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I think it’s fine as is

I sort if think that if you are willing to accept a discount, then the holes don’t bother you so much. Get a new (filled) table at the same price and send this one back.

"Get a new (filled) table at the same price and send this one back."

The store won't take it back.

I would just fill them myself, if it bothered me so much-

Just google it

I was thinking the same fill it myself or live with it. Personally I would probably live with it. If the holes don't fill with food and gunk then I wouldn't worry.

ETA to add it is beautiful. And I am very sorry you didn't get exactly what you wanted. Even if our opinions are different you have to be comfortable with it.

I am sorry the store dropped the ball on you. This may sound strange, but is it the holes that really bug you now or the principle that the salesperson didn't do the right thing and won't fix it? The holes don't bother me at all, but I'm not sitting down with my family for dinner at that table.

If you do dispute the card, I believe they will demand the table back and you are back to square one.

Good luck!

I'm with your husband. Not only do the holes not bother me, I'm quite fond of them. They're like an exclamation point at the end of the right sentence. They highlight the unique beauty and handmade quality of the table. Embrace them!

"This may sound strange, but is it the holes that really bug you now or the principle that the salesperson didn't do the right thing and won't fix it?"

She offered absolutely nothing, BOTH times; worse, she blamed ME for not requesting the hole fills -- like a customer should just automatically know they have to request this.

I'm familiar with reclaimed wood -- I have other pieces -- and yes holes and sawmarks and nicks and whatnot are part of its character. It's the blaming the customer and doing absolutely nothing to compensate me for not one but TWO screw-ups that really burns me. And, while the table is beautiful, I would have wanted the holes filled. I can accept it for what it is but because it isn't exactly what I wanted, isn't compensation on some level warranted? I can also accept if I'm making a mountain out of a molehill and you guys tell me to stuff it.

She lost my business, I won't buy from her again, not after this.

If you do dispute the card, I believe they will demand the table back and you are back to square one.

I think this is probably correct. I don't think you can demand a discount via a credit card dispute. They may demand the table back and then what would it cost you to replace? This is one of those battles that may not be worth it.

I really think you need to choose your battles. You got a brand new custom table and barn wood has holes and imperfections.

Let's just skip past the person or place you ordered from. No, I would not order anything from her again. That ship has sailed and to quote a popular kids song from a few years ago, "Just Let It Go".

Can you contact the company that made the table and ask how and what to fill the holes with? Don't expect them to pay for it, just ask how and what to use. If that is not possible, Minwax has wood fillers in all colors. You can match very closely to what you need. It may take two or three colors, but is do able.

It is a very nice table. I don't think the holes look bad, but I would probably want them filled, just because of maybe food debris. That may not be a problem, because I have a pine table from the 80's that is distressed and has dents. It has not been a problem cleaning it ever.

agree. let it go. the table looks fine, IMO. (curious why you show a shot of the table at such a distance, and an extreme close up of these 'holes'? They really aren't that big) You're focused on this one thing not because it's really that bad, but I think because this sales person has really gotten to you.

A cheaper option would be to find a wood refinisher/woodworker person in you area and see what they can do to fill and match, if indeed it bothers you that much. (heck, I could easily fill those and match the color) It would be a lot cheaper. (But, it's reclaimed wood. it's supposed to look imperfect. )

Otherwise, just let it go and move on w/life.

I’d leave it as is or else find a local woodworker to fill them. We have a reclaimed wood table that does have the holes filled; you can definitely tell, though they tried to color match, and I think I‘d prefer it without! I doubt you’d get far with a credit card claim if you don’t have an invoice showing you ordered it with the holes filled.

Ok, looks I have to just let it go...and never shop at her store again.

I completely understand wanting some sort of discount or at least some kind of acknowledgement that there was an oversight or improper communication. I think I would want one too especially after it being wrong the first time. I don't know how much you would even get for something like this. Any further communication with them I would do though email. Maybe tell them what a satisfactory amount might be and see what the response is ( if any ) .

I'm not always a fan of going to social media about things, but sometimes a well written, not nasty, not demeaning and just straight to the facts kind of review may sway things.

