When is garden furniture not for the garden?

We purchased a set of expensive garden table and chairs in early summer last year. In early december we noticed that the "ceramic" finish on several items was beginning to crack. By the end of December, large areas of the finish were becoming detached from the surface. When we spoke to the suppliers they said that the items were not garden furnishings, and should not be left outside for long periods! Their web site lists the items under "garden furniture" and suggests how good they will look on patios balconies and lawns... The suppliers also now state that the care instructions should be followed. As there were no instructions packed with our delivery, this would be difficult. In any event, surely an item described and sold as garden furniture should be able to withstand being outside!

We are strongly under the impression that it is not reasonable for garden furnishings to fail in this manner after less than 1 year. My questions are:

Are they "fit for purpose" or not?

Can a trader rely on retrospective care advice, and if so, do we have to prove that no such advice was given at time of purchase?

Any ideas?

gordonrigg said:

Sounds like it should last much longer than that! Garden furniture (especially wood) does need looking after (I know you said yours was ceramic topped). This can be through treatment (wouldnt help your ceramic top), putting a cover on (to stop the frost) or putting furniture in the garage for storage.

Nevertheless if you were not given instructions with the table there is no way you can follow them! The fact you weren't means you were probably unaware of how to car for the table.

I only hope you got a replacement with it being under a year old.

Gordon Rigg
gordonrigg-gardencentres.co.uk

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Thanks Gordon - We requested (and received) a full refund, so all is well - and we won't be buying "fancy" garden furnishing in future...