I knew that for the price point of under $200 the rails weren't going to have an Ethan-Allen-quality finish, but the grain of the rails in the online photo appears to be much cleaner than the rough, barely-finished knotty boards that I received (see first photo). I called the manufacturer, and they said I could return them to for replacement, but I knew in reality it was unlikely that a second set would be any better. So I decided to put my rookie wood-staining talents to work. Lots of sanding and three coats of stain later, I'm happy with the results (second and third photos).
That being said, the kit itself was great. Instructions were easy to follow, the pre-drilled holes for the bolts were in the right places, all the parts were included, and everything fit.
I would have given it five stars if the rails were made from more select wood, as the online photo showed.
If you like rustic knotty pine, you'll be happy.
I knew that for the price point of under $200 the rails weren't going to have an Ethan-Allen-quality finish, but the grain of the rails in the online photo appears to be much cleaner than the rough, barely-finished knotty boards that I received (see first photo). I called the manufacturer, and they said I could return them to for replacement, but I knew in reality it was unlikely that a second set would be any better. So I decided to put my rookie wood-staining talents to work. Lots of sanding and three coats of stain later, I'm happy with the results (second and third photos). That being said, the kit itself was great. Instructions were easy to follow, the pre-drilled holes for the bolts were in the right places, all the parts were included, and everything fit. I would have given it five stars if the rails were made from more select wood, as the online photo showed.