Buying furniture new or used-need rec

[DrChrisHE]

As we have settled into our new home (a major improvement from the other one without hot-water, leaking everything & major pests) we have realized that we need to purchase a few pieces of furniture. Alas, we are having sticker shock. The last furniture we purchased here--over a year ago-- was used (& we still thought it expensive for the quality). Can anyone make a recommendation on where we can buy items such as night-stands, bookcases, bathroom storage units and/or shelving units? We are willing to travel between Santo Domingo and La Romana if the price is right (and we can arrange a day there).

If anyone is selling these privately or knows someone who is OR of a store that isn't intent in ripping off the gringos who live in Juan Dolio...please post or PM me! TIA!
paz y salud,
DrChrisHE

[DrChrisHE]

I should have mentioned that we are more interested in function than form at this point (with three boys still living here). TIA

[fightfish]

Why not try the highway shops south of Santiago. They make everything from bamboo beds and couches to chairs, tables, nightstands, etc, out of wood and affordable. Plus that gets you out of the gringo circuit.
Another idea is find a local carpenter, purchase the supplies yourself and have him make you some original stuff. This should be very inexpensive. Same thing with welders.

And there are always hammocks!

[DrChrisHE]

Thanks Fightfish! I think we'll try your suggestion about the shops S of Santiago (how far S?) We have discovered the welder thing...very affordable and we may have to resort to book shelves made that way.

'Got a laugh out of the hammock thing--could see my boys in those but we have lots of beds.

Originally Posted by fightfish

Why not try the highway shops south of Santiago. They make everything from bamboo beds and couches to chairs, tables, nightstands, etc, out of wood and affordable. Plus that gets you out of the gringo circuit.
Another idea is find a local carpenter, purchase the supplies yourself and have him make you some original stuff. This should be very inexpensive. Same thing with welders.
And there are always hammocks!

Thanks again for these suggestions. Anyone else feel free to add...TIA

[Fernandez]

Buy Used, and live with their cockroaches and insects.

[adrianb]

Keep an eye on the newspaper and be very fast responding. Probably you want the Santo Domingo classifieds, I imagine on Saturday morning.

But you need to be extra sharp, you're competing with all the smart Dominicans who are better at saving money than we are. With that said, when I first got here I bought a used washing machine I still use 6 years later and it works great.

[DrChrisHE]

Originally Posted by Fernandez

Buy Used, and live with their cockroaches and insects.

Yeah--but you know, we buy things from Jumbo and Iberia that come with those too. I'm so sure that there are any sure bets on not importing bugs into ones house. We even did it to ourselves with an anti colony. When we moved our dressers from the old house to the new one, sure enough...the same marching ants had brought their babies along inside one of the drawers!
Paz y salud,
DrChrisHE