Am i expecting too much?

gazza975526570

About 3-4 years ago i purchased a kitchen table for about £500 from a large high street store.

We use it regularly, but not daily, as we have a separate dining room table which we sometimes use.

It is a hard wood with a veneer over it (i think....)

Over the last few months its appearance has gone downhill - one of the sides has split with the veneer off in parts completely, another side is starting to do the same, wear is showing in parts on the top of the table and one of the legs it is coming off.

I realise it isnt a mass of money for the table and that wear will occur but how long do you think a table should last? I'm just not sure if it was of poor quality or if my expectations are too high

Cheers guys.

gazza975526570

Anyone have any thoughts?

unholyangel

I'm far from a furniture expert, so take what I say with a pinch of salt...

I suspect the reason you haven't received any replies is due to people being unsure where you stand with a 4/5 year old £500 veneered table.

First, as its over 6 months you will probably (I can't see many retailers just taking your word for it) have to get an independent report to state whether the "fault" is inherent or not. If not, then its down to natural wear n tear/misuse. If it is, then you can insist the retailer offer a remedy, and you can request a remedy (repair/replace/refund - which can be partial to take into account use you have had of the item) but the retailer can refuse your request if your choice is disproportionately costly in comparison to another remedy.

After 4/5 years and given the goods concerned, you'll likely find (if the report is found in your favour) they'll opt for a partial refund.

So, all it comes down to is whether you feel the report cost (would be refundable - from the retailer - only if found in your favour) vs any potential refund is worth the time.

However, there is certainly nothing wrong with approaching the retailer and asking anyway. Some retailers offer better customer service than others - they may also be able to give you a estimate on how much they will offer as a partial refund which will help with the decision of risk vs gain.

McKneff

Personally, I would try to strengthen the leg, and chuck a nice tablecloth over it.

Just makes me wonder why suddenly over the last couple of months, colder weather, temperature in the house, they say we have had the coldest weather in October for years so maybe your heating has been higher than normal,

meer53

Depends what you've been using it for too.

unholyangel

meer53 wrote: »

Depends what you've been using it for too.

Give me a wardrobe and remove a few decades and i'd be using it as a climbing frame/base to jump onto my bed from

Always surprised that I survived my childhood with only 1 broken bone. I was always climbing stuff. Nothing quite like a game of hide n seek and "hiding" up a tree watching everyone else run around looking for you :rotfl: