I am still contemplating tables, but there are a few online stores I've found that have very nice, handmade tables at pretty reasonable prices. They seem like they are made better than those I've seen in the stores you mentioned. My favorite is Antique Tables Made Daily. Another one that looks good is Hawleys Fine Woodworking.

We bought a reclaimed hickory table from a company here in Minnesota. They do custom sizes and various reclaimed woods. Ours was a sample, so the price was fantastic but their regular prices weren't too bad either. I have no connection to this company other than being a satisfied customer.

Here's our table in its new home:

You might also check your local craigslist for local builders - there were a number of them in our area when we were looking

Hope this helps,

Jay

Here is a link that might be useful: Reclaimed furniture

you might want to check out antique store and flea markets. they are relatively easy to find and will have more character and likely more affordable than the stores you are referencing. and a green option - renew, reuse, restore!

I bought both my dining room table and kitchen table from Antique Tables Made Daily. I have been very pleased with the solid wood construction. Then offer various wood species and distressing levels. I have a maple Irish Immigrant Table in the kitchen and a cherry table in the dining room. Both have the hand planed surfaces. These are solid heavy tables.

Allnewappliances thanks for asking that question. I too am looking for a table. Doonie, I went on Antique Tables and one of the tables looks exactly like what I am looking for. Did you have it shipped and how long did it take for the order to be shipped. I know it said 30 days plus, curious about time length.

We got ours at Ethan Allen.. but not the chairs. I got the chairs at a country pine store. It is called the "NEW COUNTRY FARM TABLE" I love it

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.ethanallen.com/product?productId=1318&categoryId=8023

maggie08, I can't remember how long my tables took, but if you call them, I'm sure they can give you an accurate timeframe. I did have it shipped. They actually try and cooridinate their deliveries in the same areas and bring it themselves on a van. I was able to obtain several sample wood finishes prior to ordering too. It's very nice to be supporting an American Craftsperson!

Over in the decor forum, juddgirl2 has posted a few times about her Restoration Hardware farmhouse table.

Pics of Monocoat oil finish on RH table

pps - pics of Hubbardton Forge chandelier w/table

Thanks Doonie. I just called them asking about wood samples and time frame. I have a handcrafted table I got when we lived in MA and I love it. It is well made the tables you suggested look the same. Thanks again. Yes, keep it here!

I am currently looking for a table also; I saw one on the Crate & Barrel website that I really liked the look of but when I went into the store to check it out in person I noticed that ALL of their display furniture was badly scratched, which was not encouraging since I have 3 very active kids. The furniture forum is decent, not as much traffic as here but lots of good threads to search.

I went to go see Antique Tables Made Daily last weekend. The tables are really beautiful and the price is good. Not so much on the chairs. I am planning on trying rush seat chairs from ballard along with the ATMD table. I met the woodworker. Very nice guy. Good people.

Just thought I'd chip in on the chairs. We have the chairs in the kitchen as well as the table. They are good solid wellmade chairs. However, the look of them is very standard and traditional. There is nothing really exciting about them, but, like I said they are very well made and comfortable.