| While you may be excused for being confused | | | | |
| while making your choice of furniture, your | | | | Made of pressed sheet, this is again long |
| friends are not likely to be so kind in their | | | | lasting, though it may not be able to |
| comments when you finally pick up a piece | | | | withstand boisterous children as well as |
| just because you got sick of all the choices. | | | | wrought iron would. |
| Neither are your children going to spare your | | | | |
| furniture just because you spent a packet | | | | Galvanized cast iron pipes are good for |
| buying it. It is best to make an informed | | | | strong, light furniture, generally made in |
| choice to decide what works best for you. | | | | combination with a cloth or a nylon mesh. |
| | | | |
| From the traditional Amish made furniture to | | | | Plastic: |
| the modern factory made smooth finish set, | | | | |
| from the classic carved Victorian piece to | | | | If you opt for plastic, be ready for a large |
| the atypical non-geometrical design, from a | | | | variety of cheap and durable, yet limited |
| wide variety in the choice of material and | | | | life furniture. Being a very versatile |
| colors, you name it and you have it. Think | | | | material, plastic can offer you variety like |
| hard before you decide. | | | | no other. Beware of cheap quality stuff, |
| | | | however, wherein you run the risk of items |
| Here's a guide to choosing the best material | | | | that may crack, get scratched, fade, or |
| for your needs. | | | | simply break after a while. |
| | | | |
| Wood: | | | | Glass: |
| | | | |
| Wood has further multiple choices like | | | | Glass is yet another versatile material that |
| natural teak wood, pine wood, rosewood and | | | | will give your dining furniture that modern, |
| artificial wood laminates. The difference in | | | | special look. While an exclusive couple may |
| the original woods is mainly in the texture | | | | like to go for the full molded glass pieces, |
| and grain and you would do well to have a | | | | but a combination of wood and glass may work |
| look at what appeals to you. Teak and | | | | wonders for those with small children. Try |
| rosewoods are the more durable and expensive | | | | Amish dining furniture with a touch of |
| of the lot. Rosewood Amish furniture can last | | | | modernity thrown in - ask your dealer to fit |
| for years, and still look as good as new, so | | | | in a glass top on a wooden base to have the |
| your money would be well spent. | | | | right mix of class and strength. Make sure, |
| | | | however, that the glass is 8mm to 12mm thick |
| Wood laminates offer a cheaper version with a | | | | to be of adequate strength. |
| modern look, but are handicapped with a short | | | | |
| life span. If you intend moving soon to | | | | A word of caution in the end. Having made |
| another city, however, it could well fit in | | | | your decision, do not worry yourself sick |
| with your plans as a cheap, smart | | | | thereafter. There will always be that better |
| alternative. | | | | looking piece or a similar item available at |
| | | | a sale barely a few weeks after you purchased |
| Metal: | | | | yours. Don't get tense - be confident that |
| | | | you bought the best piece at the best price |
| If you want a more contemporary look, metal | | | | available at the time of your decision - or |
| may work for you. The choice varies from | | | | else you wouldn't have bought it, would you? |
| wrought iron to sheet metal to cast iron | | | | |
| pipes. A good wrought iron set has the | | | | The author has just redone her home using |
| advantage of being sturdy and long lasting. | | | | Amish handcrafted furniture. She bought from |
| Be aware, however, that the items tend to | | | | wholesale Amish furniture dealers who gave |
| look a bit dated with time, and it may then | | | | better prices. Amish Oak furniture lends a |
| be time for you to move on to your next set | | | | regal look to the home. |
| of sheet metal. | | | | |