Smashed patio table - what are our rights?

mlw1

Hi, We bought a patio table and chairs at the weekend at a local garden centre. It is a metal table with a glass top. It is in our secluded garden (no-one overlooking or able to get to it). We went out this afternoon (it was very windy), came back to find the table smashed. Not just cracked, but absolutely smashed. There are no stones or other debris within the glass. The only explanation we have is that the wind caused it - maybe there was a weakness in the glass already.

We contacted the garden centre and they have said that they have never had that happen with the product before, so it can't be faulty. But isn't it possible that this one was? Anyhow, it looks like we won't be able to get a refund/replacement after owning it for 4 days and we haven't even used it yet!

We have been asked to contact the manager directly by email and it is his final decision as to what happens, but it looks unlikely that they will do anything.

Any information, opinions or advice would be really great.
Thanks:)

Darksun

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spontaneous_glass_breakage

The glass did actually fail in the way it is supposed to, that is, completely shattering into small (fairly) smooth shards, rather than cracking and leaving any dangerous edges exposed.

By law, within the first 6 months of purchase it is down to the retailer to prove that any faults were not present when it was manufactured, I don't really know how they can do this since even tempered glass manufactured to the highest standards can be subject to spontaneous glass breakage.

s_b

find the squirrel that threw nuts at it in my suggestion

garethgas

I suspect that something, somehow landed on it and it shattered.
However, this can't be proved or disproved so I'd be pushing the manager to give you the benefit of the doubt and replace it. He may do this as a 'gesture of good will' if you prompt him.
Also, unless it was an anvil flying around, I would expect toughened glass to be more resistant to debris flying around and hitting it.
Unless, of course, it had a flaw.
PS Did you assemble it yourself?

mlw1

The glass was already within the metal surround when purchased (in a box). There is no other debris within the glass to suggest that something was thrown at it or landed on it. And, like you say it would have to be something quite heavy and would surely be obvious. Thanks

mlw1

Also, do we have to accept a replacement - or can we push for our money back? To be honest, i don't think i would trust a replacement now after what has happened to this one.

Hintza

If the table wasn't level and twisted then it could easily shatter the glass. If I was you OP I would ask the manager to come round and inspct where the table was positioned.

mlw1

The table was positioned on a level patio

vikingaero

There's been a few threads on M&S coffee tables and oven doors where the glass has shattered. All it needs is heat or sunlight to heat up a bubble/defect in the glass and the glass will shatter.

garethgas

vikingaero wrote: »

There's been a few threads on M&S coffee tables and oven doors where the glass has shattered. All it needs is heat or sunlight to heat up a bubble/defect in the glass and the glass will shatter.

Isn't my double glazing toughened glass? The sun/heat doesn't shatter that (I hope)

scheming_gypsy

well it is cricket season.