Lots of good commments to your original question,
but as a reality check on the 'rustic' - have splinters
in the feet been considered?
I have carpet and the family (and many guests)
leave shoes at the front door.
Maybe it's the definition of rustic....


He does not want a fully planed finish on the boards. He wants something
more rustic since the house is an old home and he wants to maintain some
of the old character, so whatever he takes down on the surface of the
boards is going to be fairly minimal.