Blooma Solway Softwood Corner arbour

recently brought this product and appreciate its not the most expensive on the market, but build quality was poor and the wood quality was even worse.splits in the wood all over the place and the some bits excessively twisted,and poorly put together, and there was a screw that obviously hadn't gone in properly so was bent over and another put in along side it wouldn't of been that bad if this hadn't been on the lower part of the seat so could catch on clothing.
trouble was i had already started painting it by the time these faults were noticed so couldn't send it back or i would of. pays to check first....
overall not that impressed

Had to get my dad in to the rescue to help as I managed to break my only 3mm drill bit in the back post. We had to take 3 attempts at screwing one part of the roof on and I couldn't use all the longer screws through the back post at the top because one of the beams was twisted so wouldn't fit properly. However we persevered and made it work.
I assembled first then painted, thought it would be easier, seems other reviewers painted first! I didn't think that would be a good plan but each to their own. Waiting for the rain to stop so I can apply another coat.
I didn't add the corner back rest as I wanted more space to sit and put my feet up. Looking forward to watching the birds, reading my book and drinking a glass of wine in the evening!

I bought this product last week and because I read the reviews first I counted all the parts first. The reviews were right. The screws seem to be thrown randomly into one bag. I found that I was one 130mm screw short and four x 70mm screws short. I tried to contact B & Q but have had no reply as yet so I will now have to buy the replacements. If this is a common problem, then why doesn't Rowlinson do something about it. Their packers need retraining or something. Have they any quality control? (PPS, SPL, etc. required). I have given every part one coat of Cuprinol before assembly (5 litres used so far) and I am now in the process of assembling it. I recommend a straight edge, set square and G Clamps to ensure correct assembly. I am now held up until I acquire remaining screws.

Bought in 2017, left it unbuilt in garden until 2018, I painted with Cuprinol wood paint, assembled it with a couple of friends who are used to DIY, a drill is a must. I am still enjoying the results 2019. Yes some slight warping BUT results worth it. I am not sure what people expect for an item so reasonably priced. Everyone who visits my garden loves my corner retreat

Arbour was delivered just a few days after I ordered it. Instructions weren't the easiest to follow, but 2 of us managed to assemble it in just a couple of hours on a Sunday morning. It's really solid, looks lovely and has livened up an otherwise unloved corner of the garden; in fact I think it will be my new favourite place to hang out and watch the birds or read a book. Would definitely recommend this product, but allow plenty of time to assemble it (you will need 2 people and a drill), or pay the extra to have it assembled if you can afford it :-)