Nick C.
Yelp
We ordered a custom copper-top dining table with black metal legs from Woodward Throwbacks in early July. The design process started off smoothly -- the team was friendly and helpful in finalizing the design. However, once we agreed on the table and paid in full upfront (something we were uncomfortable with but were assured was fine), everything went downhill.
The original completion date was supposed to be mid-August, but there was almost no communication from the store about progress. I had to repeatedly reach out for updates, only to eventually learn that the company making the table base (outside of Michigan) had "stopped responding to their emails" for nearly a month. That delay pushed our project back significantly, with no clear timeline ever provided.
When we were finally invited to see the finished table, the quality was disappointing. The metal legs had visible scratches, and the copper top had several imperfections -- bubbles in the surface (caused by uneven glue adhesive) and areas that looked like staples under the metal. When I pointed these out, the owner responded rudely, even asking, "Have you ever ordered custom furniture before? This isn't Wayfair." That comment was unnecessary and unprofessional, especially after spending over $3,000 and waiting months for the piece. She explained that fixing the flaws would require redoing the entire top and said "this is just how custom pieces are." She also claimed the showroom table looked the same, but when we compared them, it clearly did not.
The owner eventually agreed to make "adjustments," though she was dismissive about timelines and updates. She later offered to refund us and keep the table, implying I was "too upset" to be satisfied -- which felt unfair, considering our frustrations were justified. After further discussion, she agreed to fix the issues and deliver the table the following Monday.
When it arrived, the "repairs" were unacceptable. The legs had simply been spray-painted over, one of the staple marks was sanded down leaving a burn ring, and new bubbles appeared on the copper top. Again, I had to reach out for follow-up. The owner reiterated her offer to take the table back and refund us, but by that point, starting over with another company would have meant waiting months more. When I asked for compensation due to the poor craftsmanship, she rudely offered only $200, though they did waive the $175 delivery fee since we lived outside of Detroit.
Overall, the experience was incredibly frustrating. The customer service felt polite until we paid -- after that, it became dismissive and condescending. The quality of the final product does not reflect the price or the promises made.
Bottom line: Woodward Throwbacks may have appealing designs, but if you're looking for reliable communication, professional customer service, or high-quality custom work, I cannot recommend them.