I am sorry this happened to you. What does your contract say? Maybe your GC needs to take responsibility and order the correct doors at his cost. Or is he willing to give you a break on the mistake he made. They might turn out okay, I am getting shaker and I would be really sad if I was not getting what I wanted.

tyler - do you mean, you'd prefer the cabinet to look like this?

I don't have a solution but wanted to try to help with the issue.

Are you saying you want to fill in the whole thing or just the two parts at the top? Either way, you probably won’t be able to match the white. Just keep what you have.

Just my perspective. If this home was completely done and you were looking to buy it would the cabinet doors make you walk away from this home? If so then it might be worth looking to have the doors replaced. However, If this was an error that you will need to cover the cost of I would keep them finish the kitchen and live with for six months. We have owned and renovated eight homes somethings are always different than we planned, wanted etc. We lived with most and never gave it a second thought. We have also redone a few things some at our expense a couple at others due to their error, but never without wondering if the said would keep us from buy the house. Good luck with your new kitchen

Why did you not approve the design your contractor is not a KD FYI. Now that they are here only you can make a decision about the cost of replacement.IMO the whole door is not right proportionally

There seems to be a lot more interest in how this happened versus solutions to the problem. It went down like this... When I first met with the contractor I told him that I like the plain shaker cabinets w/o the channel. He said that with the company he gets the cabinets through the ones w/o the channel are cheaper cabinets, thinner wood, clips to put the boxes together etc... I didn't give him a firm answer at the time if I wanted to go with the cheaper ones or the 'premium' ones w/ the channel.

When the project kicked off I did the demo myself to save a little money. I had the contractor hold off on ordering the cabinets because I had a structural engineer taking a look at my house after the demo to see how I could get rid of a load-bearing wall. Sure enough, there was a solution. Good thing I waited on ordering the cabinets b/c my kitchen layout changed 4 times post demo. When I did finalize the design I rushed to get the cabinet order to the contractor and he ordered the 'premium' cabinets because that what he always works with.

@oldbat2be - the photoshop image that you provided is what I was thinking of doing. Or, just buying new cabinet doors down the road if I can't live with this. I'd be fine with buying new cabinet doors if I could get 7 drawers, 12 base cabinets and 10 upper doors painted for under $2K.

Unfortunately, this is was a case of a huge misunderstanding. Any solution isn't going to be worth it or look good. Either use them as is, or bite the bullet and order new ones. There is no solid middle fix.

Seriously Jan....chill! There is no need to go on the attack and be so mercilessly cutting and insulting. The OP asked a simple question wanting to know if there was any way to fix the doors. The unending scolding and berating is completely uncalled for.

It just slays me. ........in a most frustrating way. How to have a result like this

DIY design and demo

More design....and yet more.

Panic and rush

Lack of clarity in communication .

No pictures, no signatures, just changes and guesswork..........

On the part of all parties.

There you go. Sign yourself......not happy.

Jan's comment isn't very helpful, but it is true. She's a pro and this wouldn't have happened if I hired a design firm and went with a different type of contractor. I'm sure this is absolutely aggravating to see another person cut out pros b/c they see it done all the time on HGTV or can get tons of inspiration on Houzz. I'm trying to get a high-end design on a shoestring budget. I did the design myself w/ a combination of sketch up and adobe illustrator, I did the demo myself, I did some of the drywall myself, I had friend who is a structural engineer do me a favor with doing the calculations of my beam loads to replace a load-bearing wall, I used a contractor who was recommended for doing good work at a good price by my friends, but the work he does is mostly with investors and flipping houses.

Tyler, I settled for this design because IKEA was the best option for us and shaker was the most basic style offered. Ours has the same grooves your does, and I would have strongly preferred not. But installed, it doesn't look bad. It's definitely livable. My advice to you is, live with it as is and stock up on q-tips.

Well Tyler, you’re a pretty tough cookie to accept this so graciously. Hats off to you :)

Fantastic result.

I second what nidnay said. Or, as you like to type, JAN, I SECOND what NIDNAY said.

Kudos to you Tyler - We're DIY-ers, too. (Huge Sketch-up fan here, too cheap for Illustrator.)

Back on track. I was wondering about filling in the grooves or painting over them. If you have the doors there, it's worth experimenting on one.

I did a quick search:

References to Bondo:

[https://www.houzz.com/discussions/ugly-cabinet-doors-dsvw-vd~2427835[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/ugly-cabinet-doors-dsvw-vd~2427835)

[https://www.houzz.com/discussions/what-to-do-with-the-grooves-in-my-kitchen-cabinets-dsvw-vd~2479026[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/what-to-do-with-the-grooves-in-my-kitchen-cabinets-dsvw-vd~2479026)

Can you reverse the doors? (I.E. slab?)

Is there any kind of molding you could apply on top?

Conestoga makes beautiful doors. Even if you found a cost effective solution, you will now have to make sure each door is spec'd correctly (a new can of worms potentially). I've used Brian at the Cabinet Joint multiple times.