I do hope you can enjoy the table . It really is quite beautiful, holes and all.

Let it go. The holes are part of the charm of real barnwood.

Agree on letting it go - the table looks quite nice.i would not shop there again and leave a bad review.

I am trying to figure why you did not shop at the store you have a realtionship with? It seems they had no problem badmouthing the store you dealt with. BTW really poor business practice .If you hate the holes fill them. I do nto think the credit card company will help.

First, I'm sorry that you had to go through all that, especially the wait time, then not getting what you expected. Not to excuse the sales person, but I'm sure they are dealing with a lot of unhappy customers for things out of their control such as wait times. You should have been treated more fairly. In looking at the photo I notice the silver dot which I assume is the nail head. Personally I love the rustic little ditches but would probably touch up the nail head with a black or brown sharpie.

I wouldn't trust a competitor's evaluation of the situation--I agree with @Patricia Colwell Consulting here. Sleazy. That would put both stores on my NO list.

(I do NOT think the prior table misunderstanding was dealt with that badly--they took it back and gave you the option of a refund. Sure, it took a while, but that's how custom stuff is: Slow.)

You accepted this table so it would be unethical to start a CC dispute. But yes, you absolutely got crummy service. Yelp it and enjoy your pretty table.

My understanding of "reclaimed barnwood" is that it's supposed to be grody and nasty and the holes add to that feel. It's kind of cool!

I'm sorry this drawn-out ordeal has been so stressful, but truly, the table looks great to me. My dining room table is made of reclaimed chestnut factory flooring, also with holes, and I get frequent compliments on it. Due to its unique character, it is one of my favorite pieces of furniture. I hope you come to love your table, too.

In my opinion this is a production problem more than a retailer problem. The industry standard in distressed wood furniture is to fill all holes and voids on horizontal surfaces to keep debris from lodging in them. Having said that, the fumes from most resin epoxies are bad enough that I do understand a business deciding that it isn't going to fill holes unless requested...

However, the maker did epoxy the holes. They very clearly mixed up epoxy and filled some larger holes and they just didn't take the time to tape off the bottom and/or fill the smaller holes. I strongly suspect the reason they are doing this is to save a bit of time, as it is a pain to go through and fill all the small holes.

I am not sure the average furniture retailer really knows what is, or is not, standard and would argue that the maker really needs to do a bit more to note their process is not the standard. Having said that... I think it looks fine.

I also would not DIY this... They are going to likely have to sand and stain the table again and I doubt it will look decent if you take a shortcut.

---

ETA: Apparently many people have holes in distressed wood furniture. I have never seen a furniture maker not fill the holes on tables or desks... Live and learn.

"In looking at the photo I notice the silver dot which I assume is the nail head. Personally I love the rustic little ditches but would probably touch up the nail head with a black or brown sharpie."

Those aren't nailheads -- I put white paper underneath to show that the holes go all the way through the boards, the floor is brown so I wanted to show that.

"I am trying to figure why you did not shop at the store you have a realtionship with?"

I've ordered from both stores before.

"My understanding of "reclaimed barnwood" is that it's supposed to be grody and nasty and the holes add to that feel. It's kind of cool!"

Grody and nasty!?! No. At least not the hand-made good stuff --we're not talking cheap Wayf**r imported junk or something Joe Schmoe on Etsy made from old pallets in the barn here. Cool? Depends on your POV -- some people love it (as I obviously do), other people don't. But yea - I think its cool. I love the uniqueness of reclaimed wood, every piece has a history to it.

My barn door, pony ledges, and window trim are reclaimed from an old factory in the area, made for me by a local woodworker:

Barnwood island:

Bjjk et toi ça va mieux et que 2

“Grody and nasty”? Jeez. Certainly not how I view reclaimed barnwood! Rustic, unique and beautiful is more my take.

The holes, btw, are made by woodworms, particularly the larvae of wood boring beetles. While these holes are standard for reclaimed barnwood, and add character, I can understand why the OP is upset. There seems to have been a mix of unanswered expectations, and miscommunication.

Since it doesn’t appear that the store is willing to fix the problem, best to embrace the quirks of your beautiful table. Just be careful about spilling liquids, lest the drinks wind up leaking onto the floor!

