Winchester Arbour

+ I had to leave my first Winchester Arbour behind when I moved house, and would not consider any other Arbour, so was very pleased to find it available again. I love the solid sides, often able to sit there on rainy and windy days. Very sturdy and solid, we erected it on cement slabs. The storage bench is a bonus, holds garden tools & grandchildren's outside toys.

- None

+ Once the arbour was painted it was just like the photograph. It was lso excellent value for money.

- I think that the arbour should have a before and after photograph as someone who didn't read the description, would be disappointed with it in the natural wood finish.

+ good solid design - reasonably well made

- the storeage box underneath should be watertight
it would be better if the sides extended slightly to keep the wind/rain off you if it is blowing in that direction

+ Well packaged and clear building instructions. Very useful under seat storage box. Solid construction and very stable.

- Roof sections could have pre drilled holes. Wood treatment needs sanding down and makes wood look discoloured in places. We treated our arbour but wood treatment has pushed through after only a couple of weeks and needs re treating. I'm sure it will settle down in time.

+ Stylish sturdy & good value for money

- Assembly instructions not very clear & the fact that the arbour required painting should also be highlighted.

+ solid

- takes time to put together

+ The overall design and shape is good and well balanced. If your garden had a seaside theme, it is shaped like a up turned boat, if you wanted a seat to hide away unseen in, the semi gothic feel blends well into a country styled garden. It look clean and crisp once painted.

- It is a such a shame that the quality and thickness of the wood, and how it has been assembled, lowers the overall appearance. The arbour has to painted to cover the amount of seen nails and staples used to assemble it, even some of the panels my husband will be replacing because they were broken,(end two pieces of back shapped panel & the diamonds which bow!), but before any of that it has to be rubbed down, due to the green mild dew looking preservative & nails & staples knocked in properly.

+ Good quality materials, attractive design, sturdy when built.

- Very poor instructions for assembly!

+ Makes a good 'secret' hiding place for the children and we get to use it too. Also good for british Summer weather!

- Reviewer left no comment

+ looks beautiful and can be moved around if needed

- it came with no assembly instructions and not enough fixings!!!

+ The arbour looks lovely painted purple on a white stone patio. Useful storage area under the seat.

- None

+ We can use it for the purpose it was intended.

- The product does not arrive in the condition it should for two different reasons: The first reason - you would expect the 'finish' to resemble the product seen in the image on the online shop and in the catalogue. However, it arrived in the untreated condition quoted BUT it looks terrible, as though the wood is leaking a green sap from everywhere. The second reason - the condition of the parts to be assembled were not exactly fit for the purpose. We have had to re-position replacement hinges as the originals were bent, and we have a warped lid to the box, we live in hope that it will settle.

+ Looks good when painted. Sturdy

- Why no pre-drilled holes? Instructions sometimes ambiguous and some drawings did not correspond to actuality so had to be a bit inventive!

+ design and shape looks great..

- needs painting takes hours to do properly, seat was twisted and had to be screwed to keep it closed, can be made to look great if you spend a lot of time with sandpaper and paint..

+ looks good

- bad build quality