Why is Furniture So Expensive?

ladyspartan16

ladyspartan16

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$1000 for a bed? Not the mattress, just the bed. Another $700 for a chest of drawers thingy.

Yea.... I'm going to ikea, getting a bed frame for $100, getting everything else from Amazon, and calling it a day.
 
ladyspartan16 said:
$1000 for a bed? Not the mattress, just the bed. Another $700 for a chest of drawers thingy.

Yea.... I'm going to ikea, getting a bed frame for $100, getting everything else from Amazon, and calling it a day.
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It only cost a $1000 if you decide it does. We bought a $299 bed at an unclaimed store, and you would think it is a $1000 frame if I did not tell you.
But The matress including the four point restraints system was about 4K.

If you dont have to buy at a given moment, and have the patience good deals are out there.
 
We have 3 IKEA pieces in our master bedroom that do a great job for us. Took a while
to build them but still a good deal and we are really happy with them. Our kids are
out on there own and always talk about the good furniture deals they find at Goodwill stores.
 
I refurnished my house in 2012. That’s when I realized how expensive furniture can be.
1 couch, 1 loveseat, 1 smaller sleeper couch = $5K.
 
BobbyFord said:
I refurnished my house in 2012. That’s when I realized how expensive furniture can be.
1 couch, 1 loveseat, 1 smaller sleeper couch = $5K.
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Yeah..... if you buy high quality stuff that won't go to crap within a year..... that's what you have to pay......

The wife and I have always been into furnishing with antiques.... Dressers, beds, sofas, chairs..... most everything.... we learned early on..... all the new crap you buy doesn't last .... unless you buy the high dollar stuff.... You can buy antiques.... they are built to last......they stand up to kids ...... can use them as long as you want... they are still in good shape and can sell them for more than you paid for them..... Of course not everyone are into them.... different strokes for different folks....
 
kymartin6 said:
Yeah..... if you buy high quality stuff that won't go to crap within a year..... that's what you have to pay......

The wife and I have always been into furnishing with antiques.... Dressers, beds, sofas, chairs..... most everything.... we learned early on..... all the new crap you buy doesn't last .... unless you buy the high dollar stuff.... You can buy antiques.... they are built to last......they stand up to kids ...... can use them as long as you want... they are still in good shape and can sell them for more than you paid for them..... Of course not everyone are into them.... different strokes for different folks....
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My couches are LazyBoy. All of the wood furniture that I bought came from India, solid wood. I was able to get some decent prices but I had so many items on my list that it wound up costing quite a bit. It will last forever but it put a considerable dent in my savings :(
 
BobbyFord said:
My couches are LazyBoy. All of the wood furniture that I bought came from India, solid wood. I was able to get some decent prices but I had so many items on my list that it wound up costing quite a bit. It will last forever but it put a considerable dent in my savings :(
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It's like the old saying........ ''you get what you pay for''........ buy cheap junk...... it's sitting out by the road for the trash man within a year...... It's just really hard to make that original outlay of cash.......
 
Your furniture really depends on your situation. I live by myself, though I do own a cat. I very rarely have people over and simply wanted a couch for when I do have company. With few people visiting and a cat who do what she wants with your furniture, I didn't see a point in spending a lot but I didn't want to buy used, so I bought a new couch from Big Lots for $300. Serves it's purpose and looks fine too.
 
Brentford said:
Your furniture really depends on your situation. I live by myself, though I do own a cat. I very rarely have people over and simply wanted a couch for when I do have company. With few people visiting and a cat who do what she wants with your furniture, I didn't see a point in spending a lot but I didn't want to buy used, so I bought a new couch from Big Lots for $300. Serves it's purpose and looks fine too.
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As long as it’s serves what you need. Being able to make your own choices is key. The cat had no input ;)
 
I helped a friend pick up a load of furniture from ikea with my truck.That was interesting putting it together,it's like a big puzzle.He downsized big time when he became an empty nester.I really have no idea about our furniture,wife makes the purchase and she's happy,so I'm good.
 
