[Outdated, please look at pinned post] Casual Conversation

So very true.

Here in Europe, the large old stuff is incredibly cheap. I recently bought a 17th or 18th century full oak wardrobe. The screws it did have were all hand made. Next to no screws, all splints(?) and stuff like that. Don't know the English terminology.

But it's dark wood and large. Scares people off. They also don't realise antique cupboards are very often easier to take apart than Ikea furniture. Paid just 100 Euros/dollars.

Also bought a family member a 19th century nutwood veneer antique beidermeier style cupboard. Once again, large cupboard. Almost flawless. Seller had previously tried to sell it for a few hundred, but no one wanted it. Bought it for thousands back in the day. Desperate to get rid of it as they were downsizing. Too large for the flat. 30 Euros. Absurd really.

The only problem you do occasionaly run in to is woodworm, scrapes and moisture. Obviously I avoid woodworm, but scrapes and moisture are something I've learnt to deal with. Polish, beeswax, etc. But that really scares people off, because they don't realise how resistant high quality wood is to damage, and how easy it is to fix with some dark wax and elbow grease. They're used to Ikea flatpack MDF crap. Do they even use MDF? Last time it was even cheaper and thinner crap.

Only disadvantage is how fucking heavy some of it is. Especially the oak stuff. Really does your back in. The wardrobe I mentioned earlier must have inch thick oak doors. The doors alone are almost 6 foot heigh.