| POSITIVES: I love this swing!!! It's sturdy and I like how this model doesn't have a bar behind the seat, so it can swing (in theory) freely and as high as you want. The roof is slatted so lets some light through, but doesn't completely block out light which is great. I guess I can't use it when it rains, but there was a separate cover available to purchase - I did not buy it. I'm glad the roof was able to be tilted then fixed to the angle best for you. I've ended up ordering a separate bench cushion and fairy lights to go round the wooden slats - it looks very cozy and charming. The side thingies slot onto the frame so you can use them as a little table - It's wide enough to put a mug of hot drink and a book down safely. The wood was all sanded so there is no extra sanding needed. Points to consider: Getting it assembled wasn't easy - this is the main reason for my frustrations. Upon arriving, it came in 3 large boxes. Delivery men were great and kindly took the boxes into the kitchen for me. Everything was present but I did need some extra tools, luckily my partner owned them so I was fine. These are mentioned on one of the pages of the instructions. You would struggle without these tools (some kind of ratchet/spanner? and a powered drill-can't remember exactly). The instructions themselves were fine to follow but the pages weren't stapled together so kept trying to escape on me several times in the wind. The main top bar had the "Zest" logo on a metal plaque but this was installed upside down so this confused me and added extra time onto assembly due to me thinking that the logo should be the right way up when assembled. I also tried to use their video on YouTube - this confused me even more as there were slight discrepancies between the instructions and the video. *Follow the paper instructions - not the video!* I assembled the A-Frame myself (after much annoyance and several things needing to be un-built due to misunderstanding the paper instructions+video). This took over 4 hours myself. The second part of the roof assembly was difficult and I needed my partner to help. Ideally you need some one tall to be able to see/reach the points at which you need to screw in the screws. And it helps at this point to have the second person holding things in place. This took an extra few hours. After having this seat for two months, I can't comment yet on longevity, but one of the arm rests has a crack in it, but doesn't impair function so I'm just going to watch it. I had to use some silicone (treadmill) lubricant on the points at which the swing swings as otherwise it makes a squeaky noise. One Garden: The order and delivery were executed as expected with no issues. I was offered a negligible amount off due to the price guarantee, but I just decided just to order at the price advertised as I would have had to call up to order over the phone. (I don't like phone calls). Overall 5 stars, but please consider the "sticky" points mentioned, thank you One Garden and Zest! |
