Coffee table/Ashley Furniture rant, am I wrong?

[bruceb]

My bedroom dresser 8 large drawers, with 4 small ones in the center, was made in Miami around late 1940's, family relative carpenter. It is solid Mahogany.

 

[weadjust]

I have never seen a chinese person at the local Ashley manufacturing plant.

Ashley manufactures approximately two-thirds of its products in the USA, with the remaining third imported from Asia.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I have never seen a chinese person at the local Ashley manufacturing plant.

Ashley manufactures approximately two-thirds of its products in the USA, with the remaining third imported from Asia.

So, who's forcing them to build crap then?

 

[BoberFett]

So, who's forcing them to build crap then?

Consumers who put up with cheap stuff to save a buck?

 

[fitzhue]

Is the table wood, or glued sawdust? I'm not familiar with the brand, but generally you don't get wood wet. It's a delicate product, and paradoxically, expensive furniture will ruin quicker than cheaper furniture. They generally have finer, more delicate finishes.

I don't know about that. I spilled a 20 oz bottle of Coke on a coffee table I bought at room and board a few years ago. I mean it was all over. I cleaned it up with a cloth and some water. Dried it. No big deal. The top is 4 pieces of solid cherry. I can't see how Coke vs. water would make much of a difference.

 

[AreaCode707]

When I bought a coffee table, I got a wood one with two glass inserts, figuring that it would be easier to put cups on the glass than worry about coasters. I've always considered it basic knowledge that wood + wet stuff = damage.

After I figured out that people in the US today are morons who have no idea you should not set a chilled wet glass on a high quality wood table, not to mention who will put their shoes on nice furniture, I made my next coffee table purchase one with a stone tile top. Much less hassle and I spend a lot less time trying to prevent my friends from damaging my furniture.

 

[SSSnail]

Ashley furniture are made in China, ***ASSEMBLED*** in the US. Yes they're cheap craps.

You can get stuff from here http://www.furniture2go.com/ and free delivery to boot. Same "quality" as Ashley's, and cheaper.

 

[Rage187]

After I figured out that people in the US today are morons who have no idea you should not set a chilled wet glass on a high quality wood table, not to mention who will put their shoes on nice furniture, I made my next coffee table purchase one with a stone tile top. Much less hassle and I spend a lot less time trying to prevent my friends from damaging my furniture.

Your mom and popped collar must be so proud.

 

[Engineer]

Ashley furniture are made in China, ***ASSEMBLED*** in the US. Yes they're cheap craps.

You can get stuff from here http://www.furniture2go.com/ and free delivery to boot. Same "quality" as Ashley's, and cheaper.

That's the big thing about people spouting that the USA makes as much or more than it used to. The US is bringing in sub-assemblies from other countries and doing a "value added" (big keyword) process on final assembly and stamping either made in the USA, assembled in the USA...or even worse, "Designed in the USA" on it.

Zebo states it best...cheap is more expensive.

 

[bruceb]

I agree with Engineer's remarks about products being made outside the USA. All that does is lead to bad quality control. It also does Nothing to help the US economy get back to where it should be. All this, in the name of Greedy Corporate Executives. One of these days, it will be pay back time, wether on earth or when they go to their just rewards, which will likely be downstairs.

 

[LegendKiller]

I agree with Engineer's remarks about products being made outside the USA. All that does is lead to bad quality control. It also does Nothing to help the US economy get back to where it should be. All this, in the name of Greedy Corporate Executives. One of these days, it will be pay back time, wether on earth or when they go to their just rewards, which will likely be downstairs.

Yeah, Ashley execs are going to hell because consumers demand the cheapest products possible rather than buying quality ones built in their own country that will last decades. Instead, we all need an iPad, an iPhone, full cable, and a gas guzzling SUV.

Did your parents drop you are a kid or were you just born without logic?

 

[Bignate603]

I agree with Engineer's remarks about products being made outside the USA. All that does is lead to bad quality control. It also does Nothing to help the US economy get back to where it should be. All this, in the name of Greedy Corporate Executives. One of these days, it will be pay back time, wether on earth or when they go to their just rewards, which will likely be downstairs.

It's not just greedy corporate executives. They wouldn't have anybody to sell this stuff to if the consumer didn't want crap. Businesses make money by selling people what they ask for. If you ask for the absolute cheapest thing no matter what the quality is, that's what you'll get.

If you don't want to support that sort of business go out and buy something that's quality and pays a living wage to their employees. The best way to vote on this sort of stuff is with your money.

 

[Lifted]

I agree with Engineer's remarks about products being made outside the USA. All that does is lead to bad quality control. It also does Nothing to help the US economy get back to where it should be. All this, in the name of Greedy Corporate Executives. One of these days, it will be pay back time, wether on earth or when they go to their just rewards, which will likely be downstairs.

If there is so much demand for Made In The USA furniture, why don't you start up your own business instead of blaming "them" for whatever problems you imagine they are responsible for?

