$2000 Australian Marri Timber Table Imperfection???

vegemite2008 on 29/04/2022 - 17:29

We recently bought a Australian Marri timber dining table for $2000 (comments welcome ha ha ha)….

There are some imperfections which I would accept if the table was from IKEA or similar but not sure if it is acceptable for a $2000 table.

It might be have a Australian Marri timber table should look like.

Comments and suggestions are much appreciated.

The retailer simply said:

It would be part of the casting process - these minor imperfections are part of the make of the product, making each unit unique.  these are not considered defects.

https://ibb.co/BqW4mJ6

https://ibb.co/pPYXRSr

There 5-6 marks like this on the table.

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Comments

  • PissLUR on 29/04/2022 - 17:36
    +1

    check their floor stock if they have those marks

  • apsilon on 29/04/2022 - 17:36
    +9

    Casting process? Is it artificial timber?

    • Muzeeb on 29/04/2022 - 17:40

      This makes no sense. I'm guessing op has their words mixed up.

      Looks like a tooling mark of some sort to me that wasn't removed or couldn't be removed easily in the finish sanding process.

      • vegemite2008 on 29/04/2022 - 17:47

        That's what I thought. It might be tool mark.

        • apsilon on 29/04/2022 - 18:09
          +3

          It might be tool mark.

          None that I'm familiar with. I've not used Marri however but the colour is what looks wrong to me, like they've used the wrong filler. If you look at your second pic to the left of the large mark you've circled you can see some more of that grey in line with the grain. Maybe contact some timber suppliers who are familiar with it and get their opinion?

      • vegemite2008 on 29/04/2022 - 17:48

        That's the reply we received from the company.

        • Muzeeb on 29/04/2022 - 17:51

          It's not a term I'm familiar with in wood working but then again what would I know.

    • SF3 on 29/04/2022 - 18:02
      +1

      Casting process?

      Like screening for actors for a tv show?

    • apsilon on 29/04/2022 - 18:17

      Actually, just a thought, this isn't a timber table with resin inlay is it? Casting still isn't the term I'd use for a resin pour but would at least be close.

  • SF3 on 29/04/2022 - 17:43

    If 100% natural timber (has imperfections), it’s not typical ikea and couldn’t be fully buffed out.

    Did you have a question?

  • Euphemistic on 29/04/2022 - 17:44
    +1

    Image either too small to see or to large to Laos properly.

  • Drakesy on 29/04/2022 - 17:47
    +4

    The first imperfection i can live with, the second on a brand new $2000 is a bit lazy on the manufacturer's behalf.

    Looks like its a joined marri table with slats rather than a single slab which makes it easier to assemble/finish. It's probably just a buffing imperfection where the wax/sealant hasn't come off and stuck or filled a groove (seems to be continuous along the join groove). I'd be taking it back to the supplier tbh to rectify, even if it means refinishing it. if it's on the surface you might even be able to buff it off though.

    I've owned marketplace bought marri items and they're finished immaculately for half the price.

    • vegemite2008 on 29/04/2022 - 18:04
      +1

      I have sent them another email and hopefully they will offer to replace it or give us a partial refund.

      I had enough of these big companies trying to bully consumers.

      • zombrex on 30/04/2022 - 19:53

        Ensure you are firm, don't take no for an answer and use strong language. Those marks are definitely unacceptable for a new table.

  • elgrande on 29/04/2022 - 17:48
    -5

    Nothing is ever perfect.

    For instance, you seem to have found yourself in Western Australia.

    • Some Human on 30/04/2022 - 03:39

      Maybe they wanted to spend more time with their family, so they moved to WA.

    • cameldownunder on 30/04/2022 - 12:35

      For $2000 it could be a bit more "perfect" than what shown on OP post

  • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2022 - 18:03
    +3

    It would be part of the casting process - these minor imperfections are part of the make of the product, making each unit unique. these are not considered defects.

    unscrupulous leather workers use the same excuse when the hides have brand marks, veins & scars in them, just say it makes every piece unique :) leave out the part that you got the leather at a discount because it had marks on it.

    if you spend 2 k on something like this, you should receive nothing less than perfection. the person you spoke to is bullshitting you

    • vegemite2008 on 29/04/2022 - 18:38

      We paid full price for the table.