The restocking fee may be worth it... the other option is to just live with them.

oldbar2be - luckily I don't have to continue to search for solutions to my groove problem b/c I'm getting the right cabinets at no charge. I thought I did extensive research on replacing the doors, but didn't come across Constoga, perhaps that coulda worked.

I did do a test run with an Ikea door over the weekend b/c they make the same style shaker using bondo, primer, paint and a polyurethane finish. I was able to fill the groove nicely, but couldn't get the paint to stick on the slick surface (easily peeled off) and I couldn't get the finish I wanted. Talked to a painter and he said I'd need to use an epoxy finish and would be a painful process.

That is awesome Tyler! Problem solved.

Jan Moyer you are hilarious!

Tyler,,Glad you got it taken care of,,,you dodged an expensive bullet. But I just want to know,,,,Did the contractor not show you pictures? I mean, I can't imagine telling someone to go ahead and get 'shaker cabinets' without even looking at them first. Most contractors who deal in cabinets get sample doors from the supplier so they can show the different types to their clients. If he couldn't provide you a sample, then he should have snapped a few pics of the demo kitchen at the warehouse and shown the examples to you. I really cannot even fathom having someone else pick my cabinets!

No hard feelings Jan...Houzz is a happy place :)

I don't have hard feelings! I have bad feelings for those who ( albeit without intent) bring this disappointing unhappy result stuff on themselves!! It kills me because a lot of it is just so avoidable even if DIY.

Forgive the analogy, but at some point there is and has been so much information put out on how to , and WHAT NOT to ever do as to process? It's a bit like saying to your doc, "gee I had no idea cigarettes were bad for you!"

The op has taken his beating from me with aplomb and grace. ..... maybe he saves the next poor soul? :) I sure hope so. I really do

I'm always rather fascinated by what we (I include myself here) obsess and worry over....

I'm glad that you'll be happy with the doors of your dreams, op...

It's really amazing sometimes how communicating with the "right" people can bring solutions! I recently bought a light fixture at Home Depot for my contractor to install, but while unpacking it to confirm sizing details I accidentally broke one of the glass shades. I reached out to the manufacturer to inquire about buying a replacement -- it was either by email or one of those customer support online message things. To my surprise, the next day I had a sweet email from a guy offering to send me another shade at no cost!

I would like to brag that in 36 yrs, I have never ordered the wrong cabinets for my clients. You'd think this would be easy...but trust me, its not so easy peasy as you would think. What could be so hard about getting the right cabinets ordered???? Think back to how it was during your kitchen remodel. Multiply that by 10-20X. That's my life. :-) And all my clients are in differing phases (planning, ordering, installing, punchlisting...etc).I take care of them from start to finish. I'm a bit of a control freak. So.....It's a LOT! And I get interrupted during my day....walk ins without appointments, phone calls, emails, questions from someone in Houston because they saw me on houzz and want to pick my brain....etc. So how do I keep from making a horrendous selection error? I have a checklist that I fill out when I first meet with a client. When they order, I get a fresh sheet and check the FINAL ORDER check box. Homeowner gets a copy of all their selections. In some cases , I text them pics of the door and color and countertop selection. Then I order the cabinets. When I get the acknowledgment paperwork from the factory, I text or email them copies. Any major changes or add ons must be done via email. By doing things this way, I feel organized and in control. When you work with so many different people, you have to keep things straight. Here in the Midwest, retainer fees are not common. Maybe someday I will switch to that method so I can focus on the ones that want to work with me.

Don't forget that all the bemoaning here of "why oh why didn't they hire a DESIGNER!" is simply due to the fact that people that post here are not usually those who have been successful at their diy. Those people who don't post here are perfectly happy and have no issues. The few that DO have issues are those that complain and come here for help.

So, we're not ALL unsuccessful....you're just hearing from the small percentage who are.

From all the "I told you so" pro's on here, one would think that NOBODY could do anything without them. And that's not true at all.

Tyler: Can you post photos of your kitchen? I’m currently to see the end result. Glad you got the doors you wanted without a stocking fee.

I would like to add that 'nice guys finish last' are words to live by. But if you spend time upfront on what YOU want and THEN consult with a designer, you will be happier. I live in Tampa where design ranges from little to no originality, $150,000 kitchens all look the same, and homeowners don't trust their own taste and so are led to get the same design as everyone else- currently 'white shaker, large format marble with dramatic slash across it and wood-look tile floors, and the ironic rustic light'. And a $5000 stove that no one cooks on because they get Outback to go- keeping everything pristine.

I just don't understand a lot of you.

I think Jan Moyer is extremely helpful here.

What Jan Moyer is pointing out in her initial comment by her questions is,

What exactly was the understanding between the customer and the contractor about what was to be purchased and was there an exact meeting of the minds?

If there was an exact meeting of the minds and there is written proof of it,

And on receipt of the goods the purchaser just had buyers remorse, then the purchaser has to live with it.

If there was no exact meeting of the minds, and/or there was no written proof of it, then that is why there is this predicament where the customer received a result he/she is unhappy with the product but the contractor has no fiscal or legal responsibility/liability for it.

(Jan, please correct me if I am incorrect in my understanding of what you were saying up there at the beginning of the thread.)

