Isn't one of the features or selling points of maple that it has a very smooth grain without knots? I'd expect no dark knots if I ordered it!

A knot of that size should have been noticed when they did the layout for the face frame. "Quality Comes First" was not on their agenda unfortunately.

If you wanted Natural Maple, I think that is what you got. You have to specify clear Natural Maple I believe because then it is a different cut of wood that shows virtually no knots. I had the same problem with pine floors and I learned I needed to ask for "clear" natural pine. It is a hike in price but I just could not live with all the darn knots.

If your dissatified; I'd call the company back where you purchased the cabinet and advice them of the imperfection! Have them either repair the issue or replace it before your warranty (with that price tag is should have a warranty) runs out. If you'd decide to paint it, then I guess your issue will be resolved!

No way this is the customers fault for not being specific about clear maple. The cabinet maker should have had a selective process when picking the stock for the face frame. This is not acceptable for face frame material.

I would be embarrassed to present something with an obvious issue as that at anywhere near that price. I wouldn't accept that cabinet in my own home nor would I install it in a customer's home

If you finished it "natural", don't you want to see the natural woodgrain?

It is quite an eyesore. I would contact them and tell them this is upsetting you and if they have a solution. I'm going to guess they will help accomodate you...with that price tag.

It would not be acceptable to me....we have natural maple cabinets in our kitchen and we did not specify "clear" and there are ZERO knots.....our cabinet maker is all about quality....it looks as if they could just replace that one strip of wood and you'd be all set. I'd want it fixed and I'd threaten a chargeback to my credit card if they refused. I have found that saying "I expect you to correct this flaw at no extra charge to me or do I need to contact my credit card company for further assistance?" works wonders.....

Not acceptable. I know what you must be hearing from the installer - " it's natural for wood to have these knots." Don't fall for it. Great advice from above and my sentiments exactly.
Contact the CC company and post a review on cabinet company's web sit.

If you are polling Houzzers about this, it's obviously not acceptable to you. That fact alone makes for a tense conversation with the cabinet maker. YOU should be happy with this piece or it is unacceptable. Just saying.......

It would bug me EVERY time I looked at it! Get it replaced. Please tell us you did. For that price, they should have run it by you first.

NO return the vanity it is expensive so need to be perfect

This dilemma is from last February 2013. I wonder how it turned out?

I hope she didn't wait for us.