Set arrived assembled. No funny smell at all. Chairs are a little smaller than I thought and the back is very
slanted. It works great for what I need it for on my back patio, the slant would be a problem if it were a desk chair.
The price is unbelievable, saw the same set, same brand even, at Lowes on "clearance" for three times the price on Wayfair! I can see that it will need to be oiled to keep its red wood tone and survive outdoors. Can get linseed oil at 
home depot. Overall very pleased.