Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Upon reading the reviews, I think it reasonable to suggest the following possibilities: (1) some people received different products than others; (2) some people do not know what they are talking about; (3) some people are not honest; (4)some people may have a vested interest in Crown Mark Furniture. Interestingly, some of the rave reviews are from people who only have one review to their name - this table. I posted images to verify the poor workmanship and the fact that particle board is used in fashioning this table. The table I received is, at least in part, made from particle board (the table top/shelf is either particle or ply). The side panels of my table are not finished on the bottom (underside) of the panel - the particle board clearly visible (see image). The leg panels are mitered, epoxied, and stapled together - not an enduring construction. On three of the four legs the staples are not countersunk resulting in an unfinished gap in the finish (see image). On the inner surface of the legs, apparently by design, the epoxy visibly forms a bead at the mitered joint (see image). Presumably this compensates for inexact mitering but replaces it with a gray stripe about 1/8-inch wide. My table came with a hairline scratch on the surface revealing a white surface underneath. What is interesting to me is that the finish is about one molecule thick - yes, an exaggeration but you get the point: it is thin beyond words. Undoubtedly this explains the cautions that come with the table, one of which is "do not use commercial waxes and polishes." (Only lemon oil or soap and lukewarm water are allowed) This caution urges the conclusion that the finish is subject to damage by petroleum distillates contained in many polishes and, in any event, the finish is terribly delicate. (For those of you who are stuck with this table, I would suggest a visit to your favorite building supply box store and purchasing two twelve-inch tiles (granite would look nice, e.g.) and place those atop the table (without cementing them in place). By so doing, you accomplish a beautiful, tailored surface that is bullet proof! Oh, another caution: maintain even humidity conditions in your home [to] prevent splitting. Why? Because one characteristic of particle board is that it is prone to expansion due to moisture. But wait, maintain even humidity but wash with water??? If water seeps into the particle board or ply, it WILL expand. Finally, I would ask, if this table is made from solid wood, why place a particularly delicate veneer/finish on it? Why not stain and varnish (urethane) it and bring out the grain of the wood and produce a more durable surface? Ah, because it is not solid wood so there is no grain to bring out. And another note, the bottom of the top and shelf are sprayed with a (gray) sealer - not finished; I have NEVER seen a wood coffee table or end table that was not finished top and bottom! Why did they not finish (veneer/stain/varnish) the bottoms? And why not use solid (wood) legs instead of epoxying/stapling flat ply/particle boards together? Note the veneer on the bottom (floor side) of the leg - why veneer an edge you will never see (see image)? Because it is particle board (or ply). Why did they not veneer (cover) the particle board edge of the side panel? Forgot, I guess. OK: this IS a particle board table that possibly has a ply top/shelf. The question remains, is it worth $35? I'm returning mine because of the visible defects. Being particle board/ply with a poor veneer/finish, I imagine the surface will deteriorate quickly with normal use so I would cover the top with 12-inch tiles and avoid hitting it with the vacuum cleaner or my foot. Still, spills (moisture) will pose a serious threat to the integrity of the joints/finish. In my home, this table would not last because, bless my heart, I am going to crash into it once and a while, or I will attack it with my vacuum, or bathe it with my coffee (which is rarely lukewarm). Even though it is only $35, I do not feel like pampering this table to ensure its longevity. Given its poor construction and the fact that it is not solid wood, I do not feel it would be $35 well spent. And if you have not noticed, in the product description, there is no mention of this table being made from solid wood - curious, eh? That to me would be a selling point! My conclusion about the reviews: (1) some people received different products than others; (2) some people do not know what they are talking about; (3) some people are not honest; (4)some people may have a vested interest in Crown Mark Furniture. Oh, and for those of you who anticipate buying this table, there is no need for a team or cardboard fillers or whatever to aid in the attachment of the lower shelf - which has puzzled some reviewers. Once the legs are attached, place the shelf in position on its supporting blocks, then lay the table on its side (long side or short side - does not matter); the shelf will stay (or can be held) in position allowing one person to screw it in place. And, to those who bewailed the fact that the shelf was not predrilled: it cannot be. The blocks on which the shelf rests are predrilled; simply thread the screw through the blocks and screw into the shelf. The shelf cannot be predrilled because, given the poor workmanship (inexact leg placement, e.g.), predrilled holes in the blocks and shelf would never align themselves properly. Ed Update 07/31/2013: Amazon stated that, after I uploaded my images, they were being posted; they have yet to be!? Update 08/02/2013: Amazon still has not posted my images with their explanatory notes. I am wondering why. Update 08/05/2013: See the Comments Update 01/05/2014: FYI, yesterday I purchased this Sauder end table at WalMart (Mainstays branded). Sauder Beginnings End Table in Cinnamon Cherry Finish It is 100% particle board, very sturdy, nicely finished, and only cost $12.95 (vs. Amazon's $29.95 price). I added a lower shelf by placing a finished board across the the lower rails.