The Outdoor Patio Store Commercial-Grade Cast Aluminum Garden Bench

I had narrowed my search for an aluminum patio bench to this one and the "Velda", also sold by Amazon. It's actually the same design except for the back rest. I decided on this one because it was listed as being about 3 inches longer (I wanted the extra length) and $14 cheaper. I'm very pleased with my choice. This patio bench is solid, sturdy, more than heavy enough to not blow around but light enough for one adult to carry. It's attractive and pleasant to sit on. The top of the back rest is smooth and it's comfortable to lounge with an arm over it. I liked it so well that I've ordered a second one. I measured, and it is indeed 50.5 inches from the outsides of the arm rests. The seat itself is 48 inches. The paint job is smooth and even, with no streaks or bare patches. The color is black with tiny gold dots (see the Frame Swatch in the manufacturer's photos) but it just looks black from a distance. It is rated for 400 pounds, but I think it can hold more. The bench and hardware are labeled Made In China. As you might expect, although the bench is aluminum the bolts and washers are steel (not stainless, I tested with a magnet). However, the bolts are fairly well sheltered by the bench and might not weather badly. The instructions were clear and well written. The stated assembly time was an hour, but I only needed 35 minutes even with my slow and steady approach doing this alone, and it was not hard. The packaging was a cardboard box of standard thickness, and each part was enclosed in a heavy plastic bag. There was a package of the 8 bolts and sets of washers needed, but 4 bolts and washers were also included with each arm piece, so I had twice as many as needed (I'll keep the extras in case the first set rusts). Assembly Tips The hardware came with a dinky throwaway wrench, the only tool needed, but I used a crescent wrench. As with any furniture like this, on the first pass only finger-tighten the bolts, so the bench still has some play. When all the parts are attached, go back and firmly tighten so you get a straight, sturdy assembly. If doing this on your own, I recommend placing the seat flat on a chair, so it's steady and at about the right height for attaching the arms. Likewise for the back rest, I rested that on a chair while attaching it to one arm, then removed the chair and attached it to the second arm. The bolts screw in from the inside, so that there's no unattractive exposed visible bolt head. It's not particularly hard screwing in the bolts that attach the arms to the seat, but it does require a little dexterity. Someone with limited finger movement might need to stand the bench on its side for this part. UPDATE: One year later (June 21, 2018) and both benches have weathered very well. The paint looks good, and not a spot of rust.

Well made benches and easy to assemble. Instructions state that assemble tine is 1 hour, but I put two benches together in roughly 30 minutes. Make sure you use a rug or some other type of protective surface to avoid scratching during assembly. The benches are beautiful and sturdy with just enough weight for easy moving o your patio. All bolts arrived in sealed packaging and all bench parts are individually wrapped in plastic. The only issue is the wrench that is included for tightening the bolts....rather flimsy. My husband came home while I was in the midst of trying to tighten the bolts. Upon hearing my complaints of difficulty, he handed me a Kobalt wrench, saying this should work much better and went inside to watch college football! I went back and secured all of the bolts. Make sure you have a sturdy wrench. Now, back to the benches....design is beautiful and with some added decorative pillow, perfection! Thank you Outdoor Pario for graciously helping me with my order when Fed Ex attempted to deliver. Appreciate it!

Easy to assemble, sturdy, nice looking.

It fit together well and easily, but the paint is already flaking off in some spots. Just from putting it together. Seems sturdy enough.

I saw the same pattern outdoor bench at our church with stainless screw and washers. I found the same pattern outdoor bench with COMMERCIAL grade as qualifier at Amazon. I opened the package and found out the screws and washers are not for outdoor use, even not galvanized. If you expect commercial grade, you will be a little bit disappointed. The bench quality looks fine.

Very satisfied with product. Arrived promptly. Although packaging was damaged, all the parts were there and my husband assembled it with no problems. Looks beautiful in our yard.

Well made, instructions for assembly were clear, packaging was adequate. Overall good shopping experience.