Thank you. I read her blog and she sounds incredibly jaded. She can say you can get the stuff elsewhere, but I can't find other places that sell 13 feet tables. I really need one this size because of the size groups we host. I can get one custom made but 1) it is much more expensive and 2) it will be really plain and not be the look I want. So I am trying to see what the quality of the wood and finishes of RH tables are. Hoping someone out there has one and can speak to that...or if someone knows where to get a 13" table that fits my look for less than RH I am very open to that!

I have a couple of friends that have them and both have found to wood very soft and easily dinged and damaged. They both have covers on them. One has glass and one just hides it unless in use.

We have a custom table and I think it cost less than the RH ones. Ours isn’t 13 feet but if I compare ours to RH same size they are higher

A lot of their stuff comes from areas of high humidity and when you use them where that is not the case the wood starts shrinking and expanding in a very bad way. I have no idea why anyone would have a table that length for every day use but I would always go custom with a craftsman in my area and IMO the plainer the better. Good quality wood and good quality workmanship can’t be beat. BTW I have dinner parties for 20 often and I Just add a table to mine that seats 10 .I would be curious to see which table you are thinking about .

If you choose RH check out their outlets.

My friend had one and to it to Goodwill after less than 3 years due to dings and cracks. RH is lots of smoke and mirrors, IMHO. Where are you geographically? And what look are you going for?

I found an excellent table maker from Ohio named John Rose on Etsy. Very reasonable pricing. Personally I would include an extension for leaves to add some flexibility for smaller dinner parties.

If you are in the U.S., search for Amish made furniture. There are numerous websites to chose from; you can buy a solid wood table for less than the veneer/MDF of RH. They can customize size, Edge Profile, wood type and finish. Here is one example

https://www.amishtables.com/collections/tables-for-14-or-more

For more options, why not a smaller table with leaves?

A smaller table with leaves is what I want. It is hard to find a table with leaves to make it that big. That is what I am looking for. The RH tables are smaller tables with leaves. I haven't found other companies that make them with a look I like.

Thank you for the amish link. I actually find all of the options ugly. I know they are customizable, but I don't like them. And honestly, they end up several thousand more than RH.

I will totally look up John Rose on Etsy! Thank you!

So many seem to be questioning why I need a table this large. This is for a University president's home and we host large dinners regularly. The house is being built to have room for a big table for this purpose. So it is crazy to build a house for it and then not put the large table in the room. I really had a distinct look in mind, and the amish furniture doesn't just do it, plus the ones I have priced have literally been 2k more than the RH hardware table I am looking at. That being said, if it is legitimately junk, I won't buy it. So I guess I will keep looking for a RH hardware look with a better quality, hopefully for a similar price. This is the look I am shooting for. https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/category/products.jsp?cellBackground=false&link=StJamesCollection-AntiquedGreyOak&categoryId=cat7580012

Can you clarify how big of a table you need? Your post said 13’-14’ but it looks like the RH table maxes out at 10’?

Also, when you host events, is there a full tablecloth?

The table has leaves that make it go to 13'. I do not really like using tablecloths, although I do sometimes. On a day to day basis it is uncovered for sure.

I buy a lot of old mahogany from Harp Galleries, but inventory moves fast. Is this too traditional? https://www.harpgallery.com/shop/item32646.html Also Stenella Antiques near Philly carries massive tables, new and antique.

Try Arhaus.

When you figure out how many people you can seat around the table, remember that you won't be able to seat people at those twinned pedestals. They're wide, and as you see from their picture, there will be no room for a person's feet. A style with a single pedestal on each end would be better, since the pedestals do not interfere with seating as legs do. My sister purchased one through her decorator, for her long dining room.

We have a RH DR table and I really like it. It has a simple design and a really cool leaf that folds under the table. Ours seats about 6 but they make this model in longer lengths, see link below.

I really like it BUT the big (bad) surprise is that the wood is unfinished. Completely unfinished, meaning if you splash a little oil & vinegar dressing on the table it would stain, because the wood is naturally porous and thirsty. We did some research and then I applied a suggested matte varnish. I regret this and wish I had put on a low-luster oil finish instead. Glass would also work and one can easily get glass to fit almost any rectangular shape ( GlassTopsDirect.com, for example). If you want details about the finish please respond. This particular table has really nice reclaimed wood with interesting dings, nailholes and such. The finish we have is named "salvaged natural" & it's the 96" version.

My wife doesn't like table because there's gaps in the reclaimed wood, but my feeling is that one can vacuum the stuff in the cracks every so often.

Would suggest that you visit a RH showroom, if possible and look, touch and analyze the wood and table? RH makes very nice items, in our opinion; we have a bunch of their furniture, lamps, etc..

https://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod370026

Just curious, would getting 2 of the same tables be an option? 2 6-7 ft tables that is.

I am just wondering what table you ended up with for your dining room? If you went with the RH table, are you happy with it?

I love everything I have ever purchased from RH. I, too, am about to purchase a 13 foot table from them. I'll probably also buy a glass cover.