POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND PRODUCTS (MOULD & BLISTERING)
In May 2020 we purchased the Turin Resin Concrete Table and Harper Dining Armchairs. 3 months after taking delivery we notice mould setting into the teak and the resin in the table blistering. We had purchased the suggested wax and applied it as instructed. The table was on a well drained patio and we live near Milton Keynes so we don't experience out of the ordinary weather conditions.
We reported the issues and JA sent someone to review and report back. The response was that the mould was due to "environmental factors" and that we should move the table to a different location. This isn't possible (see pictures). The table and chairs were being used frequently, covered when appropriate and we didn't expect to see mould so soon, or at all, given that it was the summer.
The remedy suggested was to sand the mould out and or try a weak bleach solution. Neither of these issues helped as the mould re-appeared shortly afterward.
As you can see from the images, we have built our own bench from Iroko (similar hardwood to teak) and have not seen any mould appear in over a year.
In addition to the mould we noticed the concrete resin table top blistering. As mentioned we had waxed the tabletop as suggested. The response from JA:
"The resin table top was as we would expect – the surface tends to go rougher over time and it would be unreasonable to think that the table top would stay in its exact original form ( in the same way that any product would change slightly if left outside in and outdoor environment)"
We are not unreasonable people, however this is not a slight change, the tabletop is rough to touch and completely different to the surface when it was delivered.
Overall, we are disappointed in the fact a significant investment in a product that we intend to use for many years has degraded in such a way. That coupled with the lack of empathy and appreciation from Jo Alexander has lead me to post this review in the hope that this may not happen to someone else. Or, at least your expectations can be set accordingly.