Table has developed defect

gardening_diva

I bought a dining table & chairs from Debenhams almost 2 years ago. The table is used once a week & always with a tablecloth. The table is not in direct sunlight and has been well cared for. This week I noticed that a couple of hairline cracks have appeared in part of the laminate and as a result it is starting to rise almost like a bubble.

Is it reasonable to expect a table to be free from such defects after this amount of time?
Do I have any chance of claiming a manufacturer defect?

frugal_mike

The Sale of Goods Act says that goods should last a reasonable time, but 'reasonable' is not strictly defined. It will depend on many things, including things like the price paid and the nature of the product. I would certainly expect the average dining table to last more than 2 years though.

If the fault is inherent (i.e not caused by misuse or fair wear and tear etc) then you have a claim against the retailer. They have to repair, replace or refund (possibly partial to account for usage). However as it is more than 6 months since you bought it then the law will assume the fault is not inherent unless you prove otherwise.

Contact the retailer and see what they say.

Also, have you followed and care instructions you were given? When I got my table I was told to polish it at least every 6 months to stop cracking. I have no idea if the same applies to laminate tables.