Customer Reviews

Strathwood Basics All-Weather Hardwood 3-Seater Bench

5 star:		(65)
4 star:		(27)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I was a bit wary of ordering this without a photo -- but I'm so glad I went ahead and took the plunge! It's similar in design to the other Strathmore wood benches on Amazon -- horizontal slats across the back and seat, with wood arms and legs. Assembly was simple and the delivery was fast. We plan on giving the bench a coat of water sealer before sitting it outside in order to protect the color (which is a very pretty brownish/red). The bench is comfortable without a cushion, though you certainly could add one if you wanted. It's a "true" three-seater bench -- even if the three "seats" are big ones, however, I'd be hesitant to put three really large people on it as there is no center support brace on the bottom (I'd put the lightest person in the middle). All in all, this seems to be a great bench and the price is fantastic, especially considering that the shipping is free (or was when I got it). Not having to pick it up at a store and struggle to get it in and out of a car was wonderful.

After pricing out a number of benches and reading the reviews, I decided on this one. I see the price is higher now, but I bought it for about $100. The pros: This bench looks just like the picture, it's very attractive looking, sturdy, and of course - inexpensive.

However, I have had some issues with this bench. First of all, it was not packaged very well. Some of the pieces rubbed together in the box, so if you look closely, you will find some scrapes and nicks in the wood. Secondly, this should have been easy to assemble. There were only 4 pieces of bench along with 8 screws. However, one of the pegs didn't line up quite right with the peg hole. I finally managed to get it set up, but I'm lucky that I didn't snap the wooden peg in half in the process. Lastly, this bench really isn't very comfortable for anyone other than my cats - even with the matching bench cushion that I purchased. Perhaps I am just spoiled by my other patio furniture which is exceptionally comfortable (cheap Walmart furniture actually - that looks as good as new after 3 years of Wisconsin winters), but I don't think I'd want to sit on this bench for an extended period of time.

Now that this bench is assembled and sitting on my porch, and considering that it was inexpensive, it doesn't seem worth the trouble to disassemble it, put it back in the box, ship it back to Amazon, and search for something else. However, I recommend to anyone who has not already purchased it -- DON'T. Pay a little more for something nicer. Go to the store and physically try out benches before making your purchase.

This is a very nice bench -- especially for the money! It came very quickly, was easy to assemble, even alone, and seems very sturdy. I plan to put it on my front porch and sit outside as often as possible this spring and summer. I would definitely recommend ordering one!

Years ago the first review I ever submitted to Amazon was for another brand of outdoor all-weather bench seating. I still have those and I stand by that review though it's rather pointless since it has not been available for some time now. Recently I had a need for another set of two benches. This time they would be used indoors, albeit with heavy usage because I needed them to replace a set of two upholstered 3 seat chair units in my shoe store. So, it was back to Amazon again to see what was currently offered.

After a bit of on-line research I decided on the Strathwood All-Weather 3-Seater Bench. I ordered two and, like always, they came in right away. Upon opening the box it seemed that big and heavy furniture with so many interlocking pieces (I refer here to the already installed slats) should have been packed a bit more solidly. That said, however, I felt fortunate as the bench itself was in good shape with no missing hardware.

The execution of putting the bench together was easy as everything lined up, there were the proper number of bolts, and the included allen wrench worked well. So far so good, but how did it look? Well, the finish was as good as I had hoped for and the design had generous length in the seat slats and a slightly raked backward slant to the back. I cannot stress how important these two features are...They determine the comfort of the seating and I think the Strathwood has it right as it is comfortable to the point of not requiring seat or back cushioning. The thickness of the wood, though not as robust as those unbelievably expensive "Smith & Hawken" (retail store) type benches is more than adequate if not as indestructible.

The Strathwood 3-Seater Bench is, in my opinion, a "high-value" buy in outdoor seating. Though I'd love to be told about a better buy at, or near, the pricing of the Strathwood...I'm not holding my breath. I therefore recommend this bench and hope Amazon will have this available again shortly.

Really a great bench - seats 3 people comfortably - easy to put together (with 2 people) - price seemed reasonable - would definitely recommend it

I was definitely skeptical about what we'd get. But once we received it, I was really impressed with the value for the money. This bench is very nice. Try finding a 3 seater bench anywhere else (online or in stores) for $130 with free shipping...impossible!

It's elegant and easy to assemble. Shipping was fast, and by special courier since it's so big and heavy (tip: just leave a note on the door authorizing them to leave the box and you won't have to be there for delivery). Unlike another reviewer who complained about not receiving extra scews, we did receive extra screws.

Glowing remarks said, the quality is definitely uneven. We ordered 2, which arrived together but in seperate boxes. One was in perfect condition, the other was so warped that I have to return it. From reading other reviews, it sounds like the quality level is uneven. As long as the return process doesn't turn out to be a total headache (yet to be known), I still highly recommend this product if you're looking for a decent quality 3 seater bench at a low price. Good luck!

My first thought about this bench was that I knew I needed a new one for our front porch, and it was staring at me on a Deal of The Day for $99.99 when it was normally $149.99. I debated whether or not to take a chance on it. The risks were buying a heavy peice of furniture from Amazon.com - would the return policy be as smooth as their normal return policy? Would I be lugging a huge, heavy box to the post office and standing in line to return it? Would it be un-even, rickety, cheaply made? Would it even LOOK like the cedar/oak color it appeared as on the website?

The pay-off was simply a wood bench at a good price.

The risks seemed to outweigh the pros.

After consulting with my other half I took the plunge and ordered one. It arrived in 2 days as promised, on a Tuesday... and it sat, leaning against the house on the front porch, until Saturday afternoon when I decided it was do or die. I had convinced myself that I was too tired after work on the weekdays, or it was too late, or I might not have enough light to finish it... anything I could I think of to not attempt the project, when I think the true impetus was my fear of opening the box to wrestle through packaging and fasteners only to discover the bench was worthless and in need of a return ASAP.

So I took a deep breath and tackled the project. Within about 10 minutes I had a sturdy, attractive all-weather wood bench adorning my front porch and I was taking the packaging and shipping box to the recycling bin.

I can't speak highly enough about this item. In fact, the reason I got online to write the review today is that I just ordered a second one that will sit across from this one on the porch, only this time at full price, because $149.99 is still a fantastic deal. We had checked out similar benches at Home Depot, Lowe's, Fred Meyer and Target and none come close to the quality of this bench. The only thing similar or perhaps better would be something from a Smith & Hawken, Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware, at about $399.99 on sale. This was the right decision and I'm very glad I made it. Can't wait for the second one to arrive!

Now if I can just get Amazon to sell more attractive bench covers I'd be all set!!

The packaging was pretty beat up when I got it from UPS but the product was in perfect condition.
It is even nicer than I expected. Very rich looking, kind of a mahogany color. Solid and attractive. Fairly easy to assemble. Only four pieces and all the hardware worked.
With the matching cushion, it is beautiful.
A real bargain for the quality.

Easy, fast assembly and good quality wood. Looks great on my large front porch!

I was looking for an extra long bench for my backyard and this one was the bench of choice. I am very pleased with it. Delivery was speedy and the package was intact and well packed so product was safe from harm. My only beef with Strathwood is that they dont include any information about how to care for it and they dont include any extra screws or such, so if you loose one screw or nut or whatever, you are in trouble with your assembling process. Who wants that kind of headache?! So that's my reason for not giving this item and its manufactory 5 STARS. The bench is long and sturdy, but we may insert a leg brace in the center later for security.