I wanted slab doors because I like the clean look. When we started cabinet shopping, none of the cabinet makers we spoke to in the area we live in (Canadian prairies) would give any warranty on slab doors that were solid wood. They all stated that climate considerations here could result in warping. Since they stood to make more money off us if we went solid wood, I am guessing they were being honest and maybe speaking from experience. We went with veneer. One thing our KD told us to watch for during our cabinet shopping was to make sure that there was a solid wood trim around the door edges for veneered doors. With veneer doors, little bumps on door edges is more likely to result in damage (chipping of veneer etc.) whereas the solid wood edge protects the veneered area. Of the 6 places we checked out cabinets, 4 made the cabs with a solid wood edge and 2 didn't. That is one consideration I would not have thought of if our KD didn't mention it.

HI, I ended moving it 36 inches and I now have 54 inches between the wall and the counter/stools. The island counter is 51 inches and the space between the counter and the cooktop is 40 5/8 inches To note, the counters next to the concrete wall are 25 1/4 inches

hittheroad2000 Carol, did you end up buying this line? In eco veneer? Are you happy with it and do you have any pics? We are debating it in a lighter stain. Thanks!

@HeatherG: Aw, lucky! I've been looking at other IKEA customizers like The Cabinet Face but decided to try a highly recommended local cabinet maker to see what he could offer in walnut veneer. To my surprise, his bid ended up only $2k more than the IKEA + Semihandmade price, but his ability to customize was a big plus for us (we have a sloped ceiling and an oddly placed beam), plus he does all maple interiors with dovetail joinery, which I love. But my DH was a little sad to see his long-planned IKEA kitchen go down the tubes. What is the Sonoma line you speak of? And yes, would love to hear/see what you find at Pental!