ahimsahome

Review of A&E Fine Woodworking

I contracted Joe to make a maple island butcher bl...

I contracted Joe to make a maple island butcher block for me about a year ago.
It was quite large 7ft X 5ft. It was $2,000. I went to his garage workshop and discussed my options. As he was supposedly the "expert" I explained to him that I needed it to be bomb proof in my kitchen and needed advise on how to seal it properly. Very important as I wanting to put a farmhouse sink in it. He alluded that sealing it with a food grade but heavy duty sealer was an option but made it clear that it was really personal preference and that both ways would be fine if we were careful to wipe off water from around the faucet but that it would be ok. He was cutting the faucet and sink holes so he knew exactly what would be there. It was very beautiful when we received it. Our contractor installed it and we used Joe's sealer everyday for quite some time. After only 10 days of having it in use it was clear that around the faucet it was rotting and becoming a significant problem. I called him and sent photos. He immediately became defensive and said it was because I chose the natural finish. I reminded him that I completely took his advise and chose what he said was completely fine to choose. Joe would not budge. I asked him to come in person and see the issue. He did and then blamed my contractor for screwing down the butcher block too much. That was absolutely not true. I asked several other contractors to come over and consult with the issue. These are multi million dollar house builders, they all said that it was a mistake to have used a butcher block with a farmhouse sink. I have continued to research this fact and it is the hands down professional advise. I called Boos, easily the most respected and renewed butcher block companies, and they will not give any warrenty if you put a farmhouse sink in theirs. the actually said, "you can not do that". I told this to Joe and he didn;t bat an eye and stuck to his story of blame. In my opinion Joe was inexperienced and poorly advised and then rather than admit it he tried to blame someone else.
That was the infuriating part. I am guessing that he learned a lesson and currently does not allow clients to put a farmhouse sink in his butcher blocks. I have lived with his mistake for over a year while saving up to replace the entire thing with another surface. We will use soapstone next. But 2 grand is 2 grand and he left us with his ill advise. I can not recommend Joe mainly because of his ego attitude and horrible customer service.