There is a Difference

I have been married to my husband for almost ten years, but he still manages to surprise me. He’s a “guy’s guy”, parked in front of the TV on weekends during football season and spouting sports statistics to his buddies whenever they get together. He likes to hunt with his buddies back home and drink a couple of beers with friends new and old. The other day, I flippantly threw an invitation his way to attend a local craft show with me. To my amazement, he cheerfully accepted. (In hindsight, I think his definition of “craft show” is root beer and whoopee pies. LOL) And so it was our family of four was found walking the streets of Occoquan, gazing under canopies at all the wares and whims available for purchase. We were simultaneously drawn to a vendor with cool-looking furniture. As we approached, we ooh’ed and aah’ed over the rustic appearance of the dining table. Its rough cut surface had streaks of turquoise and red paint, nicely balancing the natural wood grain. The edges were wrapped in wrought iron, and it was an impressive sight. But, as I looked closer and inspected the matching buffet, I opened a drawer and saw pressboard. My heart dropped as I realized; even though this set was made to look rustic and reclaimed, it was anything but. The lumber had been rough cut and treated to look weathered and cheap materials had been used in areas that were out of sight. Suddenly the quality of the table was cheapened to match the price on its tag. Be a smart shopper. When researching a potential furniture purchase, inspect it inside and out. If possible, talk to the person who made it. Find out how it was made, what materials were used, and know whether the lumber is reclaimed or made to look rustic. When it comes to rustic furniture, there is a difference. Make an informed purchase so you won’t be surprised or disappointed later. A good example of a great quality piece would be this Timber Frame Gable Barnwood Dining Table.