Hi. The custom cabinetmaker for our new build mountain modern house stained the alder wood cabinets and vanities. They acknowledged after producing and staining eveything that they weren’t very experienced working with alder. They’re working with us to fix the problems (splotchiness) and have produced proposed new kitchen cabinet doors (first picture).

I’d be interested in hearing opinions from Houzzers about the stain job done on the vanities (second picture), which the cabinetmaker is saying is ”within industry standards”. I think it looks really splotchy and wouldn’t be considered acceptable for a high-end home, but would like others’ opinions. Recognize that wood grain will show variances, but to us the bath vanity stain job is beyond normal variances. It’s the first thing one sees when walking into the bathroom.

So, do you think the stain job in the SECOND PICTURE is acceptable or not?

First picture: redone kitchen cabinets with improved stain job

Second picture: bath vanity with original stain job. Acceptable or not acceptable?