 

[bruceb]

I for one only buy quality products. Most of them are made in the US.

 

[lxskllr]

I for one only buy quality products. Most of them are made in the US.

You're in the minority. People want as cheap as possible, and companies are willing to oblige, and that usually means China. The tag of greed doesn't just belong to corporations. It goes all the way to the consumer level when every day decisions are made.

 

[bruceb]

Yes, I probably am. But I believe in getting the best or next best, depending on my budget. You buy it once and unless you decide you need / want another style, it lasts a long time.
Same for my tv and electronics. Most are Sony as I like their products & reliability. Same with auto tools. Snap-On or in some cases, Craftsman.

 

[alkemyst]

Makes me glad my wife and I didn't buy couches from them a few months ago. Other than that, them saying you shouldn't have a drink on a coffee table is absurd...

almost any furniture you really shouldn't have drinks directly on the surface.

This is why people use coasters.

Anyway, I don't see how it's possible this table was warped if you immediately wiped up the spill. Was something left on the table overnight actually and got knocked over or sweated into the top?

 

[BoberFett]

You're in the minority. People want as cheap as possible, and companies are willing to oblige, and that usually means China. The tag of greed doesn't just belong to corporations. It goes all the way to the consumer level when every day decisions are made.

Why do people find that so hard to understand? Companies simply sell what their customers want.

 

[ShawnD1]

almost any furniture you really shouldn't have drinks directly on the surface.

This is why people use coasters.

I don't think I know anyone who uses or even owns coasters. These days most people own stuff that resists water because it's made from plastic. Plastic is cheaper than wood, so shit you buy at ikea is usually plastic in some way.

If you want something to resist water like plastic but you're not dirt poor, get a rock table. Rocks are awesome.

 

[alkemyst]

i don't think i know anyone who uses or even owns coasters. These days most people own stuff that resists water because it's made from plastic. Plastic is cheaper than wood, so shit you buy at ikea is usually plastic in some way.

lolwut?

 

[ShawnD1]

lolwut?

A lot of people own a table like this. Maybe not the same one, but close.
http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/00095036
Table top: Particleboard, Fiberboard, ABS plastic, Acrylic paint
Filling material: Paper
Shelf: Particleboard, Melamine foil, ABS plastic
Leg: Fiberboard, Particleboard, Foil

I like my cheap plastic shit. It will last just as long as wood but it does't warp :thumbsup:

 

[alkemyst]

A lot of people own a table like this. Maybe not the same one, but close.
http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/00095036
Table top: Particleboard, Fiberboard, ABS plastic, Acrylic paint
Filling material: Paper
Shelf: Particleboard, Melamine foil, ABS plastic
Leg: Fiberboard, Particleboard, Foil

I like my cheap plastic shit. It will last just as long as wood but it does't warp :thumbsup:

You didn't get what I meant. I don't know anyone past college that has plastic furniture except some with retro 40's and 50's stuff.

Buying a rock table is not only a financial decision, but they aren't practical for most.

I bought my current coffee table at Ashley actually. It looks nice, but was cheap as well as cheaply made. When it comes time to replace it, it will be a no brainer.

I no longer buy top notch furniture as I'd rather replace things every few years. If I had a mansion and 'themed' rooms then of course buying something that would last forever makes a lot of sense.

To me a $2000 or so sofa gives me the same benefit as a $10,000 one.

 

[Bignate603]

A lot of people own a table like this. Maybe not the same one, but close.
http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/00095036
Table top: Particleboard, Fiberboard, ABS plastic, Acrylic paint
Filling material: Paper
Shelf: Particleboard, Melamine foil, ABS plastic
Leg: Fiberboard, Particleboard, Foil

I like my cheap plastic shit. It will last just as long as wood but it does't warp :thumbsup:

To each his own, personally I don't like the stuff I deal with every day to be absolute and utter crap.

 

[ShawnD1]

You didn't get what I meant. I don't know anyone past college that has plastic furniture except some with retro 40's and 50's stuff.

It's kinda hard to tell unless you're picking it apart

This one looks kinda nice. If I was putting a cup down and not really inspecting the table, I probably wouldn't know it's cheap crap from Ikea
http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/50152944

This is a real wood table.

The color and texture are a little different, but no two trees are the same. You can't even tell by feeling it since the table will be lacquered to protect it. You'll only know it's real wood if you try picking it up and it feels heavy, or if you stand on it and it doesn't break

edit
Real wood (or metal) is probably good to have if you have kids. My parents had a real wood coffee table and I remember being hurt pretty bad when horsing around and bumping into it. The table is indestructible.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

You'll only know it's real wood if you try picking it up and it feels heavy, or if you stand on it and it doesn't break

Heh, MDF weighs a ton and properly framed is very strong. It makes a good table top when veneered or given an appropriate finish. Unfortunately the crap they use in making furniture is not much better than building with graham crackers.