World Market's Sustainable Rubberwood - Verona Trestle Table Dining Set Review

World Market, with their Rubberwood range of furniture, met every criterion I had for purchasing a dining set: Design, Sustainability, Solid Wood Construction, and Price.

Verona Dining Set Design

World Market's Verona trestle table has an appealing rustic farmhouse style ideal for both formal and informal dining settings. There are three seating options, chairs with a cross back feature, side chairs which are essentially chairs with arms, and a bench.

The table and bench have a distressed plank design that gives the dining set its rustic charm. The table's dimensions are 40" wide and 66" deep, but the table has an extender leaf, effectively camouflaged due to the grooved plank design of the top. Once extended the table dimensions increase to 40"wide and 84"deep, easily seating eight.

The one draw back of the plank design is that cleaning can become difficult as crumbs collect in the grooves. This may make the table impractical with young children; however, another feature, the distressed finish makes it ideal for use with young children. A soft bristled brush, such as a basting brush, will both protect the tables finish and clear stubborn crumbs from the table's grooves.

Aside from being sturdy and visually appealing, World Market's Verona Trestle table dining set met another three other important criteria for me, in searching for an informal dining set.

Solid Wood Construction to reduce VOC emissions

The first criterion was that it should be made of solid wood, which means it off gasses considerably less volatile organic compounds than furniture made of particleboard or veneers. Volatile organic compounds are a major cause of indoor air pollution and the chemicals concerned may have detrimental health effects.

Sustainable Rubberwood

The second requirement was a preference for construction using a sustainable wood product. World Market's Verona trestle table dining set is made of solid Rubberwood. Rubberwood trees are cultivated for their latex sap. However, after 30 years the trees are felled because sap production slows to a non-commercially viable level. The tight-grained solid wood, previously a waste product, now has a market for furniture.

Of course, some may consider the miles the furniture travelled from Thailand to reach our shores offsets and ecological friendliness of the wood choice.

Price

Lastly, the Verona dining set met my budget requirements. I picked up the 6 piece set-table, four chairs and a bench-on sale for $999.

If you are considering a major purchase from World Market, I recommend you sign up for their email newsletter. You will receive coupons for great discounts. So far, I have received and used a 10 % coupon off any purchase, and a 15% discount on home décor, which I am considering using on additional pieces in the Verona range.

The Verona line of furniture at World Market also includes a buffet with a cross design wine rack, a six-shelf bookcase and a two-shelf bookcase.

Checking with the two World Market stores in our area, I was disappointed, however, to discover they don't deliver. Do check your local store prior to shopping if this is a showstopper for you. The chairs and tables do require assembly. Their boxes should fit in a truck or large SUV. The largest box accommodates the tabletop in its collapsed state with a few inches either side for packaging material.

About World Market:

The first world market store opened in San Francisco in 1958. There are now 270 World Market stores in 30 states, selling furniture, home décor items, and food and wine, from around the world. For more information www.worldmarket.com

About Sustainable Rubberwood:

Rubberwood is a waste product of the natural rubber industry, repurposed to produce eco-friendly furniture. For more information on Rubberwood.

About Volatile Organic Compounds:

Volatile organic compounds are a major cause of indoor air pollution. VOC's are emitted from many common household products. The chemicals have been associated with negative health impacts. For more information on volatile organic compounds, click the EPA link.