Message Thread:
Restoration Hardware
11/12/18
I was looking at some furniture from restoration hardware, It was really nice, but I almost fell over when I saw the price. I don't build a lot of furniture, but I don't think it would really be to hard to build something similar to what I saw.
The finish on the other hand was interesting, It doesn't look like there is much of a finish on it, however I am thinking the tables and coffee tables must have something to protect them. I was wondering if anyone has tried to match these finishes or has come up with something that looks similar?
11/12/18 #2: Restoration Hardware ...
Website: niemeyerrestoration.com
We match the finishes from Restoration Hardware all the time. As a custom finishing/refinishing shop we match finishes every day from Baker, Henredon,Hooker,Stickley, and others.
The trends are minimal finish build, but if you use the proper finishes durability is not an issue.
11/13/18 #3: Restoration Hardware ...
" I almost fell over when I saw the price."
Did you think it higher low? I'm betting since you know little about it, that you thought the prices were high.
I say you know little because the stuff packed into RH (no hardware anymore...) is all Chinese made. It is designed and made to be cheap. Unknown woods, questionable joinery, thin finishes all add up to disposable furniture. Don't feel too bad - the American public is easily fooled by Chinese furniture marketers. Or anyone, for that matter.
I learned right away to back off when people say 'Restoration Hardware'. It is a recipe for starvation to try to compete with that crap. The furniture we make costs quite a bit more than the Chinese product. Take a good look at Baker, Henredon, Stickley and others. Imagine their process, look at the joints, figure out how they made it and why they did what they did. Before long, you will be able to see why something costs more or less than the other.
11/13/18 #4: Restoration Hardware ...
Some of their stuff doesn’t have a finish I believe.
I can absolutely compete on some of their designs. Others not so much.
The real simple dining tables come to mind. Made one for my wife. Wish I could get more orders for it.
11/13/18 #5: Restoration Hardware ...
CW
I was also looking for something for the wife. She likes a coffee table design they have there.
David,
I thought the prices were high, the piece I was looking at was made of pallet grade material, didn’t have much of a finish. I think I could slap it together in no time. The only part of it that would be time consuming were the four turned legs.
It is not really my intention to build furniture, just a piece or two for my place.
I will look at the names you mentioned.
Thanks
11/13/18 #6: Restoration Hardware ...
Probably need to clarify. If I were to actually build a dining table from reclaimed timbers from warehouses in Europe, my price would be considerably different.
I copied a design with comparable wood. My table was 350$ in materials. On RH, it’s $3400 last time I looked.
I mean it’s 4 straight legs with 8-90 degree joints and a glued up top. Not exactly rocket science.
View higher quality, full size image (4032 X 3024)
11/14/18 #7: Restoration Hardware ...
Website: http://www.lyndandesigns.com
This might be what you are looking for. It is called Rubio Monocoat. It is a very dull finish and looks like there is no clear on the piece.
My distributor Clark Deco in Pittsburgh carries it. We are getting ready to try it out on a custom dining table.
Rubio Monocoat
11/14/18 #8: Restoration Hardware ...
I really like monocoat. For a “no finish” look, I think it’s a decent option.
Unfortunately none of my customers liked it. All said it looked like there was no finish on it.
11/15/18 #9: Restoration Hardware ...
"I don't build a lot of furniture, but I don't think it would really be to hard to build something similar to what I saw." How long have you been in business? I usually hear or read this kind of comment from those who haven't run the numbers for decades to make adequate long term profits. I don't know if you added in marketing to your price analysis either. How about catalogs and a customer service department? Internet sales department? No idea how many employees you factored into your pricing analysis either. I just went to RH website. Jesus, I can't even begin to comprehend their monthly overhead for all that retail space!!!!!! Hell, I'd charge double if I was the CFO.
11/15/18 #10: Restoration Hardware ...
He probably needs a go fund me page.
11/16/18 #11: Restoration Hardware ...
Our custom furniture is same or more than RH. They are now selling Chinese junk and pretending to be a top quality retailer. Same thing Robb & Stuckey tried to pull off that ended in BK. If you were shopping for furniture there I suspect you are not in this business.
11/16/18 #12: Restoration Hardware ...
I can and will match my finishes to HR products, the dead flat finish that you want can be purchased through ICA, MILESI, and others. The few times ive built "complimentary items" like side tables, benches ect... I have had a hard time turning a REAL profit. Mostly because its just not what im set up to do efficiently
11/16/18 #13: Restoration Hardware ...
Jonathan,
Thanks for the info, I will take a look at the ICA flat finish, I am just switching over to their water base products.
As for other replies, I ended up in RH because I was shopping in the mall and went into the store, I just thought their stuff looked kind of cheap for the prices they were asking. The piece of furniture my wife was interested in I am pretty sure I could build in my sleep.
I agree with others that their furniture costs more than RH, I don’t have a problem with that, I know good quality is more money.
I have personally never had any desire to build furniture, even though their is really nothing complicated to it. I however plan to build the coffee table she liked, it is fairly straight forward, the only part that will take time is glueing up the blanks and turning them.
Thanks for all the input.
11/17/18 #14: Restoration Hardware ...
Most people should be able to compete with some of their designs. Others maybe not.
I can tell you this, They charge whatever, because that is what they think the market bears. No more no less. The CFO of RH has no friggin clue what Sales & Marketing is gonna put out there.
He/she may break up the party and say "hey, we are loosing money on this piece".
But make no mistake about it. Sales and Marketing rule the roost in ALL companies like RH.
I mean, you can become a "member" and get 25% off.
If a company can give a 25% discount at the drop of a hat, They only have one thing on their minds. Sales.
3/19/19 #15: Restoration Hardware ...
Website: http://www.rhodeshardwoodflooring.com
I agree with the others, Rubio Monocoat finishes look a lot like what you have descried. Another product I like is called Loba Invisible. It's a water based finish. Hope this helps.
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