CASTLECREEK Wooden Storage Bench

I purchased this for my garage. I've had it less than 24 hours, so this is more a review of the initial quality and installation. I hope the manufacture reads this and makes small changes to the next batch to improve the product.The wood was straight and well dried. One board had a small crack in it but nothing that I think will impact long term structural strength. I'm sure it will take a stain and poly well.The countersink for the cams isn't perfect. I had to play with them a little to get them to line up, but the bolts and cams themselves were good quality as well as the hinges. The heads on the cam screws were #4 combo drive which isn't something the average person has around. You could theoretically drive them with a square drive or a standard but I luckily have a #4 combo here because they are common on electrical products.The wood screws are referred to in the direction as "self-tapping", I guess I would not refer to them as that, but that's nit-picking. The quality of the wood screws was not good. The ones for the hinges were at least one size to small and easily stripped. the large ones for the hinges arrived poorly stamped with several unable to be driven. They are normal wood screws and I had several of the same size around, so this was a non-issue.The instructions show the lid being attached with the frame already assembled and upright. This is almost impossible to complete. However, if you lay the lid flat and lean the frame atop of it, you can complete the assembly much easier. Also, the screw and dowel holes were drilled imperfectly. This did not prevent assembly, but did cause the screws to drive at inconsistent angles.The overall design and construction is solid and sound. The only cosmetic design change I would recommend is to round or 30deg bevel the front edge (to match the other edges) so that the front edge of the bench is not square under your legs when you sit on it.I recommend the product and offer these criticisms only for refinement, not to discourage you from purchasing it.

The hardware was very cheaply made 2 of the locknuts weren’t threaded properly and when I called for replacements it was more trouble than it was worth I just bought locknuts at the store

The quality of the wood was terrible. After receiving the item I carefully checked to see that all the parts were there.In preparation for staining I applied a pre-stain that allows the stain to be evenly applied. This was a Christmas Gift for my Grand-Daughter. After staining it looked so horrible I decided to not give it as a gift. I quickly ordered a similar item sold as a Melissa & Doug product. It was perfect and my Grand-Daughter was thrilled. I have been finishing wood products for 50 years, including all trim and doors for two of my homes. This chest was by far the absolute worst wood product I have encountered.

I am an amateur woodworker with a complete shop. I could not get this thing to go together. The holes for bolts were off, the wood was split, the sink holes for nuts were drilled too deep. I could have designed and built my own model in the time it would have taken me to redo the problems. The good news is that the seller took it back and issued a refund.

Beautiful piece! Very happy with the craftsmanship.

LOVE! Holds a bunch of toys... neat and smells fresh. Lid doesn’t fall to smash fingers if put together correctly. Not too hard to assemble other than some of the pre drilled holes wasn’t exact.

Very flimsy, cheaply made, bolts and cam nuts aren’t threaded properly and after calling the company they tell me they can’t replace them. If i still had the box I’d return it. Don’t waste your money on this junk.