This is a really nice, sturdy storage bench with solid wood pieces. The baskets are in good shape. I cut some fabric to line the bottoms and preserve the straw/rattan. I had a little friend (spider) crawl out with the instructions, so be careful. Thinking he might be an invasive species from Thailand, I squished him. Suggest you do the same. My only concern with this bench oddly comes from the fact that the entire thing is made of solid wood. Ive seen so many assemble-at-home furnishings that are wood veneer over composite that look just as fine upon completion as this bench. I feel like Ive personally contributed to the huge problem of deforestation in Southeast Asia. No one would call me an environmentalist, but think that stopping things like deforestation, over-fishing, and water pollution is often accomplished one purchase at a time. As beautiful as this bench is, the next time I think Im putting wood veneer over engineered woods or composites on my list of requirements.
Love-hate this bench
This is a really nice, sturdy storage bench with solid wood pieces. The baskets are in good shape. I cut some fabric to line the bottoms and preserve the straw/rattan. I had a little friend (spider) crawl out with the instructions, so be careful. Thinking he might be an invasive species from Thailand, I squished him. Suggest you do the same. My only concern with this bench oddly comes from the fact that the entire thing is made of solid wood. Ive seen so many assemble-at-home furnishings that are wood veneer over composite that look just as fine upon completion as this bench. I feel like Ive personally contributed to the huge problem of deforestation in Southeast Asia. No one would call me an environmentalist, but think that stopping things like deforestation, over-fishing, and water pollution is often accomplished one purchase at a time. As beautiful as this bench is, the next time I think Im putting wood veneer over engineered woods or composites on my list of requirements.