TIANLICHUJU — PERSONAL VERIFICATION WORKSHEET
An oak-front kitchen without an unprotected splash zone
https://tianlichuju.com/journal/an-oak-front-kitchen-without-an-unprotected-splash-zone/

PROPOSED CHECKS — NO MEASURED RESULTS SUPPLIED
Date: __________________  Units: __________________
Room / product reference: __________________

1. Actual splash envelope
Where: Across the wall, counter joints, and cabinet edges around the sink and main cooking position.
Record: During normal meals, mark observed water or grease locations on a sketch and measure their relationship to proposed material changes in centimeters.
Your observation: ______________________________________________
Interpretation: This maps the observed routine only; it cannot establish the future heat, moisture, or chemical resistance of an unspecified finish.
Alternative: Extend or relocate a suitable specified splash surface rather than continuing oak into an exposure its supplier has not accepted.

2. Sample junction
Where: At counter height under the actual window light and intended task-light position.
Record: Place front, worktop, and backsplash samples together; photograph the edge from standing and seated views with the same lighting noted.
Your observation: ______________________________________________
Interpretation: The comparison reveals color, sheen, and visual junctions; a photograph does not prove a watertight installation or predict long-term staining.
Alternative: Choose a deliberate contrasting edge or quieter backsplash if a near-match makes the materials look unintentionally different.

3. Vulnerable edges and service
Where: At the dishwasher opening, sink-front underside, worktop end, and removable plumbing or lighting panels.
Record: Ask the supplier to identify the actual front construction, edge protection, approved care, and removal sequence; note unanswered points by location.
Your observation: ______________________________________________
Interpretation: Written product details support specification, but visible access alone does not verify that concealed installation follows those requirements.
Alternative: Pause the affected detail until the fabricator and installer resolve it, or use a separately replaceable working-zone panel.

PRACTICAL TRIAL
1. Name the exact oak product instead of recording only its color.
2. Review a section drawing of the worktop-to-wall connection with the maker.
3. Trace the appliance removal route before approving the finished end panels.

COMPARE THE SAME SCOPE
- Front construction, coating, and protected edges
- Backsplash preparation, terminations, and joints
- Worktop cutouts and service-panel access
Cost drivers: Substrate repair behind the chosen panel; Irregular openings and fabricated edge details; Access work around retained appliances
Choose another route when: Continuous timber-looking treatment is unsuitable where the exact product's documented limitations conflict with the wet, greasy, or heated task location.

EVIDENCE BOUNDARY
These are proposed exposure observations and specification questions, not material tests. They do not establish performance beyond the exact supplier information and assessed installation.

PHOTO REFERENCE
Two metal-toned sink bowls and a curved tap sit beside a tiled backsplash and small draining area.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IKEA_East_Palo_Alto_-_July_2021_-_03.jpg

DECISION CONDITIONS
choose: Choose oak on locations accepted for the exact front product, alongside a separately specified working splash zone whose edges, cleaning, and installation are clearly described.
alternative: Concentrate timber warmth on a dry front, pantry door, or outer panel if continuous timber would place an uncertain finish beside frequent water, grease, or steam.
stop: Stop the affected detail when the supplier cannot identify construction, protect vulnerable edges, or explain access to equipment behind the finished panels.

PUBLISHED REFERENCES
Bosch UK: Installing a Dishwasher
https://www.bosch-home.co.uk/en/c/spotlight/blta09b0c3012b87b34/customer-service/get-support/installation-hub/how-to-install-a-dishwasher
Bosch's installation guidance says integrated dishwasher door panels must resist steam and moisture and must clear the plinth during movement. It also directs readers to model-specific instructions. That is a concrete reason to resolve the appliance-edge detail separately from the surrounding timber palette.
Scope: Bosch appliance guidance is a specific installation example; it does not certify oak fronts or specify every kitchen's clearances.
Photographer: Stilfehler
Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

Notes: ________________________________________________________