Received this bench yesterday; my husband and I assembled it in about an hour without a major hitch.  One of the holes was not drilled properly but other than that it went together well.  The lid has great safety hinges so anyone wanting to use it as a toy box will not have to worry about the lid falling on a child's head.  I was a little concerned that the color would be more red but it is a very nice dark walnut with just a hint of redness.  Other than the bottom, it is a very sturdy piece of furniture.  Very pleased with it.