      • cameldownunder on 30/04/2022 - 12:36
        +1

        Credit Card: Item not as described / defect

  • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2022 - 18:17

    Was the table a custom order or did you select it after viewing instore?

    • vegemite2008 on 29/04/2022 - 18:36

      We selected it after viewing it instore. It is not floor stock.

      • [Deactivated] on 29/04/2022 - 19:09
        +1

        I wouldn't accept the table as-is especially if you paid full price & the floor stock that you viewed didn't have those marks/the number of marks that appear on your table.

        You mentioned that you sent the store an email but you may have more luck/impact by going back instore to argue the point & using your photos to contrast it with the floor stock table as this is what you based your purchase decision on.

        Good luck!

  • AdosHouse on 29/04/2022 - 18:26
    +8

    If I'm paying $2k for a timber table, it had better be a single slab top, not slats like this is.

    Those marks look like imperfections in the pieces, either natural or tooling, which they have then filled up with resin to make a flat surface. But even a beginner woodworker knows to mix in some of the fine sawdust with the resin so that it is the same colour. This is just lazy.

    • 82norm on 30/04/2022 - 09:47
      +1

      Obviously your not a cabinet maker. Good luck finding a single timber slab wider than a metre that can be cut down in this day and age.

      • lgacb08 on 30/04/2022 - 21:43

        I'm not and I wouldn't pay that price for slat of timber joined together with pvc glue or what's not, rather get a second hand for a single piece.

  • Stewardo on 29/04/2022 - 18:44
    +3

    Looks more like veneer board, I can see Veneer edge strip on the end. Might be an imperfect veneer, it’s a natural product so it will have imperfections, but the maker should be selecting sheets more carefully.
    Is it made in Australia?

    • apsilon on 29/04/2022 - 18:45

      I noticed that but thought it may be just a bevel on the edge as the colour does appear to change in line with each board.

      • Stewardo on 29/04/2022 - 18:52

        Yeah maybe a bevel, is hard to tell with the photos,
        “Casting process”? Are they talking about veneers?

    • vegemite2008 on 29/04/2022 - 18:59
      +2

      I don't want to name the company yet. Will give them the opportunity to make things right first.

      It is one of the more expensive retailers.

      The wood is Australian Marri timber.

      We needed to take a photo of the manufacturing label. It was under the table.

      Guess what, it says Made In China (on the label) imported by the noname company.

      Not sure what Australian Consumer Law stipulates but I usually do not crawl on the floor looking for labels..

      My mistake, I did assume that it was made in Australia because of the product text.

      • garetz on 29/04/2022 - 19:02
        +3

        If its made in china it might not even be marri timber, could be made to look like it.

        Get a timber expert to have a look at it for you, seems abit expensive for what it is.

      • Muzeeb on 29/04/2022 - 19:03
        +3

        Well that explains it. The seller has no idea or the workmanship how to possibly repair it.

        $2000 is actually pretty cheap for a made in Australia table but now we know why.

        I just google imaged Australian Marri table and it looks quite different to yours. Any chance of a photo of the complete top?

        Looks pretty similar to some Vic Ash furniture I own.

        • brendanm on 30/04/2022 - 09:58

          $2000 is actually pretty cheap for a made in Australia table but now we know why.

          That's what I thought, big slab dining table made from Australian wood for $2000, slab is worth that much by itself.

      • Stewardo on 29/04/2022 - 19:07
        +1

        What does the underside of the table look like?

      • Look Up on 29/04/2022 - 19:47
        +1

        See my links below - get a refund and then start shopping for another table.

        Gumtree has the best selection of new and used Marri tables in WA - https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-dining-tables/wa/marri+table/k0…

  • YeemaiI on 29/04/2022 - 18:46

    https://ibb.co/pPYXRSr

    r/uselessredcircle hardtoseeredcircle

  • Look Up on 29/04/2022 - 19:13
    +4

    Is the table the Byron 8-10 seater from Nick Scali - https://www.nickscali.com.au/byron_dining_table ?

    Nick Scali are publicly listed so they have a very comprehensive warranty process - check "Minor Failure" under here - https://www.nickscali.com.au/warranty-information

    As you're based in WA and have a discerning eye, check these guys out - https://www.jarrimber.com.au/

    • Muzeeb on 29/04/2022 - 19:25

      Nick Scali furniture is trash fancy.

