LOL, Susan...I understand all about "cat-proofing" collectibles! Three of my cats are no problem, the 4th one makes up for all of them. His name is Jazz, but everyone here now knows him as "Trouble", which he even answers to. ;o) from your name, gather you have Basset hounds...I'm a hound person too. Whippets. Nice to meet you. hugs, Karen

Yep - we loved this one too! We even went to Pottery Barn to check it out. The little end pieces are truly that thick, but the main table isn't. I'm not good at describing these things - so bear with me! If you were to look underneath the table, you would see the main table and two lengthwise pieces of wood...sort of like an "L"...instead of a solid table top - like the two little end pieces are. I know - I suck at explaining! But basically - I don't think it's worth $1700...but maybe i just haven't shopped around enough! It is wood and not laminate - which is great.

aki, lovely dining table -- the colour is perfect when Canadian winter sets in : ) . I agree with lascatx. If you wanted a project to bring your current table in line, at least colour-wise, with the other table, you could strip the top and stain it, and then paint the base black. Is that a possibility? brdl, wonderful project. That looks amazing, and the perfect use for so many of those vintage and antique sewing machine bases. As another Canadian, I'd love to be able to shop at World Market!

my guess is the chairs are http://www.dwr.com/dining-chairs-and-stools/masters-chair/1017.html?lang=en_US#lang=en_US&start=57 (for cheaper but similar concept check allmodern.com, if interested) table..give me some time..))