For some months I have been doing boring stuff like framing, drywall, painting, etc. Tile too. Tons of tile. Tile by the 1000s.
I have finished all that and am ready to begin some more interesting projects, all of which involve African mahogany contrasted with black. I have made all my SketchUp drawings, done the take offs, run those through Cutlist+ so I know how much of what stock I need and to what sizes the stock must be cut.
Mostly, the black was meant to be 3/4 black melamine. Now, I don't much like melamine board but it has advantages; namely. it doesn't need finishing and it is (should be) inexpensive. I won't have to worry about taping most edges as they will be hidden.
Now, here is the annoyance: Lowes doesn't carry it and won't/can't get black; all they have is 3/4" white at about $40 per 4'x8' sheet. All HD carries is 5/8 white mel board (about $35) but they can get black for $90/sheet. I'll fry in hell before I pay $90. A local cabinet supply place has it for $60. I didn't ask the price for white but I bought 25-30 sheets from them a few years back for $700. More now, I am sure, but I bet its not $60.
What is the deal about black mel board?? If I lived in the upper midwest I could walk into a Menards and buy white OR black @ $29.97. Actually, I could buy any of the 12-15 colors it is made in from them (they might have to special order those).
I tell you, it is not easy living in the hinterlands of central Florida where "good" wood is #1 common instead of #2.
I don't expect any resolution from you, just venting...