The term "veneer" in a masonry exterior wall traditionally refers to a 4" thick masonry "veneer", a drainage cavity behind it and a back-up wall of some kind. Another newer system is gnerally called a "thin veneer" where a 1/2" to 3/4" thin layer of masonry is directly adhered to a masonry back up wall with mortar. The former is normally for brick on wood framed or concrete block back-up walls and where subject to freeze thaw cycles because it allows for water drainage and differential movement. The latter can be used with stone and concrete or concrete block back-up walls in warm dry climates. On high rise buildings a 2" stone cladding is usually supported by an elaborate system of stainless steel pins and connectors with a cavity behind it. What are you building?

Thanks everyone! I think the $7,000 difference also covered a few other changes we made...but some added some subtracted. However, the majority of it comes from the door change. I think about $1,000 came from postponing the 3 decorative doors on the side of the peninsula facing the DR + furniture base. By eliminating one of the single wall ovens (was going to be undercounter) and moving a MW drawer there, we actually added to the cost (~300) of that cabinet since it will now have at least one drawer + the MW. We also eliminated the breadbox (~400 savings there). Lastly, we postponed the Message Center on the end of the Pantry (~1,300). Over the next few years we plan to add the "postponed" items. One of the additional things we did to whittle away at the cost was to eliminate the backsplash. I've noticed that quite a few people put off the backsplash until later and, from what I've read here, it should be relatively easy to add later. I'm trusting all of you on that! Maybe I'll even try my hand at DIYing it (scares me though!) With the door & other cabinet changes made, postponing the backsplash, downgrading our appliances, and postponing other things (Vinnata faucet, new toilet, 2nd GD), we've managed to bring the cost down to something we think we can swing w/o going into debt...that's our goal, financially! Who knows...in a few years if I still want the Artesia door I can always buy them and replace the current doors! (After we "add back' the postponed items!) Again, thanks everyone for helping me feel better about this whole ordeal!

I would bring sample paint chips to where your slab is (paint chips or sample cabinet doors with your chosen paint on it). The lighting will most likely be different there than your home light, but it should give you a good idea of how the colors blend together. I would also try to get a sample of your slab and bring it home along with your sample paint chips/cabinet doors. I would not automatically paint your cabinets the color of your home doors and trim because unless you’ve matched up your slab to the color of your home trim, you could be making a huge mistake. It’s a lot easier to paint the trim in your kitchen to match up with your cabs and slab than to have to repaint your cabinets should you find that when the slab goes in there’s a terrible clash.

I am in the same colour dilemma situation. With the lighter cabinets my vote would be agreeable grey. I see the date of the post now. Probably painted already :) I read and I read a lot about colours it is mentioned the you should paint a colour with a pink purple or blue undertone with warm oak cabinets. I would love to know what you went with!