Restoration table

[kittyk9t]

Hi There!

I'm looking to purchase this restoration hardware table - it'll be my first dining table purchase. I know from reading other posts that buying from RH isn't the best but I don't know much about furniture, only that I like this look and the price allows me to easily buy a bunch of chairs for it. Plus, it's the perfect size 60-78", extended, for the room. I'm considering getting the darker brown color.

Does the construction look okay?
Is this thing gonna last me at least 10 years until I can afford to upgrade to something handcrafted and unique?
Should I use a varnish paste on this (I read your post about DRY-DRY-DRY to someone else and would follow that technique)
Would there be any difference besides color in getting the natural color v the brown?

Do you know of anything similar out there that would be made better within the same price range - $1,000-$1500

Thank you!!

http://www.restorationhardware.com/c...ryId=cat500016