Harbor Freight Reviews

Link: http://HarborFreightReviews.com

Item: 12-Slat Park Bench
Item number: 42364
Retail price: $69.99
Frequent sale price: $59.99
Target price: $39.99
Item Link (not available)

Our 12-slat Victorian-style park bench has survived two Buffalo winters thus far, and therefore deemed to be rugged enough for most people's use. It's a "Hot Buy" only when purchased on sale, with a coupon, or a combination of both that brings the price down to our "target price." It's probably a good buy even at the regular sale price, but better quality benches can sometimes be found locally at around the same price.

Using a 20%-off coupon with the usual sale price of $59.99 brings the price down to $47.99. Still too high to be what we consider a "Hot Buy" but good enough for many people to be a "reasonable purchase."

It comes with a clear varnish coating that sufficed for our first Buffalo winter, but repainting even with light sanding and primer followed by Sear's best Weatherbeater™ paint left it peeling with a few cracked slats by the third summer. Therefore, a good coating of Urethane or outdoor paint is recommended the FIRST season unless you like the weathered look on your outdoor furniture.

FYI: The Buffalo winter test for durability is quite rigorous. We leave the item uncovered throughout the Buffalo winter, often with several feet of snow followed by freezing, thawing and refreezing. We even use the item during the winter months! Thus, any item that survives more than two cycles is deemed "Buffalo tough" and likely to hold up quite well with normal use.

The bench is comfortable and rugged enough to withstand our 'field' testing with nearly 260lbs. And it's large enough for two people but better yet for "Sasha and me." Assembling woes are typical for Chinese-manufactured items, and you may need to replace a few broken bolts here and there unless you're careful not to over tighten them. Most holes were properly aligned and assembly can be easily accomplished by one person in a leisurely afternoon or evening.

Bottom line: A good value when purchased at or below our target price. An OK purchase when purchased slightly higher, but comparable or better quality benches can often be bought on sale from other local retailers.