Split has appeared in 7 month old handmade solid wood table

twopenny

I'm fairly stunned by all the care that is supposed to happen to new handmade wood furniture.
As said I worked in a small factory, have furniture of my great great grandfather down through a few centuries. It's had endless abuse. But just a clean and wax.
I do wonder if the care aspect is a chance for a get out clause.

I bought a hardwood garden bench that was supposed to be protected but the stuff went out of production sharpish and it's survived 30yrs outside .

Restored some and the guy teaching me had me cleaning a queen Anne table with scouring powder.
It's still okay and looking lovely.

Yes, heat and direct sunlight can damage and it is softwood I think, but this table has had neither. It's an unfortunate fault. 
The makers may not have known but it's their responsibility.

Albermarle

twopenny said:

That's not acceptable.
I used to work in an independent furniture factory and it's either fixable or replace.
It's definitely not fit for purpose.

OP- Read the T's and C's as advised ( and any care instructions). However regardless of what they say, it is clear from the quoted post ( and from just looking at it) that it is not acceptable.
If you say they must fix it or you want a replacement, then you might see some action.
From their point of view it should be less costly to fix it than replace it, so they might agree to that without too much fuss.
Although it is up to you if a fix is acceptable, or not. 

Section62

twopenny said:

I'm fairly stunned by all the care that is supposed to happen to new handmade wood furniture.
As said I worked in a small factory, have furniture of my great great grandfather down through a few centuries. It's had endless abuse. But just a clean and wax.
I do wonder if the care aspect is a chance for a get out clause.
...

But for all but the last 50-ish years of that, it would probably have been kept in a relatively draughty room which was heated sparingly. And was likely made of wood seasoned outdoors for a year per inch plus some.

Modern furniture is more likely made in a hurry using timber which was growing not that long ago, and frequently ends up in a double-glazed central heated house.

Different times call for different approaches.

But yes, putting some onus on the buyer to look after the item does give the manufacturer/seller some scope to deny responsibility.

born_again

Ken2000 said:

LightFlare said:

Ken2000 said:

I bought a handmade solid wood table, from an independent furniture maker, and after 6 months I noticed a 30cm full depth spilt, which is quite disappointing. It's not been near any sources of heat.

I mentioned it to the furniture shop and was told that it wasn't anything to worry about and just to keep an eye on it in case it gets worse.

It looks pretty bad to me and has left a couple of large splinters on the surface. The table cost £550, so not hugely expensive, but it's quite disappointing nonetheless. 

Where do I stand with this? 

In your first picture, that edge is right next to a radiator. 

If that’s it’s usual position, then I’m not surprised it’s split 

The radiator hasn't been on since we bought the table. 

Given most radiators are under a window. Does the table get sunlight on it & full sun heat in bright days?

have you actually spoken to retailer?

grumpy_codger

Radiator is red herring. It's furniture and isn't supposed to be kept away from radiators (that normally are well below 100C anyway).

Timber is prone to splitting. That's why it has to be dried and stored long enough and graded then - before any furniture is made, unless the furniture is intended to have splits and cracks.
Even construction timber is graded and splits are one of several factors affecting grading.

Albermarle

Section62 said:

twopenny said:

I'm fairly stunned by all the care that is supposed to happen to new handmade wood furniture.
As said I worked in a small factory, have furniture of my great great grandfather down through a few centuries. It's had endless abuse. But just a clean and wax.
I do wonder if the care aspect is a chance for a get out clause.
...

But for all but the last 50-ish years of that, it would probably have been kept in a relatively draughty room which was heated sparingly. And was likely made of wood seasoned outdoors for a year per inch plus some.

Modern furniture is more likely made in a hurry using timber which was growing not that long ago, and frequently ends up in a double-glazed central heated house.

Different times call for different approaches.

But yes, putting some onus on the buyer to look after the item does give the manufacturer/seller some scope to deny responsibility.

Many years ago I bought an item of furniture from Oak Furniture Land. The sales guy explained at length the maintenance regime needed to keep the warranty valid, and IIRC made me sign a form that I understood and had received all the relevant info. 

Ken2000

born_again said:

Ken2000 said:

LightFlare said:

Ken2000 said:

I bought a handmade solid wood table, from an independent furniture maker, and after 6 months I noticed a 30cm full depth spilt, which is quite disappointing. It's not been near any sources of heat.

I mentioned it to the furniture shop and was told that it wasn't anything to worry about and just to keep an eye on it in case it gets worse.

It looks pretty bad to me and has left a couple of large splinters on the surface. The table cost £550, so not hugely expensive, but it's quite disappointing nonetheless. 

Where do I stand with this? 

In your first picture, that edge is right next to a radiator. 

If that’s it’s usual position, then I’m not surprised it’s split 

The radiator hasn't been on since we bought the table. 

Given most radiators are under a window. Does the table get sunlight on it & full sun heat in bright days?

have you actually spoken to retailer?

That side of the house doesn't get any sun at all. I've tried messaging them, which is where they told me it was nothing to worry about and offered me some wax. 

twopenny

Don't message. Too easy to fob you off.
Write a letter saying that it's a lovely piece of furniture you disappointed with the product and response with the product and want a repair, replacement or refund. Start reasonable. Keep a copy.

If they continue to fob you off hop over to the consumer rights forum and get some wording for a second, more purposeful letter... keep a copy.

But first read their terms and conditions to see what's there.

The firm I worked for was small, all handmade and there was only one proper complaint. The firm had insurance to cover claims. They shouldn't need it for this but they should still be covered so don't put up with a sob story. 
Know what you want to happen and ask for it.

koalakoala

I’ve had wooden items split over the years
Was told because they were taken in to a warm dry house
Quite possible in my case, as I do like to be warm!

35har1old

Ken2000 said:

I bought a handmade solid wood table, from an independent furniture maker, and after 6 months I noticed a 30cm full depth spilt, which is quite disappointing. It's not been near any sources of heat.

I mentioned it to the furniture shop and was told that it wasn't anything to worry about and just to keep an eye on it in case it gets worse.

It looks pretty bad to me and has left a couple of large splinters on the surface. The table cost £550, so not hugely expensive, but it's quite disappointing nonetheless. 

Where do I stand with this? 

No heat on since March if it remains in the same position it is likely that the crack will get worse