Sorry but your obsession in both cases with not getting a discount (versus just having the issue resolved) makes me think you are not a fully reliable narrator here, and maybe are a bot of a difficult customer. This is one of those situations where i would be interested in the vendor’s side of the story.

Sorry but your obsession in both cases with not getting a discount (versus just having the issue resolved) makes me think you are not a fully reliable narrator here, and maybe are a bot of a difficult customer.

It is not unreasonable to want a discount for a product that you waited six months for that came in incorrect and then had to wait another six months. The shop breached the contract and the OP could take the same action as any other breach. The shop is actually rather stupid for not giving a discount.

Here is a hint for all those who provide a product or service... ALWAYS give a discount when you mess up! A discount is actually a settlement for the mistake, without the discount you leave yourself open to problems like credit card disputes and small claims court. However, customers are not allowed to dispute charges and can't prevail in a small claims case if the customer accepts a discount... it is just good business practice.

@ bry911 I’m pretty sure h202 meant ‘bit’ and not ‘bot’ as ‘bot’ in that sentence makes no sense.

Makes sense
Deleted that

I'd use a clear type of filler to display the charm of old wood but not worry about crumbs or spills. Then, forget about it. Holes are small and table is beautiful. other option: Use placemats for meals.

Also let's stop pretending that the other furniture store, who gave the same type of advice that you all give here is somehow, bad-mouthing the original store. The designers here have little trouble expressing their dissatisfaction with work of other designers, the architects regularly criticize the work of other architects, the counter fabricators often jump in to comment on the work or processes of other fabricators. Are you all bad-mouthing or just trying to help the OP when it is you doing it?

The shop simply noted that going over the options is the salesperson's responsibility when placing the order. That isn't bad-mouthing the other shop, that is simply explaining how the process should work to the customer. How would you feel if you ordered something, a car for example, and you were not asked which options you wanted other than color? It doesn't seem unreasonable that a furniture maker should require an order to note the options they want and it doesn't seem unreasonable for a salesperson to ask about those options.

Again, I am not sure this is completely on the reseller as the furniture maker should require this information on the order. So the order form should have a question that requires a response (e.g. original rustic - only large holes filled with dark epoxy, or modern rustic - all holes filled with dark epoxy).

I epoxy all tables with a tinted epoxy, in fact, I go in with a syringe and fill all cracks, which is the same process as every custom table and desk maker that I know. Cracks and holes shorten the life of the coating, so they always get filled.

im not imto rustoc/ reclaumed style, so forgive me if i am wrong, but arent those little holes part of the character and charm of purchasing such pieces? if you had been asked and requested to fill the holes, or if they automatically filled the holes, wouldnt it then just be smooth like a regular ( traditional, transitional etc) style table? if it would be smoth finish adter filling, then what would be the point of even buying a table like that to begin with?

again- I am not well versed in rustic style furniture, so perhaps I am wrong imy thinking and response. regardless, i hope you find a resolution youre happy with and enjoy using the table for many years. 😊

im not imto rustoc/ reclaumed style, so forgive me if i am wrong, but arent those little holes part of the character and charm of purchasing such pieces?

No. They should be filled with black epoxy and so they keep the appearance of a void but are actually smooth. Hard wax oils (which most tables are finished with) are prone to drying out over time. Debris that gets trapped in holes acts as a desiccant and will pull the oil out of the area surrounding the hole. Over a fairly short period the table will form rings of lighter coating around the holes and need to be refinished.

So the best solution is to fill the holes before applying the finish.

"if you had been asked and requested to fill the holes, or if they automatically filled the holes, wouldnt it then just be smooth like a regular ( traditional, transitional etc) style table? "

No, the top would be smooth enough to use but not as smooth as you're thinking of super-smooth in the usual sense. It would just not have holes that go through the boards.

Here's a close-up of my island top to give you a visual:

Here you can see where they filled some holes. The two on the bottom are still pitted, but the two black dots on the top are not.

"So the best solution is to fill the holes before applying the finish."

Not disagreeing with you, just mentioning that apparently this particular furniture maker does not fill holes unless requested by the customer. Some people fully embrace that, it adds character to the piece.

