Groundwork Group

Review: I purchased a dining table from Groundwork Group. They sell only to the trade, so I purchased it through a designer, [redacted], www.[redacted].com. The table was described as a tree stump base with a zinc top. It was custom made and I was given two dimensions (L 100" & W 48") when I purchased it. There are 2 proble**:The first problem is the size. While those two dimensions were correct, the table shape was unexpected. In the dining table world we think of an oval as an elongated circle (as if you had a round table and added leaves to make an oval.) The table's oval is more like a rounded off diamond shape that tapers at each end. So the square footage of the table is smaller than if it was a traditional dining table oval. The issue is I can not fit as many people at the table as I had expected. The table fits 8 at best. The designer knew I wanted to fit 10 -12. It see** a standard table cloth would be an indicator, and a standard oval table cloth would not fit this table.The more concerning problem is that the table top is soldered around it's entire perimeter (and a few other spots) in solder that is 50% tin and 50% lead (that is per Groundworks.) Lead is a highly toxic substance particularly for young children. I have a 4 year old and another child on the way. I used the EPA approved 3M Lead Check and it indicates that the solder is contains lead & it is accessible on the surface. Also, the presence of acids, in many foods, makes lead even more soluble. The maker suggests that you can only get lead poisoning by directly ingesting a chunk of it, but most lead poisoning in this country is not contracted that way. Also, it is certainly possible that anyone with a fork or knife could knick the surface and ingest a chunk. I know my child occasionally bangs his fork on the table, and all of us eat morsels that have fallen onto the table.Desired Settlement: I would like a full refund for the table as I think that the not standard shape and presence of lead should have been disclosed. I have made several suggestions to the maker and the designer for other options I would be agreeable aside from a full refund. I have suggested a partial refund that would cover my having another top made by a local craftsperson as the top is the root of the problem. I have suggested I was willing to even buy a second base to offset some of those costs for the maker.

Business

Response:

February 19, 2014

This is in response to the letter we received regarding the table that was sold to [redacted] and she re-sold to [redacted]. All of Groundwork's correspondence regarding this sale was with [redacted] the interior designer. Additionally, the deposit and balance (for a total of $3600) was with **. [redacted] and both payments were charged on her personal credit card. I've had no communication with [redacted] other than an email she sent stating her complai|nt, [redacted] responded to that email, I did not my customer was [redacted], not [redacted].

**. [redacted] and I communicated via email during the entire process, I'd be happy to provide copies of them as needed. At no time did she request a diagram of the shape of the table for her client, if she had I would've been happy to create one digitally and send it for her review, this is something I'm frequently asked to do during the process of being contracted for custom made tables. There are quite a few examples of our oval tables shown on our website and they are all elliptical, which is the standard shape when using the term oval. I'm guessing by the description in her letter that **. [redacted] is referring to a 'racetrack' shaped top - two half circles at the ends with straight sides in between. If you go to Google Image and enter racetrack oval that shape appears, when you enter oval, you get the shape I just described.

We are also in the habit of sending out material samples upon request. No request for samples was ever made for this project. Nor was a request ever made asking for details of the materials/contents we'd be using on this project.

The solder we use to affix the edge band to the top surface is applied in its molten state and when it dries it bonds with the zinc. It does not knick or pop off by being hit with a utensil, you'd have to cut it off with a hacksaw.

I'm sorry| that **. [redacted] is not happy with the table, but we acted in good faith and provided everything that **. [redacted] requested.

Sincerely,

Consumer

Response:

[To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed Administratively Resolved]

Review: [redacted]

I am rejecting this response because: