I bought this bench for my brother about 6 years ago.  It withstood Ohio country winters, staying outside all year long.  When his house unfortunately burned down two years ago, the bench was away from the house, and offered the firefighters a place to rest during the many hours trying to save the house.  The house did not survive.  The bench did.  When a slat broke recently, Lifetime quickly sent a replacement.  We are happy with the bench and the guarantee.