Let me start by saying that I didnt purchase this from this store, but rather directly from Home Styles (saved about 10% that way with free shipping).
Ordering was straightforward - was offered a 5yr warranty/care service for about $50 (3yr pricing), but didnt buy it so I cant comment.
Shipping was free and delivery took place within 10 days or so via FedEx. Box weight is just shy of 50 lbs, and due to size, it requires 2 people to handle (this is clearly marked in the box).
Box arrived with minor scuffs, but nothing to raise concern. The packaging of this unit is excellent - very compact with enough polystyrene to safely protect all pieces. Also, EVERY single piece was labeled and wrapped in a very fine polystyrene wrap to prevent scratching. As an extra perk, between the box size and the generous polystyrene, kids were entertained during assembly (be sure to have a strong vacuum cleaner handy :)
For what its worth, be aware that once you remove items from the box you wont likely be able to re-pack it easily.
There was some lingering solvent based paint smell, but nothing overwhelming or cause for discomfort - think: car after visiting the gas station. Gone by now - a few days after assembly.
Honestly, I was not expecting top quality furniture for this money, but I was very pleasantly surprised by a really good quality item. Wood frames, sides, cover and shelves are all solid wood. There are a few veneers (bottom, lower sides, back), but they are not flimsy like items and they get secured by screws all around. Be ready to screw about 100 of them... literally - so an electric screwdriver would be nice.
Some bolt holes had dried paint on them or some wood fiber which required a slight sanding to allow for easy assembly. 5 min effort, so not a problem.
Assembly is moderately easy and can be done by one person (although for a couple steps such as fitting the top part or installing the lower cover which is heavy, a second person would be handy).
All hardware was clearly bagged and labeled and included at least one extra item in each bag (one bag actually had 4 extras!).
The instructions are pretty straightforward except on the spring loaded cover lifts. The illustrations did not seem to match the lifts very well. It was not terribly hard to figure out, but it took a few minutes of rotating and wondering whether those little screws would be strong enough to hold the thing in place. They are.
Also, the instruction booklet says that only a Philips screwdriver is required, and while technically true, I did benefit from also having a medium flat screwdriver handy and a hammer (to tap on the cams when inserting in the wood holes). You will also need an Allen wrench, but that is provided with the hardware.
One caveat, I had tightened all the bolts on the lower part right before fitting the cover and was not quite able to make it fit. After a while of fumbling with it, I decided to loosen the bolts a bit and that made all the difference. The lid fit easily and then I re-tightened. Also, when tightening one of the bolts, one of them actually cracked the wood - its down below where you cannot notice it, so no big deal, but be careful with those bolts!
My final observation is that the unit is less tall than I expected. Id say 5ft 6 or so. On the bright side, it allows for easy reach to the top shelf and we can always add a couple wicker baskets on top to make it look taller :)
All in all very pleased with the product. I would have given it 4.5 stars if possible, but cannot give it the full 5 stars due to the minor inconveniences described. Recommended.
UPDATE March 2013:
This unit has served as well. Still looks like new. The top lid creaks a bit but WD40 does wonders. Really great value for the money. Seeing other reviews, I can see how there may be inconsistent quality. Mine was OK - definitely not top quality but very good in my case.
As per the smell, really it does go away after a few days.
The height as mentioned in my review is on the short side - and you could make the case that it looks like children furniture, but I think that is in the eye of the beholder.
If I had to buy it again based on the reviews, I would think twice, but based on my experience, would do it in a heartbeat.
I would say it all comes down to whether you can stomach risking $300 for something that may not be stellar. If you really have too many doubts, then just go to a furniture store and buy something there. You will pay more, but the peace of mind may be worth it for you.
Very nice and stylish hall tree
Let me start by saying that I didnt purchase this from this store, but rather directly from Home Styles (saved about 10% that way with free shipping). Ordering was straightforward - was offered a 5yr warranty/care service for about $50 (3yr pricing), but didnt buy it so I cant comment. Shipping was free and delivery took place within 10 days or so via FedEx. Box weight is just shy of 50 lbs, and due to size, it requires 2 people to handle (this is clearly marked in the box). Box arrived with minor scuffs, but nothing to raise concern. The packaging of this unit is excellent - very compact with enough polystyrene to safely protect all pieces. Also, EVERY single piece was labeled and wrapped in a very fine polystyrene wrap to prevent scratching. As an extra perk, between the box size and the generous polystyrene, kids were entertained during assembly (be sure to have a strong vacuum cleaner handy :) For what its worth, be aware that once you remove items from the box you wont likely be able to re-pack it easily. There was some lingering solvent based paint smell, but nothing overwhelming or cause for discomfort - think: car after visiting the gas station. Gone by now - a few days after assembly. Honestly, I was not expecting top quality furniture for this money, but I was very pleasantly surprised by a really good quality item. Wood frames, sides, cover and shelves are all solid wood. There are a few veneers (bottom, lower sides, back), but they are not flimsy like items and they get secured by screws all around. Be ready to screw about 100 of them... literally - so an electric screwdriver would be nice. Some bolt holes had dried paint on them or some wood fiber which required a slight sanding to allow for easy assembly. 5 min effort, so not a problem. Assembly is moderately easy and can be done by one person (although for a couple steps such as fitting the top part or installing the lower cover which is heavy, a second person would be handy). All hardware was clearly bagged and labeled and included at least one extra item in each bag (one bag actually had 4 extras!). The instructions are pretty straightforward except on the spring loaded cover lifts. The illustrations did not seem to match the lifts very well. It was not terribly hard to figure out, but it took a few minutes of rotating and wondering whether those little screws would be strong enough to hold the thing in place. They are. Also, the instruction booklet says that only a Philips screwdriver is required, and while technically true, I did benefit from also having a medium flat screwdriver handy and a hammer (to tap on the cams when inserting in the wood holes). You will also need an Allen wrench, but that is provided with the hardware. One caveat, I had tightened all the bolts on the lower part right before fitting the cover and was not quite able to make it fit. After a while of fumbling with it, I decided to loosen the bolts a bit and that made all the difference. The lid fit easily and then I re-tightened. Also, when tightening one of the bolts, one of them actually cracked the wood - its down below where you cannot notice it, so no big deal, but be careful with those bolts! My final observation is that the unit is less tall than I expected. Id say 5ft 6 or so. On the bright side, it allows for easy reach to the top shelf and we can always add a couple wicker baskets on top to make it look taller :) All in all very pleased with the product. I would have given it 4.5 stars if possible, but cannot give it the full 5 stars due to the minor inconveniences described. Recommended. UPDATE March 2013: This unit has served as well. Still looks like new. The top lid creaks a bit but WD40 does wonders. Really great value for the money. Seeing other reviews, I can see how there may be inconsistent quality. Mine was OK - definitely not top quality but very good in my case. As per the smell, really it does go away after a few days. The height as mentioned in my review is on the short side - and you could make the case that it looks like children furniture, but I think that is in the eye of the beholder. If I had to buy it again based on the reviews, I would think twice, but based on my experience, would do it in a heartbeat. I would say it all comes down to whether you can stomach risking $300 for something that may not be stellar. If you really have too many doubts, then just go to a furniture store and buy something there. You will pay more, but the peace of mind may be worth it for you.