I received this product yesterday. I just contacted customer service to send another top piece. As several other reviewers have stated, the top splits while it is being assembled. I made sure not to overtighten the screws because I was aware this could happened. It did anyway. Overall, it seems like a nice piece that matches very close in color to the existing furniture in the room. As one other reviewer stated, the color scratches off very easily - like nail polish on a nail vs. stain embedded in wood. It has good weight to it, not flimsy at all, and a nice but not overbearing size.
Some tips:
1) Read directions before putting together.
2) Organize your parts.
3) Use an ELECTRIC screwdriver! If you do this by hand, you are a glutton (sp) for punishment!!! Screws go in quick in pre-drilled holes which are smaller than the screw (for grip). If you do this by hand, you'll be sorry...
4) 4mm hex wrench is not included. You may have one around the house from other items you've ordered in the past. Luckily, I had several! :)
5) Make sure you screw the screws in the holes straight! This will prevent difficulty in lining up holes and pieces when putting together.
6) The directions are clear but the diagrams are small. Manufacturer should make pictures bigger. Make sure to study the pictures when putting on drawer slides for proper direction. Also for which holes screws and pegs are to go through.
7) I am a 50-yr old woman. I was able to get most of it together by myself. The buffet is heavy - I would not suggest lifting alone for your safety and for the safety of the wood not splitting anywhere else!
8) For the price, and I was able to find a coupon online to save $25, I still don't think for the amount of work and the quality of the wood and stain, that this is worth more than $400. I have put 4 1/2 hours into this just to get the main "body" together. I still have to put together the drawers and doors on the front. But I knew from other reviews this would be time consuming.
9) Get a furniture pen to touch up pieces when finished.
- How did the color on site compare with the actual product? Seems true to the picture, maybe slightly darker
- Please tell us about the quality of the product. Overall, I'd be happier if it were $100 less!
- How accurate was the on site description of the product? accurate