I do appreciate Jan's plainspeak about the need for exacting detail in these arrangements and understandings.

(And the The Kitchen Place describes this in talking about how she works.)

Reading these posts of re-dos and re-decorating gone wrong are cautionary tales to all of us which I find extremely helpful.

Now if Jan had said, something like,

"Oh, You told him to get shaker cabinets but didn't specify

brand/model number/size/measurements/proportions and attach a photo and maximum price, and you didn't put it writing in triplicate and attach a photograph to each one and have him sign each page and photo??

Are you KIDDING??

From what rock did you crawl out??

Don't you know ANYTHING about about doing business these days??"

Now that ^^ would have been insulting.

Jan doesn't say things like that at all.

I find comments like Jan's (and Sophie's who unfortunately doesn't comment here any more) extremely helpful.

These comments clarify how things should be done which is not insulting, these comments are instructive from people who are professionals in the field with a lot of experience.

It is unfortunate that some people take comments personally instead of focusing on the excellent content.

Tyler, it's great that you were able to get the cabinets you wanted after all with no restocking fee.

I am on both sides - it is crushing when you do hard work and spend your money and something that major is wrong. Your immediate reaction is how do I fix this? And you seek help... Those of us who are trying to help need information to BEST help you based on our experiences. Had I seen this thread earlier, my first question would have been - what did you sign for? Did you see a physical sample of the door? Not how to patch the door or fill in the grooves. Because if there was a contract signed and sample looked at and the doors are incorrect - that is an easy fix. Why jump to the difficult end of things... I think that is what Jan tries to get at and make sure that others hear it too.

Even with how long Houzz has been here these types of things keep happening. It sad to see for the homeowner and for pros - we don't ever want to have a client call and say " this is not what I ordered"!

I am thrilled that this worked out. It also appears that it was handled in a calm manor and the result is great!

Enjoy your new kitchen and post a little blog for other DIYers to help them along.

I am just curious about why so many Shaker doors are made with that channel or groove that the OP did not like. There must be a structural/technical/functional reason, as I can't imagine many people prefer it, since as the OP points out, it is a cleaner look without it. Does anyone have insight about this?

It is just a design idea ... it caught on for a while and now isn't so popular ...

re: RedRyder attached are photos of the kitchen. Although it looks like a million other kitchen remodels, white shaker and white quartz, I'm thrilled w/ the end result. There is a reason that design is in style right now. I'm not sure how white can ever go out of style, but I'm sure that is what they said in the 70's w/ earth tones or the wild designs of the 80's.

Interesting that this post got resurfaced a year later, but seems to have struck a chord w/ a number of people. Looking back there was no way I would have moved forward w/ the original shaker I received, not sure how the channels in the cabinets were ever a style. Big lesson learned on my end w/o costing me, a huge win.

Lovely result!

All's well that ends well.....! Amen.

Tyler - this looks fantastic! I love how you've continued the wood outside, inside. Congrats; hope you are enjoying.

Wow! This looks so good it's hard to believe it is real!!! You know, not a "model!"

Lovely job.

The main reason to get things in writing is that what YOU think you agreed to may not be what another HEARD. Having been in this position many times, I know that the customer feels like they SHOULD have been more clear, and doesn't want the contractor to have to eat the cost, but the contractor who is professional should be the one writing everything down. (Not in triplicate, ad nauseam etc, but to have a clear understanding for all concerned.) The customer who tries to save money by hiring a handyman will usually get what they pay for- yet noone will make 5 revisions, draw up plans or multiple versions and not expect something- even if its simply a good review online! The educated consumer does the work first, then has a clear idea of what they want before they waste other's time (and then don't even hire them,) yet pros have to offer professionalism and creativity as well as 'getting the job done' also.

Looks fresh, clean and bright! Thanks for sharing and hope you enjoy your new kitchen.

“I find comments like Jan's (and Sophie's who unfortunately doesn't comment here any more) extremely helpful.”

Sophie does comment here. You’re not paying attention if you think otherwise... the username may be different, but it’s the same old Sophie.

To the OP, Tyler: Your kitchen is amazing.

Wow. That is one stunning end result!! I hope you love it. It's really classic and classy!

@Hillside House-

Please direct me to the thread where you have seen a recent comment of Sophie Wheeler.

Or that you believe to be Sophie Wheeler's

Thank you.

Curious as to why Sophie has changed her name. She always made sense. A little harsh sometimes. But, appreciated her help and advice.

Sophie does NOT comment here anymore. Sophie is gone. Believe it, April. A combination of factors, not the least of which is Sophie suffered a stroke. No..................there are no Sophie comments. Unfortunately.

That's sad. And our loss. I hope she has a complete recovery.

Thank you Jan. Wishing for her recovery. Understand the effects of a stroke all too well.

@ Jan - that is so sad to hear... Please send her well wishes and hopes of good health... She was a tough cookie, but very wise... I loved her comments...

Hillside House,,,No, she does not. Read what Jan wrote. We've known this since Xmas about her health issues.

@ Tyler

Two things: 1. Gorgeous Kitchen. 2. Great Personality!