We bought 2 of these benches to convert them into a picnic table and the mechanism is smooth and they are larger and more sturdy than we expected--easily seats 3 grownups  and they are great as benches and as the converted picnic table.  One slat was damaged on the back rest and there was also a gouge in the box so it was obviously a shipping issue. I called Lifetime and they were very efficient and friendly and immediately sent out a new slat with the screws, no hassle and no cost within 2-3 days.