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Wood Table Damaged by a Hot Cooking Vessel
Hello:)
I am so terribly disappointed. I've spent quite a bit of time shopping for a table for my breakfast room. I finally found a table that meets all my needs at Restoration Hardware. So I ordered it yesterday.
Here's the table:
http://image.restorationhardware.com...od1593082?$lg$
Here's the link:
http://http://www.restorationhardwar...082&navCount=0
Well, I decided to browse the GardenWeb site (which led me here) and after reading a thread entitled Furniture 101:Q&A in the furniture forum, I decided to google "quality+Restoration Hardware+furniture" and learned that RH had moved their furniture manufacturing operation to China last year.
The descriptive text for the table reads as follows:
Trestle Salvaged Wood Dining Table
$3290
Handcrafted of substantial 2-1/2"-thick reclaimed timbers from a distillery in Great Britain
Rough-hewn, solid planks are carefully hand selected, planed and sanded smooth
Handsomely distressed and grandly sized to accommodate large gatherings
One-of-a-kind tabletop is unfinished and has the patina of reclaimed wood
Bearing the hallmarks of old wood, some nicks and imperfections are to be expected, including nail marks that reveal the table's provenance
Seats 12 with the 18" breadboard extensions, 8 without
Each piece is one-of-a-kind and quantities are limited
Dimensions: 108"L x 42-1/4"W x 30"H; two 18" leaves; extends to 144"L
I assumed the table was made in Great Britain. Erhm...WRONG. Made in China.
I was told by the RH Customer Service representative that the timber was shipped from Scotland to China for manufacturing.
This kind of kills my romantic vision of this table. I'm seriously considering cancelling my order. I've never purchased a piece of furniture manufactured in Asia. Will the craftmanship likely be poor? I was expecting an artisan made piece for that price. I know Restoration Hardware is not a top tier furniture company, but it was my understanding that their furniture was manufactured domestically. I suppose that has changed. So sad.
Do you all think it's wise to cancel my order and look elsewhere? Any ideas where I can source a table with some of the same features and the same look: unfinished reclaimed timber, elegant trestle base?
Thank you!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
violet*tendencies
Hello:)
I am so terribly disappointed. I've spent quite a bit of time shopping for a table for my breakfast room. I finally found a table that meets all my needs at Restoration Hardware. So I ordered it yesterday.
Here's the table:
http://image.restorationhardware.com...od1593082?$lg$
Here's the link:
http://http://www.restorationhardwar...082&navCount=0
Well, I decided to browse the GardenWeb site (which led me here) and after reading a thread entitled Furniture 101:Q&A in the furniture forum, I decided to google "quality+Restoration Hardware+furniture" and learned that RH had moved their furniture manufacturing operation to China last year.
The descriptive text for the table reads as follows:
Trestle Salvaged Wood Dining Table
$3290
Handcrafted of substantial 2-1/2"-thick reclaimed timbers from a distillery in Great Britain
Rough-hewn, solid planks are carefully hand selected, planed and sanded smooth
Handsomely distressed and grandly sized to accommodate large gatherings
One-of-a-kind tabletop is unfinished and has the patina of reclaimed wood
Bearing the hallmarks of old wood, some nicks and imperfections are to be expected, including nail marks that reveal the table's provenance
Seats 12 with the 18" breadboard extensions, 8 without
Each piece is one-of-a-kind and quantities are limited
Dimensions: 108"L x 42-1/4"W x 30"H; two 18" leaves; extends to 144"L
I assumed the table was made in Great Britain. Erhm...WRONG. Made in China.
I was told by the RH Customer Service representative that the timber was shipped from Scotland to China for manufacturing.
This kind of kills my romantic vision of this table. I'm seriously considering cancelling my order. I've never purchased a piece of furniture manufactured in Asia. Will the craftmanship likely be poor? I was expecting an artisan made piece for that price. I know Restoration Hardware is not a top tier furniture company, but it was my understanding that their furniture was manufactured domestically. I suppose that has changed. So sad.
Do you all think it's wise to cancel my order and look elsewhere? Any ideas where I can source a table with some of the same features and the same look: unfinished reclaimed timber, elegant trestle base?
Thank you!
