Lyon & Billard Lumber Showroom & Kitchen and Bath Dept - Berlin, Connecticut

tadek kosakowski

We wanted to upgrade our kitchen, after some research we decided to go with Candlelight Cabinets because they claim to make “resilient, durable, superior construction” which we ordered from Lyon & Billard Lumber Co. in Berlin. What a mistake that was. On November 9th 2022 we ordered Candlelight cabinets at Lyon & Billard and they were delivered to our house at the end of March 2023 and right away I noticed problems. The cabinets that were delivered to us were constructed from particle board and only the exposed ends are plywood (which we had wanted on everything). After I opened some more boxes they were also damaged. I called our rep, Ken, the day after the delivery and asked him why we got cabinets constructed from particle board. His response was because I had wanted to save some money. At that point I was so angry at him that I did not want to talk to him. A couple of days later I called him and reminded him of our conversation in November before ordering the cabinets; I had complained that the cabinets were pretty expensive, and he offered to save me $1000 if I ordered the box constructed from particle board instead of plywood. My response was that particle board is not suitable for kitchen cabinets and that I would have to replace them in a few of years. We were paying almost $30,000 for kitchen cabinets, so $1000 would not make a difference. We wanted to upgrade our kitchen and not downgrade, and the cabinets delivered to our house are of worse quality than we have now in our kitchen. We have never wanted particle board kitchen cabinets and never will. At first it looked like they were willing to try to solve our mess but 3 weeks after delivery they offered up 2 options both included only partial particle board replacement. I declined both options and wrote to him that the best option for us would be to return all the cabinets and get our money back (They wanted full payment before delivery, and I trusted them and paid it). I also told them that when they deliver what we ordered and the quality we expect for the price, I would pay them then. Of course, they did not want that. They ignored us for 2 months, so I asked the BBB and the Connecticut Consumer Protection for help, which made things even worse. Ken insisted that I wanted particle board because in January 2023 I signed a ordered that had stated “box constructed- standard with veneered plywood on all exposed ends” which apparently meant particle board construction with only the visible parts plywood. However, I also mentioned that underneath that sentence it also said “box construction- all plywood” but according to them it could go either way. They never explained to me that standard construction meant particle board or gave me a detailed contract that I asked for. Now, 3 months after delivery, the cabinets are still in boxes in our garage and dining room. I must look for a lawyer to try to solve this mess. Our kitchen was supposed to be done by now and we should be enjoying it, instead we had to cancel our appliances and we are in this mess. Stay away from Lyon & Billard and because they talk sweet and nice before you give them your money. When any problem occurs do not expect them to try to solve it within reason. Also do not be naïve like me and pay full price for a product you haven’t seen .Stay away from Candlelight cabinets they not worth the money.

Bill Furman

Beautiful store and terrific people very helpful.

David Mazzaccaro