Customer Reviews

Astonica Garden Bench

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Despite several calls to the 1-800 Number listed on the Manufacturers box, the customer service representative would never return my calls for help. The item arrived without the instructions and the obvious back support for the back part of the bench which is clearly shown on every picture Amazon offers. A lack on instructions would normally not be such a big thing but the placement of the narrow slats is important for the spacing to fit properly. Amazon has responded that they will help with this company but nothing has occured as yet.

I ordered one of the classic benches and when it arrived the box was all torn apart and it had a broken leg and no bolts to put it together. This is not an easy item to ship UPS. I had to pack it up again and ship it back to Amazon (at amazon's cost).

I ordered this bench for my mother (for mother's day) to put outdoors under our magnolia tree. When the package arrived, the box was in shreds and was being held together only by the yellow plastic cables around it. I think the shipping containers are not sturdy enough for 75 pounds that shift in shipping. When I went through the pieces everything was there, but three slats were damaged and would cause splinters if one sat on it. I called the manufacturer who told me in no uncertain terms that the shipping containers were just fine(!)and to call Amazon. It has taken several weeks, but Amazon is working to resolve the problem. It really is a lovely bench and the price was definitely a great price. I've looked at other places such as Home Depot, Lowe's, etc, and nothing looked this nice for the price. I just wish I hadn't had the hassle with shipping. Guess you get what you pay for(free shipping!!)!! By the way, I probably wouldn't have purchased it online if there had been a shipping fee over $10.

I have been looking, for at least, two summers for the perfect bench to put out front of our house. I am a rose lover, and when I read the description, I knew that it was the one that I was searching for. [...]. Like a excited kid during Christmas or a birthday party,I ripped open the package, ASAP!! What a pleasant surprise! With not having a picture to go buy, I had to get a picture in my head. The "Rose Bench" was more beautiful than I picture and the craftsmanship was extrodinary. Instuctions were simple to follow.
Within fifteen minutes, I had the new bench that I have been unable to find for several years.
[....]

Update: this bench is cheaper than established brands. There are some packing issues (contents came all jumbled up in torn box, could have easily fallen out of box during shipping). After assembling it looked great.

Before a year was up the finish started to peel and rust started to appear through the green finish on the metal parts. This is when I was still living in San Francisco where there was a lot of fog. But I would expect a couple of rainy seasons would have the same effect.

to get it. The bench is definetly a good bargain and better looking than your average home improvement center bench (on the same price range.)
The packaging is really bad and there is a distinct chance of damage to the wood during transport. Once you realize that no parts were lost in the torned out packaging, you can breath comfortably since the installation is very easy! Nice and heavy to leave on my dock.
The nice honey brown wood finish is great. I do wonder how it will do on the harsh outdoor conditions.

Don't buy it. It was damaged when it arrived. Packing was all torn and busted up. The back wood on the bench was cracked and broken. One of the bench seat boards was missing. The bolts are cheap and snapped off when tightened. Buy at your own risk.

[How bad]! It was sent in a box that was clearly not design for this bench. The box wasn't even sealed. The pieces were badly scratched and the screws/bolts were missing...

This review refers to the "Astonica" Traditional Cast Iron and Oak Slat Bench......

Once you get this bench assembled it is a nice addition to any outdoor furniture grouping. It is attractive, sturdy, durable,comfortable, and the price is right! So 4 stars right out of the gate for those qualities.

Now for ease of assembly....My son(also attractive and sturdy!) put this bench together for me. It took him exactly an hour by himself, although there were a couple of times where an extra pair of hands to hold things in place helped. He said it probably would have taken alot less time, had he NOT followed the instruction booklet that came with the bench. So a little tip if you are planning on buying this....the instuctions say to put the two end pieces and the middle slat in place first. He did this and found he then had to take the middle slat out and work from the bottom(the seat) up, as each slat needs to be indivually attached. There are also cast iron brackets(as well as the arms)that go on the back of the bench to make it more supportive and unlike the slats, the holes are not pre-drilled for these.The hardware is nice looking and it came with a few extras.

Of the three attractive styles to choose from here, I went with the traditional bench for several reasons. I liked the look of the one continous line of the oak(a deep reddish brown) combined with the cast iron arms(dark green), it is simple yet elegant looking and doesn't detract from the garden or yard area. It is comfortable and supportive on my back, and is easier to clean than the more ornate styles. You'll also find it is roomy enough for 2 adults.

The bench came with a Limited Warranty(1 Yr. from purchase date) and an 800 customer service number to call for any questions or problems you may have.

An attractive, comfortable, useful addition to any outdoor living setting at a reasonable price... Relax and enjoy....Laurie

I bought this for my daughter for her birthday. She opened the box, and top and bottom piece of wood has big gouges in it. We are trying to contact the company to get replacement pieces. Free shipping was great. But tried to order myself one also but item was listed as unavailable, now after free shipping expires they have them again, which isn't right. Glad I didn't get one though if they come in damanaged like it did.