Potting Bench

Good design, relatively easy to assemble and looks like it did in the Guardian review!

Audenza replied: We're thrilled to hear you're happy with your purchase!

Excellent

looks nice and will be useful. quite expensive for quite a lot of assembly - equivalent from IKEA would probably have been half the price. the holes in the frame were not aligned properly with the top so had to use a screw instead of the stronger fixing provided. shame that no handles for the drawers as difficult to open, also disappointed that used hardboard for the bases which will be useless if it gets wet and is not practical for actual outdoor use.

Audenza replied: Thanks for your review and we’re very sorry to hear you aren’t entirely happy. This item is not a quick assembly and we do mention the following on the product page: “This product is flat packed and requires some experience for assembly - we recommend enlisting someone who's handy with a screwdriver!”

The drawers do not have handles, however in our experience they can be easily opened as there is space top and bottom.  I will however pass on this feedback to our supplier.  With regard to the hardboard on the base of the drawers, this area is not exposed, so shouldn’t get wet and adding further pinewood to the base would add extra (unnecessary) cost.
This item is intended to be left outside; each of us in the office have been using one of these in our own gardens for the last couple of years and are still looking near perfect.  You are correct though that Ikea sell items for cheaper than us, however (with the exception of the base of the drawers) this item is made from 100% FSC approved pinewood, where Ikea usually use a cheaper material inside the frame to cut costs and just a real wood outer layer.  It’s also very different in terms of the design and style to what is available through Ikea.

I am however very sorry to hear that the frame didn’t align properly, this certainly shouldn’t be the case.  I can see that you haven’t contacted us about this, so I will drop you an email now to resolve the issue.  My apologies again that you were unhappy with this item.  Kind regards, Hollie

Customer replied: The information and follow up to the comments in my feedback is very welcome - I am impressed at the level of detail provided and the thoughtful attention to detail.
Thank you for taking the time to provide such a thorough explanation and concern. I have separately emailed to thank you for your action regarding the misalignment.
kind regards, Harriet

Beautiful product, just as shown and described. Some difficulty with assembly ,where Allan key required for fixing the top, but overcome with own screws.

Audenza replied: Thanks so much for your review, we're very sorry to hear that you required extra screws to put it together.  I am however, very pleased to hear that you love it now it's assembled and in-situ.  Thanks again for your order, Hollie

Lovely product, quite difficult to put together, lots of screws. Wood didn't quite fit together properly, we had to use one of the side hangers to keep the top of the bench together.

Audenza replied: We're sorry to hear you had trouble putting this item together, but thank you for your feedback, it's very helpful.  We have added to the product info that it is not a simple assembly, just to make it clearer.  If you're able to send pictures of the fault to info@miafleur.com then we can look into this further for you.  Thank you again for your feedback.

Potting bench looks great on the patio as well as being practical.

Audenza replied: This is great feedback, thank you!