Aaaah!!! got it ! I never knew that the holes could be filled, but still retain the ”hole look” . i rhought if it was filled , then they go away and arent visible; sort of ; like when toy fill a hole to replace different size drawer pulls etc

makes sensr to me now. undersrood..

sorry for such an ordeal it really stinks when things go awry woth big purchases, renovarions etc it does look beautiful in your space though I hope you enjoy it despite the trouble. hang in there

@porkchop_z5b_MI - What is going on here?

Why is the finish discolored in the above picture? Is this something that you did, or did it come that way?

Here is a picture for better understanding. The area outlined in red looks like a finish problem. The area outlined in blue looks like a void that has been filled with a flat epoxy and then poorly sanded. This is an issue that the furniture maker should address unless it is something you decided to do after the fact.

"Aaaah!!! got it ! I never knew that the holes could be filled, but still retain the ”hole look” . i rhought if it was filled , then they go away and arent visible; sort of ; like when toy fill a hole to replace different size drawer pulls etc "

Sometimes they are super-smooth, you can't really even see the fills unless you go looking for the them if its done well, as you can see from the pic. Just depends -- every piece is different.

I'm not about to attempt to fill the holes myself -- I'll make a mess of things. I'll just have to live with the holes and enjoy the table for what it is. It really is a beautiful piece. I always put a tablecloth down when we eat dinner so I'm not worried about the holes getting filled with gunk.

"The area outlined in red looks like a finish problem. The area outlined in blue looks like a void that has been filled with a flat epoxy. It also looks like they filled it after finishing and used a different sanding process which is why the table didn't take the finish evenly in that area. This is an issue that the furniture maker should address unless it is something you decided to do after the fact."

Oh wow, I never even noticed that. I wasn't looking that closely. Wasn't something I did.

Here's a couple more pics of that area:

Looking at the table as a whole, it isn't noticeable because there are variations in the color across the whole table. Which is just part of the look -- I've never seen reclaimed barnwood with a perfectly uniform color finish.

Even if it is an actual defect, I'd bet my last dollar the furniture store will do absolutely nothing to remedy this.

@porkchop_z5b_MI - "it isn't noticeable because there are variations in the color across the whole table. Which is just part of the look -- I've never seen reclaimed barnwood with a perfectly uniform color finish."

I noticed it immediately and I suspect many people will. I would have called that a defect and fixed it before shipping it, and there are several other spots on the table that may be less apparent to most, but tell a story of rushed production.

You don't expect a uniform color, but should expect the variation to appear somewhat natural, which that doesn't. You shouldn't be able to clearly make out the diameter of their random orbital sander. If they had taken the time to blend the two void fills or move them to the edge of the table, it would be a lot less noticeable. I mean the area is right next to a sapwood line, just hand sand it and let it die into the sapwood and it would look like a feature.

What constitutes a defect is open to some debate, I guess. Your island looks like good quality work, the table doesn't. I would contact the manufacturer and see if they agree this is how it should look. Skip the retailer altogether. Note: I am not saying you should threaten or make a scene, just write a polite email with the above spot outlined and ask if that is an "intentional feature" of the table or a problem with the finish and let them respond.

You would have wanted the holes filled? Really? I have a hard time believing that you would have requested that because you said: " I'm familiar with reclaimed wood -- I have other pieces -- and yes holes and sawmarks and nicks and whatnot are part of its character."

Given that statement, I have to believe that you would have declined having the holes filled.

"You would have wanted the holes filled? Really? I have a hard time believing that you would have requested that because you said: " I'm familiar with reclaimed wood -- I have other pieces -- and yes holes and sawmarks and nicks and whatnot are part of its character."

As I mentioned, the holes are filled on the island. Just because it's part of the character doesn't mean that particular character is one I want.

"I would contact the manufacturer and see if they agree this is how it should look. Skip the retailer altogether. Note: I am not saying you should threaten or make a scene, just write a polite email with the above spot outlined and ask if that is an "intentional feature" of the table or a problem with the finish and let them respond."

That is a good idea. I didn't think of contacting them directly. It's worth a try.