That would depend upon a variety of factors. I see you are here in California where rotting tree stumps and roots in compacted, nitrogen deficient soil and over irrigation can lead to Oak Root Fungus. If that isn't an issue in your area and your drainage is sufficient, the rotting wood might be beneficial. Where I am, it is an issue and situations suitable to trigger its growth should be avoided whenever possible. I have a good friend who lives in Brentwood who had it flare up over twenty years ago. She lost well established hedges, the majority of her roses and several large trees before it began to burn itself out and she learned how to manage it. Other friends in San Jose had it break out when a neighbor took out a large Sequoia whose roots ran all over several lots. The fungus attacked their lawn furniture, bender boards, plants and even wooden house siding where the soil had been raised too high and come into contact with the siding before they became aware of it. Where I've previously gardened, it was an issue so I was diligent not to over water too close to potential root zones of established trees. The community did rot out several old oaks they'd installed golf course turf around and it worried me there might be an out break on the edges of the garden. I was fortunate in that it didn't happen. I know it's an issue in areas close to where I now live and garden. Fortunately, this hill is extremely well drained, not only due to the slope but the soil is actually too loose and water runs through it like a sieve. I shouldn't have the problem here unless I get really enthusiastic with the hose! Here is a link that might be useful: Oak Root Fungus

The JSI factory is in Fall River MA. The address is: 485 Commerce Drive, Fall River, MA 02720 All of the displays are there and the cabinets are really lovely. However, they don't have full-extension drawers and only self-close not soft close. The drawers close hard/load. I was working with Stacey at Woodlist.com. He got me an appointment to see them. Their site also has a good list of the cabinets and trims available with sketches. The price point is higher than Nieghbors, but Stacey said that was flexible. Their link is below. I also went and saw the Kabinart cabinets that are available from mfkusa.com. They are great! There are lots of choices in doors, colors, cabinets and trim. The construction is top notch. The price is comparable to the JSI line. Has any one used the Kraftmaid cabinet buyer that goes to the warehouse for you? Here is a link that might be useful: Woodlist cabinets

glad to hear i am not the only one! my lessons learned so far: -i was not educated on what things cost. my kitchen is coming in over budget because my initial guess was not at all realistic -my tastes improved since discovering GW. you may want to log off right now if you want to save $$$. also discontinue all shelter mag subscriptions and for extra caution cancel internet service provider plan completely. -i did do one thing right that has mitigated some of the overrun. i was told DO NOT BUY ANYTHING YET, PLAN FIRST. i started a running EXCEL spreadsheet and had it auto sum at the bottom. crap, i was over budget on day 1! i found missing items i had no idea i needed and had to add them to the spreadsheet. hello, do i really need new duct work to support the CFM rating of required fan to support the fab new gas range? do i really need to pay labor fees to patch the hole in the floor and ceiling when they pull out the old flue? damn, it costs how much??? you get the idea.... -KEY LEARNING: DO NOT BUY ANYTHING YET until you really get a good, solid budget in your spreadsheet. it should include: cabinets, countertops, flooring, demo, sheetrock, insulation, GC fee's, electrical, plumbing, asbestos removal, permit fees, appliances, vent hood, lighting, sink, faucet, disposal, knobs for cabinets, backsplash tiles and labor, misc fees, dump fees, rental costs for tools, glass for cabinets, porta poti rentals, job site cleanup costs, protection costs to keep areas clean....it forces you to do the research and consider the tradeoffs before you start spending. if you really want the fab range, might have to get the non-euro sears special dishwasher. or buy used on craigslist. or defer some things. plug in those adjustments in the spreadsheet and continue until you have a budget that you can live with. as i got educated on what my project was going to cost i was able to narrow down which were the gotta haves (30" AG wolf range) vs. the really wants but sorry, cannot afford (filtered water at the sink) -plan for the un-anticipated costs. add a row to the bottom of your auto sum total in your spreadsheet called unanticipated costs and put in a formula to add 15%. have not started demo yet but already need to spend $4200 on a tankless high efficiency water heater to resolve a flue issue running through the kitchen and ~$1500 more to comply with the new lead abatement law. oiy vey... hope this helps! babushka

@beth09, there was a recent discussion about built-in cutting boards here and I was surprised that there were people who didn't like them. I was also surprised about how many of them had major concerns about sanitation with them. Mine haven't made me sick yet. Every older kitchen I've had, including my current one, has had those type of cutting boards. I love them. I have three in my current kitchen and they are one reason why I'm reusing my cabinet boxes as I'm not finding these type of cutting boards in newer cabinet lines unless you go custom, definitely not in my budget. I hope you have better luck finding them in the cabinet line you choose.