This bench is bigger than it appears in pictures.  I does come in pieces and I could put it together myself without a problem.  The only thing that threw me off was the boards of the bench weren't labeled with numbers.  In the directions, they show the pieces being numbered and where to put them location wise.  It does involve some thinking since it is not exactly project friendly.  Also, I was reading some reviews where they were stating it has a "smell"... the smell is cedar.  So there is no weird smell.  Lastly, this is perfect for all the planting I need.  The bench sits pretty high up also.  I'm 5'7" and it comes up to my waist or a little higher.  A great purchase!