Nelson Bench  

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Hi Cheree, read the following post to get some insights about buying knock-offs.
http://www.designaddict.com/design_addict/forums/index.cfm/fuseaction/th...

Thanks LuciferSum. That was...
Thanks LuciferSum. That was very helpeful. I don't mind not buying a knock-off if places that sell the originals had some sort of discount or sale on them from time to time (even like a 10% off sale would be appreciated). I think if they did, that would cut down on people considering the option of a knock-off. This is the first time I've even considered a knock-off, I guess I won't, but some incentive to buy the originals would be nice.

It's a long shot, but...
First, let me say that i am not completely against knock-offs, as long as they are well-made and clearly sold as unlicensed knock-offs. Like everyone else here, i prefer originals, but sometimes the cost is simply (and inexplicably) prohibitive.
That said, i have NEVER seen a well-made knock-off Nelson Stat Bench. Herman Miller's high-quality maple is often substituted with lesser-quality birch. But more importantly, the jointing is awful; and on a product like this, the jointing is both highly visible and paramount to the overall look.
I too have many pieces from Room & Board; i think it's a wonderful company. Did you know that they usually have floor sample clearances in June and December?
About three years ago, i was fortunate enough to find my Nelson bench on clearance there at 40% off. They don't discount everything on the floor, so i got lucky. Maybe give them a call and see if they can help you.

crankyd,
Thanks so much...
crankyd,
Thanks so much for the info, the information you took the time to share was extremely helpful. It sounds like considering a knock off of the Nelson Bench is not a good idea because of the difficulties in creating a solid end product.
I wasn't aware that Room & Board has clearance sales in June and December. They left a couple of items off of my recent order, so I do need to call them to re-order what was left off. I'll ask them about my best option in regards to ordering the Nelson Bench. I'd be willing to wait until December to get it from them (rather than a knock off) if I thought there might be any sort of discount on it.
In our recent move, we decided to sell all of our furniture rather than move it out here (from Colorado to California), so while we currently have no end tables or coffee tables (which I plan to use the Nelso bench as), it won't be very much of an inconvenience to wait.
We moved into an Eichler condo last month and are having a great time in furnishing it (slowly).

Buy it from Highbrow furntiure
If you buy it from highbrow furniture, there is no tax and free shipping. They are also in stock and you'll get it in about 7 days. With the no shipping/tax, that is over your 10%.
http://www.highbrowfurniture.com/seating/products/PB/

I'm In The UK
I'm In The UK, and Nelson benches are a rare thing
is there anyway of telling an original from a knock-off ?
I have one here, it has some age to it, is beautifully made, but I have no idea who made it, or indeed how old it is..

look at a book on George N...
look at a book on George Nelson and Herman Miller .. you can spot a fake a mile a way, it is in the wood and the legs, to this day Herman miller has used white bleach wood with almost no stain and only lacker. After 40 years the shiny lacker turns yellow a lot of the fakes start with a yellowish wood. Miller did make it in Black and dark wood also. many fakes do also.

room and board
I must have hit the same room and board sale that crankyd hit - i bought my herman miller ebony nelson bench from room and board on clearance for about 40 percent off. I believe the ebony bench was on clearance, because herman miller discontinued manufacturing the bench in that particular finish. I use mine as a tv bench.
If you're going to use it for that particular purpose, then go with whatever repro you can find. I'm really not that impressed with my bench - the finish has chipped and there are hairline paint cracks where the joints meet. I believe someone else on this board had the same problem and when he contacted herman miller, he was told, "Go get some touch up paint."

DAVID
I have had three or four benchs in the last 3 years one i got from a Estate sale for 100 bucks and it was a real old nelson bench from the 50 s it turned yellow
I bought a miller black one from a estate sale and gave 125.00 and the last one i bought was a knockoff cause i liked the color for my office, it was new,
The millers were 50 years old but they both had cracking and problems and needed work,
But the funny thing is the knock off wood was beautiful the best i have ever seen. as it was first class teak wood the only problem was it wobbled like a 95 year old man and i had to have it re made with good screws they used cheap tacks to put it together instead of screws. (stupid ) to say the least it was from China, but i have really never seen these things perfect, I know they leave the factory perfect, but from the best to the worst they really are a cheap piece of furniture hate to say it nothing to them, that a good trim carpenter could knock out before lunch,

It should come in a kit so...
It should come in a kit so the super duper handy man can put it together on a Saturday,
I have never seen one in a kit like that Ashley crap that sells at Target, and Staples ,

DWR also floor samples
DWR also occasionally floor samples their stock. A friend of mine got a great deal on a couch that was being replaced. Go make friends with someone there. There is also a DWR outlet store somewhere in New York.
I would say I've seen 3-4 original HM benches, and 3-4 knock-offs and the quality just isnt there. The knockoffs all tend to be very lightweight and flimsy.
Years ago I was considering making one myself (how hard could it be right?) but then I saw the workmanship on the original and realized I was out of my league.

I live .............
I live in a building site......
but I'll try and get a picture of mine tomorrow, and see what you guys think.
It's very well built ..
I'm fine on anything British, and most things Scandinavian..
but American stuff.. I have no idea !

If you do buy a cheap knoc...
If you do buy a cheap knockoff just find a friend with a hammer and and
a electric screwdriver, it will be well worth your effort. The Knockoff like i said had beautiful wood....
The carpenter took it apart re drilled the holes, put glue in, new large screws, a little black paint, and better than ever,
and no trace of the crappy Chinese work that some kid under 12 put together for 35 cents a hour .
I am not kidding if you can get one cheap buy if and have a guy tighten it up you will have made a great deal .

Thanks to everyone for their...
Thanks to everyone for their replies. Now I'm wondering if I should even try to get one at all. It sounds like the originals aren't all that well made either and yellow over time, and I don't have a carpenter friend (great suggestion btw) to work on a knock off from China.
Maybe I should go back to looking at other coffee tables/benches. If anyone has any suggestions, that would be great. I was considering the 4 foot one because we don't have a large living room, so a smaller / narrow / rectangular one is going to work best for us.
Thanks!