I can not say if that piece being made in China is a bad thing or not but I know on a piece like that I would be dissapointed to find out it was. I have seen that so far furniture wise that a lot of times quality does suffer when something that was made domestically is new being produced in China but that's not always the case.
The good news is I can say that the members here will probably give you a lot of information and suggestions on what to do. I see according to your message header you're located in Pennsylvania, PA has it's share of furniture craftsman and Amish communities that produce handmade furniture you might want to see if you can can find some furniture makers who might be able to make that piece for you.
Btw here is an updated link http://www.restorationhardware.com/r...082&navCount=0
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Here's my take on this - just an opinion!
There is no way you would even come close to your $ 3,250 price point on a table like that made in the USA or England. There is a lot of material in that table, and the top looks to be made of 10 / quarter lumber. If I were to make a table like that using my USA craftsmen, it would be double that price at the very least - and probably more. Four large pedestals that size? Wow. 108" as well.
I would imagine that table is 4-piece, as it would be too heavy to carry otherwise. Top detaches, each pedestal base is separate, and the stretcher connects the bases must be a separate piece as well When you have a table like that, its all about HOW its put together. There's a ton of weight, it has to be well made to prevent sag and collapse. Ideally I'd want to see a cleat block top on that, and then some large octagonal pegs (set with a hammer) holding the stretcher to the base. So really, you need to go back to the store and crawl around to see how it's assembled. That's the critical part - the design joinery of a table that is that heavy. I'd estimate that top to be about 150 lb by itself, so that kind of weight can cause the table to self-destruct it its not bolted or tightly held to the base.
Its pretty basic, not much to go wrong on it otherwise. If you like the table - and if its solid when you push on it - get it. You'll not touch the price otherwise.
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Briant73, thanks for correcting the link!
Duane, I welcome and appreciate your opinion! I feel better about my order after reading your posting. I also spoke to a representative of Restoration Hardware to convey my concerns and she assured me they would stand by the table and take it back and issue a refund if I was unhappy with it (minus the shipping cost).
I wish I could inspect it in advance, but there isn't one in my area. But if I decide to let the order stand, you can be sure I will check the joinery on delivery day before I accept it.
Soster, that Saloom table is very close but doesn't quite have the same vibe. Thanks for showing it to me!
Again, my thanks to all of you, I so appreciate your help.
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I can't comment on the quality but I absolutely love the style/look of that table! Great choice ~ I see why you chose it!
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I'm glad you like it Sarah- what strikes me about the styling of the piece is that it is simultaneously casual and formal. You can dress it up or dress it down.
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I would like to see detail photos of this table when you get it, mostly I'm curious as to how it is assembled. Is there a set-up service with RH upon delivery or are you on your own to put it together?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
drcollie
I would like to see detail photos of this table when you get it, mostly I'm curious as to how it is assembled.
Absolutely Duane, although the table won't be stocked until end of April, so a bit of a wait.
Also, Restoration Hardware will assemble (if necessary) and place the furniture.
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5 Attachment(s)
Update!
Duane,
As you requested, I'm back to post photos showing the joinery on my table. I'm interested in your opinion.
I also have a question. The wood appears to be completely untreated. I have a slight issue with the table top as tiny splints of wood come off when I dust or wipe it. Is there any treatment that you would recommend to reduce this problem without affecting the tone or patina of the wood?
Thank you!!
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Wow! There's a lot of wood in that table, I imagine its quite substantial and heavy. It looks solid!
Now for the the bad part <well, maybe not bad>.... that's an unfinished table, so that's why you are getting the tiny splints of wood when you wipe down the surface. As you continue to use the table, its going to soak up every small stain and dropping on the top surface, and any mopping near the base will get a water soak as well. This is OK if you want an "Old School' tavern look,but be prepared for a hundred glass rings on the top and butter-grease marks, etc.
Solutions? Not many and keep the table as it is.
1) You could put a glass top on it, edge to edge.
2) Though it will change the look, feel and may darken it some, I would consider applying a coat of paste varnish on the entire piece. Use a can of clear (paste only) varnish and get a dry rag. Apply ONLY with the dry rag and very sparingly. Do not 'coat' the piece with the paste varish, rather dry-rub it onto the table in the direction of the grain. You want to apply it DRY-DRY-DRY. Just barely enough to cover. This will lock down the loose fibers on the top and also give you some stain resistance. However, before you do this be sure you do not want to return it, and start out on the underside of the table to see what it does to the color and if you like the look when it dries.
