Check out lightstreamsglasstile.com. They have some absolutely gorgeous markers and glass accent tile. I wanted to use them but could not get them in time as I was nearly finished with pool build.

I can get your wood in oak, but the sawyer doesn't recommend it and really, neither do I. A close cousin, and much more stable, and similar in appearance, is ash. Non-pith cuts, kiln dried, will be a great substitute and are available. You can get air dried or green oak at a good price too, but even I wouldn't use it. Let me know.

I'm getting ready to tile my kitchen. I'm leaning toward using Ditra uncoupling membrane instead of cement backerboard. We have 24" oc joists under 3/4" subfloor. The Schluter site says I can use Ditra XL over a single layer of 3/4 ply or regular Ditra over a double layer subfloor (3/4 and 3/8" layers). My question is, what is better/stronger? The single layer with Ditra XL or double layer with regular Ditra? Already assuming that my floor meets the L/360 deflection requirements for my tile. Ditra XL sounds like the better option as it would match up with 3/4" hardwood that is going in next to the tile, but if the double layer of ply is the stronger option, I'd go with that as we're putting in a granite island in the middle of the kitchen and a 36" bluestar range along the wall.

I can't wait till Sandra is on a team that doesn't need anyone to sit out and she HAS to play! SO ridiculous that they allow her to never play! I have to say, I thought that firewood challenge was over the top hard... I really didn't see why they would require them to do 20 trips... even 10 would've been a feat to accomplish. They are barely eating and it's hot - what if Ethan had really had a major problem? Is pushing them that hard worth it? I was really disappointed in the whole thing. I was sad to see Tyson go - Nick would've been my choice (after Sandra of course but no one even mentions her!) Next week will be interesting to see how the merge goes!