Easy enough assembly. I chose this looking for a bench that requires no maintenance, so I won't know if it was a good decision for a while. Over all it's a nice looking bench. To me the appearance from a distance is better than when you are standing next to it but I have not heard that complaint from any one else.
Forced to update this one .. . . . this has not been through a full summer yet but the painted finish has gone completely matte, lost all of the shine. When you rub your hand on it you end up with powdery grey dust on your hands. Not really maintenance free when the finish is rubbing off.