All based on the photos you sent, but that's my read on it.
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It is a massive table. I hope we don't have to take it apart to get it into its destination room (pending remodeling).
Thank you for your thoughtful suggestions!
I think I'm going to try coating the table top with a clear paste wax. I will first test it on the underside. The table has a lovely gray patina and I don't want to change that at all. Your directions for application are greatly appreciated! Do you have a particular brand in mind for the wax? It was suggested by another person that I stay clear of Briwax or was it Minwax?
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Paste wax will work somewhat, but can't stand up to water rings and oily spills, but it will gloss the table somewhat and give you maybe 20% protection vs no protection.
Stay away from BRIWAX, that will almost ruin your table even if the Toluene fumes don't overcome you. That's a resroration wax suitable for old finishes when used with steel wool. Nasty stuff, not my favorite.
For Paste Varish, I use Bartley's or whatever I can find. Its important to get the gel kind, as it rubs in dry.
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Oops. I didn't realize there was a distinction between paste varnish and paste wax. I guess I'll experiment with both and see how they change the look of the wood.
Again, thanks so much for the advice:)
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Very much so! Paste wax is similar to what you put on your car. Its not permanent and can be easily removed with mineral spirits.
Paste Varnish is a hardened, permanent finish that is polyurethane based, and its not easy to remove once applied. It require a commitment to do the whole piece, but its what I would do, personally. If you can apply it DRY-DRY-DRY, then you won't see too much change in the look and get a lot of stain/moisture protection on it. Plus it would stop those little slivers from coming up, which is going to be an ongoing problem otherwise. The problem I have in telling forks to do this is they ALWAYS put it on too heavy, and then it looks terrible. I use an old t-shirt when I do it, and dip it in the paste varnish, then literally 'rub' it into the finish so that when I'm done you can't even see it. You don't want to apply it as a coating, you want to scrub it into the wood, that's what I mean by DRY-DRY-DRY.
I learned that trick over 20 years ago from a master cabinentmaker, and I've passed it onto many shops since then who use it. You would never suspect there is any polyurethane on the pieces when its done properly.
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Re: Update!
I couldn't help but notice this discussion regarding quality made furniture and the pricing of furniture. I have been looking for a nice table for my living room as well and have found a couple places and/or websites with nice stuff. I have found that Amish-made furniture is usually the best route to go down, seeing as how the piece(s) you may choose would be American made, not made in China, as this was one of your concerns. Amish Furniture Factory is a great place to look. Hopefully this helps anyone in the market for nice, quality made furniture for their home, office, etc. I have been very happy with what I found there!
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
How about a little Truth in Advertising, LDaniels? Are you or have you ever been an employee or otherwise involved with the company you link to in your statement? I find your post fairly typical of someone who is trying to promote a business they own or work for with embedded links, etc.
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
I'm looking at two manufacturers for a dining room set: Saloom and Gat Creek. Saloom uses maple but I have read negative posts on their warranty and I am not sure of the construction of Gat Creek. Duane, I need your thoughts on both manufacturers. I know you like JL Treharn but their tables are not my style. "Thanks
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
I've never heard of either company, sorry!
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
Wow, I'm surprised. From what I've read it seems like Gat Creek (formally Tom Seely/Caperton furniture) is similar to JL Treharn but have been around longer and is located in W. VA. I was researching companies on the internet who make their furniture in the USA and came across both Gat Creek and Saloom. I even think there are references in your forum about Saloom. Since you have never heard of either company is it safe to say there are thousands of furniture makers who make furniture in the USA? I don't want to spin my wheels researching thousands of companies and it seems the only company you recommend for solid wood dining is JL Treharn. Can you make any other recommendations? Thanks.
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
My store is different than a 'regular' furniture store, my wood lines are more exclusive and either hand-made or hand-crafted. They're more apt to be made by a person, rather than a company. So I don't travel in the mass-produced wood furniture circles, meaning that there truly are hundreds of products I'm not familiar with, 95% of which I wouldn't sell in my store. I'm small in size (just 5,000 s.f.) so I am picky about what I show and represent. However, if you bring me any piece from any maker, I can tell you in under a minute how well made it is and if the design is good. To look at a company's pretty website and photos doesn't tell me much, because they all have pro photographers to make it all handsome and wax incessantly about how finely made their furniture is. All I'm concerned with is construction, and VERY few will show photos of how they make their pieces, mainly because they don't want to show you.
