Lakeland MillsCFU129 Cedar Log Tete-A-Tete Natural

Just purchased this product a few days ago. It arrived quickly. The paper work inside indicates that you should inventory all of the contents right away to make sure they are all present and undamaged as you only have 24 hours to contact Lakeland Mills (not Amazon) to get any parts replaced that are missing or damaged. An 800 number to Lakeland Mills is provided. So even if you aren't going to assemble it right away, you should still open the 2 boxes and check the contents for damage and to see if all parts are present. Some logs do have noticeable splitting. The paperwork in the box indicates that this is normal, expected, and not something that will compromise the structural integrity of the furniture. Also indicated is that the splitting adds to the natural beauty of the furniture,... I agree. Optional, is the application of a protective coating of which there are many different products available at most any hardware store. I did apply a coat of Thompson Water Seal (Clear) (from Lowes). A 1 gallon container was $16 (this was item number 782625 from Lowes). Thompsons label indicates that the product should be reapplied every 1 to 2 years depending on conditions. The attached photo shows the 2 seater bench with the Thompsons applied to the left side (I was only half way through the job and wanted to show a comparison). I like how the Water Seal brought out the slightly darker color in the wood grain. A day later, the Thompsons water seal has dried and the bench still looks like it does in the photo (with the darker wood grain standing out). The second photo shows that upon opening the two boxes that much of the bench is already assembled. The rest of the assembly was not difficult, although the directions were not great, but you can figure it out how to get it done with the aid of checking out a Youtube video or two. Bad instructions are a common complaint with many different products. Everyone thinks they can do better, I do. But then again, imagine trying to explain to someone over the phone how to tie their shoes. It's a challenge. The third photo is the bench out back and ready for use. The bench does seem very sturdy and it is comfortable. Strongly considering getting a matching chair or two to go along with it for my back patio. I'm happy with this product overall.

The Tete-A-Tete was the fourth piece of this cedar log furniture I have bought and assembled. I did it by myself, in the living room for the most part because it was over 90 degrees outside. I only needed assistance in getting the piece carried out to the porch for the final phases of assembly. Must be on solid (not carpeted) surface to insure proper leveling.However, the cedar log chair that I had put together totally on carpet earlier (remember to vacuum afterwards) did, in a few days, settle to a very solid, no longer wobbly state. Gravity, and the initial greenness of the wood may have accounted for that.The current picture of this product is not showing two, small angle pieces that attach to the front legs and to the under part of the seats for added strength and support. When this is assembled, you know it's not going anywhere. Solid furniture.Wrestling the thing in the house, at times propping parts against other furniture, standing it first on one end then the other, working with the legs and arm rests is a bit of work, but very satisfying. The seat and back parts are pre-assembled -- you connect them to the front and back legs and arm pieces. Put in as few screws as needed to hold it in shape for the move outside. But do align and tighten the two big 7/16" nut driven screws with the predrilled hole in the arm rests. This is best done with the thing standing on end.You have 18 screws (I found that two were too long and protruded when tightened, so I replaced them). You'll need a rubber hammer (or block of wood and hammer), a Phillips head screw driver (read: drill with P2 bit), and a 7/16" wrench. Making your own predrilled holes is helpful, but not necessary.One of the seat slats had been chipped in transit. With the rocking chair, I merely glued it back in place, but this chip had broken into 3 or 4 pieces. I called the included 800 number, described which slat was damaged, and am expecting a replacement soon in the mail. I'll just unscrew the three screws in the damaged one, and replace it with the new one.I am surprised at the reviews of cedar log outdoor furniture that mention staining or treating the wood. Not necessary with cedar, and if you do, you introduce the big "M" word: Maintenance! I'm letting mine turn a natural silver-gray, much as my hair has done! We'll continue to grow old gracefully, naturally, and hopefully together.

This was delivered in two large boxes. The instructions aren't great, but the assembly is pretty straightforward so no issues there. The wood is very good and the cuts are clean. Once assembled, the thing looks great and is very comfortable. As you can see in the picture, we have it in a great spot and have enjoyed glasses of wine while overlooking our ranch. We have already ordered another one and may get a third. Highly recommended.Update: despite how well built these are- they can't survive a 40 foot oak tree falling on it. We were so upset to see our seat crushed by this tree. It was a great spot to sit and watch the world go by.Another update, we bought 3 of these great chairs, but we're down to 1. Two have been crushed by failing trees. What are the odds?

I chose the white cedar furniture for use at our log cabin which we rent short-term to travelers and outdoor sportsmen (so as not to be slammed by the PC police...that includes outdoor sportswomen as well ;-). We have the tete-a-tete, 2 individual chairs and the round coffee table. They're perfect for our setting! We've owned them for about a month. They're very sturdy and attractive AND super comfortable. I plan to purchase additional cedar furniture from Lakeland Mills in the future.We haven't decided yet if we'll seal the wood. Our cabin is white cedar pine that has weathered and aged and I believe we'll leave it that way. I think it makes sense to let the white cedar furniture do the same!Assemby...well, could be worse I guess. You really can't have "very sturdy" without suffering through the steps to make it so. I was able to assemble the pieces myself after a quick lesson in power tools from my husband :-) Trust me, you do not want to attempt to hand-screw this furniture together!