by the longest length by the widest plus 3 feet on each. Example: 20 X 40 free form will use 3x3 panels, and measure about 23 x 43. The extra is overlap. Send me a pm by clicking on the My Page link. If you can get me accurate length and width and deck type, I can give you the price From Loop Loc. I would expect an installed Merlin to be in the same ball park. I am not a big fan of Coverlon. Durability is my main concern. Loop Loc and Merlin are better covers. Just to be open, I am a Loop Loc dealer. I have installed a number of other brands too. Since I started PGNJ, I made the decision because my reputation on the line and your kids safety or your friends children safety. Scott

dsgulbas, are you arguing that Wolf is a commercial quality range??? I hope you understand that the Wolf commercial range company is NOT the one you are advocating. The Wolf brand name was purchased by a refrigeration company that has never produced a commercial range. The original Wolf stove company operates out of California and produces commercial stoves but has no relationship whatsoever to SubZero. Here is their website: http://www.wolfequipment.com/Wolf/Products/subcat.aspx?brand=Wolf&cid=1&scid=38 SubZero/Wolf gas stoves are not commercial quality and don't even have open burners, they are very good stoves but first and foremost are prime examples of kitchen jewelery. SubZero/Wolf ranges may be heavy but they are not long lasting. Try to get a Wolf gas range porcelain oven interior fixed after the warranty expires and you'll soon find out they are essentially disposable items. Been there done that. I will never defend Samsung as I've had bad experiences with them too but I don't see Wolf being any more (or even as) reliable than GE, Electrolux, Bosch and a few others that are sold in less exclusive stores.