Tom Seely for example, is too production for me (I was unaware they changed their name to Gat Creek). Its solid enough and well put together, but lacks style and grace. It also does not have the hand-working of the surfaces that I look for and the finish is standard production line stuff. It misses the "Art" of furnituremaking which can be as subtle as a mullion in a glass pane or having the correct proportion of graduated drawers, or a Queen Anne leg that is too blocky. At the end of the day its all price/value and what style you are looking for. A chest of drawers that's $ 1,500 may be a great value at that price, but is totally diminished if priced at $ 2,500 - meaning their is better product out there for the $ 2,500 price.
I think there are four categories of wood furniture:
1) Junk. Uses the cheapest possible material and attempts to trick the customer into buying by disguising with veneers and other visuals. Fails rapidly.
2) Low End. Up a notch from Junk. Uses high-speed construction methods and stronger materials (though often will retain veneers) that will typically give decent service for a limited period of time. No residual value.
3) Production. Quality materials, and production line construction. Decent hardware, good finishes. Solid, though won't win any design awards. Long lasting, and suitable for passing down to family members, etc. Most people buy in this category.
4) Handcrafted. Here's the Art of Furnituremaking. Wide Board Materials, hand-worked surfaces, time-honored construction, the best hardware, and finishes that take hours to lay up. Here's where details and specifics matter. Its Benchmade by cabinetmakers, can actually increase in value as the years go by if well-cared for and a good design.
I'm more than happy to render an opinion of a piece, but you have to give me something to look at. Just to link to a website and ask "is this any good?" or ask for a blanket recommendation is really not something I can do with any degree of accuracy. Rather, find the piece you are interested in and take photos of it from every angle, pull a drawer and lets see the top, bottom and sides. And shoot the inside of a piece. Once I see enough photos, I can then tell you whats - what.
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Re: Update!
My question is, do you love this table? I am considering purchasing the same table for our dining room and have a few reservations:
1. Although it has a rustic look, will it hold up over time...ie against dark food and beverage stains. We will be using this table for daily use...not just for formal dinners or holidays. We don't have kids yet, but plan to next year.
2. Is the unfinished pine look a trend or is this a timeless look? We recently remodeled our kitchen....white shaker cabinets, black soapstone, black cup pull knobs, and white subway tiles....timeless kitchen. I have an antique breakfront/china cabinet that has been passed down through generations through my family and is worth a lot of money. It has a very formal look to it...golden mahogany finish with slumped glass doors...can I pair this breakfront with the salvaged wood table from Restoration Hardware? Ina Garten suggests new pieces with old pieces....I know that trying to match periods and woods can be boring, but will this combination work? I do not want to get ride of the breakfront and I do not want a formal dining room table as we do not have an eat in kitchen table....just a few bar stools at an overhang in the kitchen. Again, this will be our everyday table where we will sit for all meals.
Thanks in advance for your advice. I haven't found any 'reviews' on this table online. Would love to hear from customers that own it, have used it for a while, and love it or hate it.
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
Mind those splinters with babies and kids around. I think you would definitely want to seal down this table - not only to control the splinters but to resist stains.
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
Hi there- I was wondering if you have any updated pictures of your table with whatever wax protection you used. Looking to see how it altered the table and wondering if you are happy you did that ... I'm considering buying the same RH trestle table.. any thoughts for me would be great! Thanks
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Re: Update!
I have recently bought a very similar Restoration Hardware table (French Urn pedestal). I am wondering how it turned out when you sealed your table? So far I have applied a very thin layer of wax and it hasn't done much for protecting it! I am wondering if I can apply that Paste varnish to get a better seal? DO I need to get the wax off before doing so? Thanks
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
Yes, you need to remove the paste wax before applying a wiping varnish. Use Mineral Spirits and a rag to remove the wax. Apply the paste varnish lightly and with a rag in the direction of the grain, as thin as you can possible get it and still have coverage.
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
Is the paste varnish the only way to seal it? Or would you recommend something else? I am mainly looking to get rid of the little splinters as well as providing a bit more protection with spills and stuff like that.
