We love our deck box.  I was easy to assemble, even though we couldn't find instructions in the box.  There was a tiny dent on the top that must have occurred during shipping.  Nonetheless, we are happy with it.  We didn't notice any smell as others complained.  We did, however, coat it will tung oil to help protect it from the elements.  I'm concerned it may pull apart at some point, but time will tell.