This was a Christmas present for my mom and we expected it to be an heirloom.  It may end up being an heirloom, but we will first have to get the horrible grey mess (stain?) removed and then will need to refinish it.  The pictures show the horrendous grey stain that covers what looks like beautiful wood.  The stain was slopped on and there is even a handprint in the stain.  There were 7 people in the room when this gift was opened and all were appalled at the look of this bench.  As the gift giver I was embarrassed to have told everyone how great this gift was going to be once opened.