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
There are more involved, specialized topcoats, but Paste Varnish is the easiest to apply and the hardest to screw up in applying. It will do what you want it to do if properly applied.
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
drcollie
There are more involved, specialized topcoats, but Paste Varnish is the easiest to apply and the hardest to screw up in applying. It will do what you want it to do if properly applied.
How often shall paste varnish be applied? Is this a one time application?
ALso, I was hoping you could tell me if this would work on elm wood? My wife "has" to have the flatiron dining table from restoration hardware.
http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1617015
I realize the quality of this made in China product isnt great, but she fell in love with the design and I want to get it for her. I have read some horror stories about stains, cracking and warping with this table and your thread led me to the idea of applying paste varnish. It looks to get the job done and if it works on elm wood, it would help me feel good about buying her the piece.
Any help would be appreciated.
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
Paste Varnish application is really a 1-time gig for the most part. You don't ever want to apply it without the top being squeaky clean (prep with Mineral Spirits). It's applicable to any wood.
That's not going to prevent or even slow cracking / warping in the least. That is caused by not properly kiln drying the wood (cracking) before the build and also construction methods (warping). Nothing you can do as a consumer to prevent that.
Option 2 is to have someone copy the design using premium woods, handmade by a master cabinentmaker. Then you'd get it right. We do that all the time in my store but needless to say you're not going to get Restoration Hardware Made in China pricing for the table.
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
drcollie
Paste Varnish application is really a 1-time gig for the most part. You don't ever want to apply it without the top being squeaky clean (prep with Mineral Spirits). It's applicable to any wood.
That's not going to prevent or even slow cracking / warping in the least. That is caused by not properly kiln drying the wood (cracking) before the build and also construction methods (warping). Nothing you can do as a consumer to prevent that.
Option 2 is to have someone copy the design using premium woods, handmade by a master cabinentmaker. Then you'd get it right. We do that all the time in my store but needless to say you're not going to get Restoration Hardware Made in China pricing for the table.
Thanks for the reply! Very helpful!
Will the mineral spirits discolor the wood?
So when the table cracks because of a water spill---that is not the wood or the finishes' fault but rather by not properly kiln drying?
http://www.xojane.com/family/lifesty...ion-hardware-0
So something like this would be impossible to prevent? Even by applying paste varnish?
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
Mineral spirits will not discolor the wood as they don't penetrate the top coat of the finish, all it does is clean the gunk off the table to give you a squeaky clean surface to work with.
Wood doesn't crack from water spills, you have to soak it in water for long periods of time (on the end grain) for that to happen. Like sofa legs sitting in a flooded room for two days. Cracking in furniture is the result of wood not being properly dried prior to use, or poor construction joinery that doesn't allow for expansion and contraction.
You can 'bulletproof' most any wood surface if you're willing to put enough build on it. Twenty coats of paste varnish would certainly do that - but you might not like the way it looks when you're done.
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
Do you make and ship tables? How would I go about finding someone in WIlmington NC to build a table that looks like the RH 17c Monastary table for me???
Quote:
Originally Posted by
drcollie
Paste Varnish application is really a 1-time gig for the most part. You don't ever want to apply it without the top being squeaky clean (prep with Mineral Spirits). It's applicable to any wood.
That's not going to prevent or even slow cracking / warping in the least. That is caused by not properly kiln drying the wood (cracking) before the build and also construction methods (warping). Nothing you can do as a consumer to prevent that.
Option 2 is to have someone copy the design using premium woods, handmade by a master cabinentmaker. Then you'd get it right. We do that all the time in my store but needless to say you're not going to get Restoration Hardware Made in China pricing for the table.
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
Yes, we can make and ship a table anywhere.
I have no idea of your local cabinetmakers....
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
drcollie
Very much so! Paste wax is similar to what you put on your car. Its not permanent and can be easily removed with mineral spirits.
Paste Varnish is a hardened, permanent finish that is polyurethane based, and its not easy to remove once applied. It require a commitment to do the whole piece, but its what I would do, personally. If you can apply it DRY-DRY-DRY, then you won't see too much change in the look and get a lot of stain/moisture protection on it. Plus it would stop those little slivers from coming up, which is going to be an ongoing problem otherwise. The problem I have in telling forks to do this is they ALWAYS put it on too heavy, and then it looks terrible. I use an old t-shirt when I do it, and dip it in the paste varnish, then literally 'rub' it into the finish so that when I'm done you can't even see it. You don't want to apply it as a coating, you want to scrub it into the wood, that's what I mean by DRY-DRY-DRY.
