You are looking for quality handcrafted, high-quality, real solid timber dining room furniture at affordable prices? These are my tips and tricks to help you make shopping enjoyable and successful.
1. Dining furniture that is made in the U.S.A.
The majority of “American Made” wood furniture that is sold in the USA comes from overseas. It isn’t as good as handcrafted solid wood dining room furniture. Many major furniture manufacturers in America have relocated their operations abroad to save money, and the quality of their products has declined. Local furniture makers that use responsibly harvested hardwoods will provide authentic craftsmanship and a lifetime guarantee.
2. Choose the style that you want
You may be looking for modern wood dining furniture made with simple Shaker lines or rustic “distressed”, traditional colonial, or other styles. Most furniture makers specialize in one style. If you buy from a craftsperson who is skilled in the style you are looking for, you will get the best quality and the lowest price.
3. Choose the type of wood that you prefer
solid cherry is our most popular dining wood, but you can also find other durable and beautiful woods such as maple and walnut. The prices of these premium woods are generally the same, with the exception that walnut is priced at around 20% more. Every wood is different in its color, grain and hardness. Some woods, such as cherry, can even change their color over time. Ask your furniture maker what woods they use. Many furniture builders will have several options.
4. Ask about the construction methods that were used to build your dining room furniture
Traditional construction is preferred. Pay particular attention to joinery techniques used for corners and legs. Dovetail joinery is a hallmark of high quality drawers. Table aprons attach to table legs with mortise-and-tenon joints.
5. Take into account lead time for furniture crafting and shipping.
Handcrafted dining furniture is a time-consuming process. The typical lead time for crafting is 6-12 weeks, but the pandemic can add months. You may need to allow an additional 1-9 weeks for your furniture when it is being shipped.
6. Get White Glove shipping & delivery
Shipping and delivery is the number one complaint of furniture buyers. Find out how your furniture will arrive before you buy. For furniture that is being shipped long distance, you should hire a professional delivery crew who will transport it to your home, set it up, and inspect it for damage.
7. Get a lifetime guarantee
Most custom furniture manufacturers will gladly offer a lifetime guarantee. Ask why yours isn’t comfortable with this. If there is no way to negotiate the guarantee, you may be able to transfer to another workshop.
8. The best time to purchase dining room furniture
It’s usually on sale! Autumn is traditionally when dining furniture is most in demand. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and other holidays will see your family gather around the dining room table. The Fall is a great time to start shopping for furniture. Soon your dream dining room set can be a reality.
* You can have your dining room furniture delivered for the holidays by contacting your craftsperson. We recommend ordering dining furniture in the Fall to ensure a delivery before Thanksgiving.
