Very nice storage bench! We're redecorating our entryway and wanted a nicer storage option than your typical shoe rack. This is exactly what I'd hoped for! It is sturdy enough to withstand my husband and I to sit on it. It's big enough to accommodate shoes for our family of 5. It was easy to assemble- taking me only 20 min from start to finish. You do need a power drill, this would probably take forever with a manual screw driver. The instructions were easy to understand and all the parts, including hardware were clearly labeled. (See pics) Two tips for assembly- Firstly, Be mindful when assembling to keep all the stickers labeling the pieces facing the same direction (it doesn't matter which direction, as long as you remain consistent with it) Be sure to screw the backing to the side with all the stickers so you don't need to bother with peeling them off. Secondly, use your fingers to manually twist in screws to get them started and properly aligned. Do this in pairs for each section then drill them in, section by section. If you don't, you'll almost certainly mess up the alignment and potentially crack a piece bc several of the pre-drilled holes require pressure to be applied to line them up, especially the last ones. This is an intentional design and adds to the stability of the center shelves of the bench, the last 2 holes required a great deal of pressure to line them up so having an extra set of hands would def be helpful for that part but I was able to do it by myself. They drilled the insertion points of the pre-drilled holes slightly bigger so you can easily see through it to determine when the holes are lined up. They added velcro to the bottom of the cushion to keep it in place which I thought was nice having young kids.
Sturdy bench! Great size!
Very nice storage bench! We're redecorating our entryway and wanted a nicer storage option than your typical shoe rack. This is exactly what I'd hoped for! It is sturdy enough to withstand my husband and I to sit on it. It's big enough to accommodate shoes for our family of 5. It was easy to assemble- taking me only 20 min from start to finish. You do need a power drill, this would probably take forever with a manual screw driver. The instructions were easy to understand and all the parts, including hardware were clearly labeled. (See pics) Two tips for assembly- Firstly, Be mindful when assembling to keep all the stickers labeling the pieces facing the same direction (it doesn't matter which direction, as long as you remain consistent with it) Be sure to screw the backing to the side with all the stickers so you don't need to bother with peeling them off. Secondly, use your fingers to manually twist in screws to get them started and properly aligned. Do this in pairs for each section then drill them in, section by section. If you don't, you'll almost certainly mess up the alignment and potentially crack a piece bc several of the pre-drilled holes require pressure to be applied to line them up, especially the last ones. This is an intentional design and adds to the stability of the center shelves of the bench, the last 2 holes required a great deal of pressure to line them up so having an extra set of hands would def be helpful for that part but I was able to do it by myself. They drilled the insertion points of the pre-drilled holes slightly bigger so you can easily see through it to determine when the holes are lined up. They added velcro to the bottom of the cushion to keep it in place which I thought was nice having young kids.