I learned that trick over 20 years ago from a master cabinentmaker, and I've passed it onto many shops since then who use it. You would never suspect there is any polyurethane on the pieces when its done properly.
Hi, Duane.
Thank you for sharing your expertise and experience with this forum. Is there any chance you could post a short video on Youtube or elsewhere just quickly demonstrating the method of applying the paste varnish DRY-DRY-DRY? I am worried about applying too much, as you have warned against. My wife too loves the Restoration Hardware table look, and we have purchased an unfinished table, but now that she has read so much on the internet about damage to the table, she is afraid for us to use it until we can get it sealed down. I have managed to find and purchase some Bartley's paste varnish (that was not easy), and am raring to go, but want to do it right! Thanks, Steve.
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
Have you checked at the Bartley's website? They have application instructions under stain and varnish info in addition to a customer service phone number.
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
Duane. Commenting on this posters disappointment. I thought all furniture had to bear the country of origin. Is that not true?
Just read all 4 pages. My Dining Room (DR) set experience from an upscale store. I was a 20 year customer. Spent thousands. Two years ago, updated my DR. I made it clear to the new saleslady I had, that I did not want any furniture from China. Was shown a set and told it was made in NC. Catalog they showed me didn't state origin. Table was a heavy wood base, marble with a travertine top. Noticed the fabric chairs had upholstery that was not sewn on correctly. Turned chair upside down. Noticed a crack in the leg which had been glued. Looked for the country of origin. No tags. I thought tags were mandatory on imported furniture. Googled and actually found a picture of my set. Made by Amann Living, an importer. They make nice looking furniture at a not too bad price. Contacted company. They said the set was made in China. Final straw was seeing Wayfair advertise it on the Walmart site. Ouch. Went back to the store. The store manager said during the recession, many of their suppliers went out of business, and they were trying new sources. They confirmed it was made in China. The saleslady trying to save a commission said it was shipped from NC. Right. I kept the nice table, but returned the chairs for nicer chairs with an upcharge. New chair tags said 100% bovine leather, whatever that is. Probably bits and scraps from anything on hooves. I then found that a large Ottoman I had purchased there 6 months before at what I thought was a great price, was bonded leather. Actually, not a bad item for its purpose. I wasn't then familiar with the term. The name, bonded leather sounded expensive, like the quality was insured (bonded). Eight months later, this long established prestige contemporary store in Centerville OH, went out of Business. Sad.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
violet*tendencies
Hello:)
I am so terribly disappointed. I've spent quite a bit of time shopping for a table for my breakfast room. I finally found a table that meets all my needs at Restoration Hardware. So I ordered it yesterday.
Here's the table:
http://image.restorationhardware.com...od1593082?$lg$
Here's the link:
http://http://www.restorationhardwar...082&navCount=0
Well, I decided to browse the GardenWeb site (which led me here) and after reading a thread entitled Furniture 101:Q&A in the furniture forum, I decided to google "quality+Restoration Hardware+furniture" and learned that RH had moved their furniture manufacturing operation to China last year.
The descriptive text for the table reads as follows:
Trestle Salvaged Wood Dining Table
$3290
Handcrafted of substantial 2-1/2"-thick reclaimed timbers from a distillery in Great Britain
Rough-hewn, solid planks are carefully hand selected, planed and sanded smooth
Handsomely distressed and grandly sized to accommodate large gatherings
One-of-a-kind tabletop is unfinished and has the patina of reclaimed wood
Bearing the hallmarks of old wood, some nicks and imperfections are to be expected, including nail marks that reveal the table's provenance
Seats 12 with the 18" breadboard extensions, 8 without
Each piece is one-of-a-kind and quantities are limited
Dimensions: 108"L x 42-1/4"W x 30"H; two 18" leaves; extends to 144"L
I assumed the table was made in Great Britain. Erhm...WRONG. Made in China.
I was told by the RH Customer Service representative that the timber was shipped from Scotland to China for manufacturing.