      That jarrimber furniture looks legit for sure and they also state…

      100% Australian Made

      I also bet their similar sized table to op is way more than $2k

  • Look Up on 29/04/2022 - 19:39
    +11

    The crappy quality is easy to spot when the colours are inverted - https://ibb.co/W2XbZrP

    The entire section circled in red is the same mismatched grey filler heavily sanded down

    The colour of the wood doesn't look as wet and rich as you would expect either so they've skimped on the oil finish

    • Muzeeb on 29/04/2022 - 19:51
      +2

      Looks like you've hit the nail on the head. Great detective work.

    • JimmyF on 29/04/2022 - 21:07
      -1

      Yep screaming wrong filler colour indeed!

      • AdosHouse on 29/04/2022 - 21:32
        +5

        For stuff like that, you don't use a coloured filler, you use clear epoxy and mix it with sawdust from the sanding. Exact colour match.

    • AdosHouse on 29/04/2022 - 21:34
      +1

      That red circled part, I look at that and see it as a joint between two wood panels. Like this is not a one piece tabletop. The grey line is straight, and the grain and colour do not quite match on either side of it.

    • vegemite2008 on 30/04/2022 - 02:13

      Thank you.

  • Some Human on 30/04/2022 - 03:44

    Get A Current Affair onto them!

  • The tiger on 30/04/2022 - 08:10

    Whatever timber table you bought but that $2,000.00 one might overstretch your pocket. If you are financially ok. why bought one with defects. It obviously will gnaw you for a long time ; definitely not worth while for acquiring that table. My advice is to return it and get your refund.

  • jason101 on 30/04/2022 - 08:30
    +2

    Just wait until you have kids and they slam the end of their cutlery into it physically denting the timber or your nan puts her hot tea down and melts a ring into the surface. I’ve got very worked up about similar things in the past only to look back and wonder why I was so stressed.

    • Quantumcat on 01/05/2022 - 09:13
      +1

      If OP was planning to not care they could have got a $500 table

  • 82norm on 30/04/2022 - 09:52

    Get a Nicholas Dattner table. $2000.00 is cheap for Aussie hardwood.

  • askme69 on 30/04/2022 - 10:03
    +1

    If it's a natural imperfection and colour (fine) that's character.

    Those marks look hideous and i would not accept it at all. Stands out like dog balls. To be honeat, looks like these faux timber floors, that are nasty, but not cheap.

  • DarkOz on 30/04/2022 - 10:32
    +1

    It's the same colour as the glue used to join the wood planks. It's very noticeable in the second photo that I saw it immediately.

    Workmanship imperfection.

    P.S OP. Did the food taste better on this table? I think now I know why my kids doesn't like my cooking. Been using the $150 Ikea table for 4 years.

  • OzHunterNSW on 30/04/2022 - 15:18
    +2

    The table is a show piece in it self. People would marvel at it's quality of pride and workmanship. There is none of that here.

  • d500 on 30/04/2022 - 22:44

    Looks exactly like pigmented epoxy filling in imperfections in the timbers. Not clear if the imperfections are natural or were bumps and sings created through manufacturing. Either way, filled in.

    The epoxy is hazy, if a finish has been applied it will turn a nicer black which blends well with features of Australian timbers. Would recommend wetting the area to get a feel for the look of it.

    Without seeing the whole piece $2000 seems reasonable.

  • dayta on 02/05/2022 - 11:31
    +1

    Marri is a highly figured wood, so you're pretty much always going to end up with filler in it - good sales people will make sure you understand this. This looks like a weird choice of filler colour, but maybe it's a better match on other parts of the wood.

    I have marri floorboards in my house, and the filler colour is more of a light brown, which seems to be a better match, but with the natural variation in the marri colour you still get sections where it's obvious that it's been filled.

    $2000 is pretty cheap for a marri table - it's very common for them to be made in China despite it being aussie wood, local craftsmen aren't really competitive on price.

  • vegemite2008 on 18/05/2022 - 16:36
    +3

    Latest update.

    I did not want to name the company but it was Nick Scali.

    I am very disappointed with their customer service.

    They offered a $200 refund 2 weeks ago which I accepted. The rep said that their accounts department will give me a call and organise for the refund.

    I am still waiting for the money.

    I have sent them 4 emails - not a single reply.

    I have called them 4 times, Nick Scali cust rep says person in charge is out at the moment but they will call me back.

    Very frustrating.

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