If the dent merely pushed, but did not break, the surface of the finish, there is no need to repair. In the unlikely event that it DID break the surface (a mighty dent!), the integrity of the finish against moisture has been breached, and should be repaired. Unlike an oil finish, a polyurethane finish will not "spot" repair. You need to abrade the entire board, then recoat the entire board in order to maintain a consistent finish look. The newly coated board will have a slightly different sheen, until the finish cures completely and "settles in" with the surrounding boards.

My pleasure! It's nice to be able to help somebody with a real-life experience when I'm usually the one with hat in hand. A couple more hints: the U-Sand website has a "find a rental place near you" bit, but I discovered by accident that my local rental shop carried them and wasn't listed. Might be worth it to call in case that's the status for you as well. The sanding discs attach by velcro and I got the set up for $50 (24 hrs) plus $1.25 per sanding disc (so it's $5 per change of all four). I had just a wee kitchen to do, but it needed more work than it sounds you'll be doing. Total was probably around $80. May I also suggest you then finish with Waterlox? Do a search on this site for people's suggestion, but it's what I used and it's easy to apply, particularly if you get to do it before you have to live there. It's fumy (but not that bad) and best to let it sit for a day between coats. But it's as easy to apply as mopping, seriously. And repairable, unlike poly finishes. So you'll never have to sand again! Might come in handy with your darling tots. No kids here, but a nice mid-sized doggy who dribbles his water and prances around when the leash comes out 2x a day. Hasn't scratched yet, but I would just re-apply a bit there if he did. (and will put an overturned laundry basket on that spot so it can dry but not be stepped on. Just thought of that...) You'll do grand! And please let me know if I can help at all. No expert, but have just done it myself this summer. Here is a link that might be useful: Waterlox website

florantha- we touched on this on another thread. I think it is so important to look at the home, the style of the home inside and out, and the setting of that home; or at least how one integrates all of that. We are in a wooded setting, and the house is a colonial with a gorgeous brick fireplace. Things are in good shape, but definitely worn- not bad, just have more of rustic vs shiny and newly built look. As I had mentioned, golden oak is not my first choice for cabinets, however, they really seem to fit the house, the setting and the design. It's hard to actually imagine them different and I have some concerns about changing them, color or stain, that they will not blend so seamlessly with the rest of the house! I even think those darn arched doors seem to fit in! As for the sink- it was my first choice. I love the look of white cast iron sinks (so freakin heavy to get home by myself!!). In some ways, I regret it practically as it is marred by my anodized pots, and the bottom needs bleach once a week to look white. It's only 4 years old! Although the house was built in the 50's, it has the feel of a house from the 20-30's (I previously had a dutch colonial that age, and it really had the same feel to it). I hope whatever I end up with when I am all finished will be timeless. I know, high hopes. Thanks for the positive thoughts!! Also, BillV? or someone had posted a link on wall color that I thought was so interesting (on another thread). Basically trying to make a dark space light did not happen with white or light paint necessarily! It was reassuring that my instinct to embrace the dark room with a deep color vs trying to lighten it with a white was not so crazy!

The toekick issues is owned by the KD. It's an upgrade that has to be chosen in the software, and she didn't choose it. Thank you so much, Cooks Kitchen, for this info because you saved me from totally embarrassing myself!!! I swapped the two cabinets on that side at the last minute so the order was likely correct but there were "unintended consequences". I'm so glad I realized this before I contacted the builder and KD about it or I would have lost all credibility. So, for this item, the fix is on me. I'll probably install baseboard trim. A racked frameless oven cabinet is a big deal. Be sure that is actually the issue. Do a 3,4,5, measure on it. And measure the diagonals That's the plan, but I think it's just the face frame that isn't square. The frame is attached in the middle of the cabinet, above the bottom drawer and below the top doors. At the crown and the floor the cabinet appears level, however, we will be sure to confirm that. I sent the full punch list to the builder and he seems ok so far. We're meeting tomorrow to walk through together and he has already scheduled a meeting with the KD. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again!