This kind of kills my romantic vision of this table. I'm seriously considering cancelling my order. I've never purchased a piece of furniture manufactured in Asia. Will the craftmanship likely be poor? I was expecting an artisan made piece for that price. I know Restoration Hardware is not a top tier furniture company, but it was my understanding that their furniture was manufactured domestically. I suppose that has changed. So sad.
Do you all think it's wise to cancel my order and look elsewhere? Any ideas where I can source a table with some of the same features and the same look: unfinished reclaimed timber, elegant trestle base?
Thank you!
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
I'd be glad to do a video, but I don't have any paste varnish nor a project that needs restoration right now, sorry. But its really easy. Get a cotton rag (an old cloth baby diaper is ideal), some medical latex gloves to wear, dip the rag into the paste varnish and 'push' it on the table surface rather than trying to coat it. More like you are scrubbing the top rather than laying down a coat.. You want the minimum amount of paste varnish on the table top, and the light refraction will show you any areas you missed. This is a quick procedure, if you take longer than 4 minutes to do it, you're fussing on it too much. That's all there is to it.
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Real wood tables are not inexpensive. The stock itself is costly, and there can be $ 1,000 in raw materials in a thicker wood table out of a decent lumber before its even touched by a planer or a bandsaw. And that's wood at a jobber's cost. Consumer's have high price resistance to properly made pieces and as such, that's a market that has widely vanished and replaced by cheaply made tables from off shore of junk wood. Like it or not, most consumers decide on a price point first (i..e, "We will spend up to $ 2,500 for a table") and then go shopping to see what fits in that budget. They're not going to look at the $ 6,000 table, its not on their radar. Knowing that, mainstream furniture stores carry that price point item which by necessity they have to buy off-shore, from China, Vietnam, Philippines, etc. As a consumer you may ask "Where is it made?" Well, the sales droid doesn't really know and doesn't really care so they tell you want you want to hear. Then, later on you find the table isn't really what you thought it was and now feel mis-led. But the question I then have is twofold... 1) Did you research what makes a good table beforehand? 2) Did you even shop the $ 6,000 unit to see how its made? If not (and most don't) then you trusted the sales person's pitch and bought on price. Now, there is nothing wrong with staying within a budget, we all have to do that on things. However realize that you are going to get what you pay for, and those big heavy wood tables made in the USA the proper way are no more going to be purchased for $ 2,500 than someone is going to sell you a new Rolex for $ 1,000. Quality and proper build is going to cost "X" amount and the only way you can get under that price is the Craigslist used market.
An example, a few years ago a forum member wanted a Baker Table which was $ 45,000. Could we build her one for less? A copy? John Buchanan, my ace cabinetmaker said 'yes' and we bid the job at $ 20,000 as I recall. We used better materials than the Baker table, it took a 9 months to build it (it was a fancy table) and at the end of the job John went negative close to $ 3K on it, that's right - he lost money on it. I helped John out by funneling my profit on dealer back to him on it, but it just goes to show how difficult a decent table can be to build, and how expensive they are.
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
[QUOTE=drcollie;24749]I'd be glad to do a video, but I don't have any paste varnish nor a project that needs restoration right now, sorry. But its really easy. Get a cotton rag (an old cloth baby diaper is ideal), some medical latex gloves to wear, dip the rag into the paste varnish and 'push' it on the table surface rather than trying to coat it. More like you are scrubbing the top rather than laying down a coat.. You want the minimum amount of paste varnish on the table top, and the light refraction will show you any areas you missed. This is a quick procedure, if you take longer than 4 minutes to do it, you're fussing on it too much. That's all there is to it.
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Thank you, Duane. I will try what you described. When you say "if you take longer than 4 minutes do do it," how much area are you referring to? Thanks, Steve.
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Re: Oh no. $3200+ kitchen table from Restoration Hardware is Made in China.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Lloyd
Have you checked at the Bartley's website? They have application instructions under stain and varnish info in addition to a customer service phone number.
Actually, the reason I asked Duane is that he mentioned that this was a technique he learned from another cabinetmaker some years ago, and he also mentioned that most times folks tend to go overboard with the amount of paste varnish they apply. It sounded like this technique was a bit different from what the manufacturer tells everybody to do, and I want to make sure I get it as close to right as possible, since I only have one try. Thanks!