Friend went ballistic when he learned his ''genuine'' cherry wall unit housing his TV, stereo etc was particle board with a photograph, like a wrap on cars, of real cherry lumber
The mark up on furniture is astronomical. Look at the size of the show rooms. Have to pay the rent / mortgage somehow.
 
When I moved here from Los Angeles, I sold everything I owned just about. So I needed 2 bedroom sets, living room and dining room when I moved into an apartment here. Bought almost every piece in Charlotte, NC. They have great furniture outlet stores. Pull up with a truck, pay, load and go. Good furniture. Not dirt cheap, but great prices.
 
Bobw said:
Friend went ballistic when he learned his ''genuine'' cherry wall unit housing his TV, stereo etc was particle board with a photograph, like a wrap on cars, of real cherry lumber
The mark up on furniture is astronomical. Look at the size of the show rooms. Have to pay the rent / mortgage somehow.
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I have a solid oak entertainment center that will not fit the new big TV sets. Beautiful piece, but useless.. and heavy as crap.
 
I promise not to go ''I remember when bread was a nickel'' on ya's but the cost of lumber for a DIY
woodworkers is out of control. It has been escalating for quite a while. Walnut that I bought for $3.50-$4/00 ten years ago is $9.00 a board foot. Cherry, need to give up your first born. Red oak that I bought to burn in the fireplace is $4 now
 
Pat said:
I have a solid oak entertainment center that will not fit the new big TV sets. Beautiful piece, but useless.. and heavy as crap.
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I have a solid cherry one made for the old big TVs that makes a damn fine armoire. :D
 
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Anyone try any of the custom made stuff?

We just had a 7ft farm table with a bench made, they also included 5 chairs that they repainted. Out the door it cost me $800. It'll last forever and its way cheaper than the cheapest thing at rooms to go that'll only last a few years.
 
Go Panthers said:
Anyone try any of the custom made stuff?

We just had a 7ft farm table with a bench made, they also included 5 chairs that they repainted. Out the door it cost me $800. It'll last forever and its way cheaper than the cheapest thing at rooms to go that'll only last a few years.
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The wood stuff I bought is either rosewood (sheesham,) or mango, from India. Solid wood, handmade and heavy as hell. My desk weighs 250 lbs. It’s reasonably priced and will last forever. I also bought a bookshelf, two living room tables, storage hutch, dining table & chairs, two media tables, an entry table and three side tables.
 
BobbyFord said:
The wood stuff I bought is either rosewood (sheesham,) or mango, from India. Solid wood, handmade and heavy as hell. My desk weighs 250 lbs. It’s reasonably priced and will last forever. I also bought a bookshelf, two living room tables, storage hutch, dining table & chairs, two media tables, an entry table and three side tables.
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That's awesome. I like the real wood stuff. I want to get into making homemade stuff, i just have to get the right tools.

I made this "mudroom book case" a few years ago for the boys to store their shoes and jackets in. Unfortunately I don't have a place for it in the new house, so its just hanging out in the garage for now.
 

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Go Panthers said:
That's awesome. I like the real wood stuff. I want to get into making homemade stuff, i just have to get the right tools.

I made this "mudroom book case" a few years ago for the boys to store their shoes and jackets in. Unfortunately I don't have a place for it in the new house, so its just hanging out in the garage for now.
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Nice job!
 
The funny thing with the Indian furniture is the hardware. Primitive nails, some completely unseen. No ball bearing slider rails on the drawers, you only need that with soft wood. My desk has six drawers that are visibly the same size but there’s really only one drawer for each slot. No metal, wood on wood with no detectable wear.
 
