Progess and headaches

Since my last update I finished assembling the cabinets and began the installation.

Here's one of the corner drawer cabinets. As you can see this cabinet is somewhat more complex than a standard one.



After delivery the last cabinet I began installing them Friday. Everything went well and we got the bulk of them in. Monday we'll finish installing the tall cabinets and island.



Due to its size, the island will have to be assembled in the kitchen because it won't fit through the door otherwise. To make sure everything would go smoothly, I pre-assembled the island in the shop without glue. Then took it back apart and delivered it. This is what it looked like in the shop with the face frames off (one is visible behind it.)



Unfortunately, the rosewood is causing more matching issues. This is a photo of a veneered piece and one of the island face frames, both with a 'natural' finish applied. They should match, but obviously they don't. The veneer is much darker and browner, despite the fact they appeared very similar before finishing.



Why? Any number of reasons, the two most likely are 1) the thin veneer absorbed the clear finish more deeply and 2) rosewood varies in color a lot and these parts all come from different vendors and different trees. Whatever the reason, I have to deal with it.

At this point I have two options. I will attempt to tone the face frames darker to match the veneers. I have confidence that will work. Toning is a common practice amongst high level finishers for matching woods.

Failing that, I would remake the face frames out of a lesser wood and veneer the three exposed sides of each part to create the appearance of solid rosewood. I don't like this because I'm not found of the look, but that's a personal preference. In the future, I'll have to factor this problem in to any other rosewood projects.