Pat said:
I have a solid oak entertainment center that will not fit the new big TV sets. Beautiful piece, but useless.. and heavy as crap.
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We ran into the same thing.......... really nice solid oak entertainment center..... the wife is pretty handy and has good ideas...... we put it in my bedroom..... I have a 32'' t.v. for my computer screen..... a 40'' T.V. on top.... I built a sliding shelf underneath for the keyboard..... in the glass doors is the printer...... underneath behind the wooden doors are all my files with my cook books and tax forms.... It has worked out excellent..... beat the hell outta' selling a really nice hardwood piece of furniture on Craig's list for 50 bucks......
 
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BobbyFord said:
The funny thing with the Indian furniture is the hardware. Primitive nails, some completely unseen. No ball bearing slider rails on the drawers, you only need that with soft wood. My desk has six drawers that are visibly the same size but there’s really only one drawer for each slot. No metal, wood on wood with no detectable wear.
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;) I agree........ a really good trick with hardwood drawers that are wood on wood....... (we learned this with the antiques)...... if they start to stick or hang..... use a bar of bath or hand soap on the rails and slides...... they work like new again........
 
kymartin6 said:
;) I agree........ a really good trick with hardwood drawers that are wood on wood....... (we learned this with the antiques)...... if they start to stick or hang..... use a bar of bath or hand soap on the rails and slides...... they work like new again........
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Awesome. Thanks!
 
kymartin6 said:
We ran into the same thing.......... really nice solid oak entertainment center..... the wife is pretty handy and has good ideas...... we put it in my bedroom..... I have a 32'' t.v. for my computer screen..... a 40'' T.V. on top.... I built a sliding shelf underneath for the keyboard..... in the glass doors is the printer...... underneath behind the wooden doors are all my files with my cook books and tax forms.... It has worked out excellent..... beat the hell outta' selling a really nice hardwood piece of furniture on Craig's list for 50 bucks......
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Yours sounds like it is made a lot like mine with the configuration.
 
Pat said:
Yours sounds like it is made a lot like mine with the configuration.
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Probably so Pat....... The very best thing was using the 32'' T.V. for the monitor..... and adding the rolling shelf for the keyboard...... everything is tucked away neatly ...... the computer tower sits right next to the printer....... I forgot 1 thing....... I had to add a shelf for the monitor to sit on so there was room to add the key board shelf.... I give all the credit to the wife..... she came up with the idea......
 
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dpkimmel2001 said:
A good mattress is a good investment. I doubted that until we purchased one. It was worth it.
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I have heard a lot of folks say that....... I think you are right in most instances...... Me....... I can sleep on just about anything...... Firm..... soft..... doesn't matter..... I remember when I was very young..... my Granny slept on a featherbed mattress....... when you laid in it.... it just engulfed you...... :)
 
kymartin6 said:
Probably so Pat....... The very best thing was using the 32'' T.V. for the monitor..... and adding the rolling shelf for the keyboard...... everything is tucked away neatly ...... the computer tower sits right next to the printer....... I forgot 1 thing....... I had to add a shelf for the monitor to sit on so there was room to add the key board shelf.... I give all the credit to the wife..... she came up with the idea......
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Mine already had the shelf under the TV for a black box I assume.
 
I work at a furniture store and furniture is no different than anything else in retail. Boss gets that stuff pretty cheap as I've seen some invoices that have came in and a bed room suit that he'll get around $2000 for not counting bedding was only $50 total. It's crazy but the only way he stays in business really.
 
That's why I build most of my own furniture. I save a fortune on coffee and end tables and entertainment centers. Most of the old ones get turned into new ones. I bought a quarter sawn oak bed once for 25 bucks because a leg was broke. That got turned into an entertainment center. It's now getting turned into a dresser.
 
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be9ak7ts16 said:
That's why I build most of my own furniture. I save a fortune on coffee and end tables and entertainment centers. Most of the old ones get turned into new ones. I bought a quarter sawn oak bed once for 25 bucks because a leg was broke. That got turned into an entertainment center. It's now getting turned into a dresser.
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Care to share pictures of some of the stuff you've made? I'd love to see them.
 
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