This was easier to put together than I expected. The instructions are well laid out, and they include a bag of misc. extra hardware just in case. By myself, it took me about 2.25 hours, and that was with a couple of breaks and a dog trying to help me. I used hand tools for better control, but did use a drill on the back because there's a LOT of screws.
Once assembled, it's a pretty solid piece. I have a 49tv that just fits. I was hoping it wouldn't look too "boxy", which it kind of does, but it isn't bothering me as much as the first night I set it up. As others recommended, I inspected all pieces prior to assembly. There was a small scratch on a front piece that I didn't catch beforehand. Not enough to take it apart to return, but disappointing when you want something to be all shiny and new. There were 2 other minor scratches that I was able to adjust to not be seen. And as careful as I was with assembly, I still have some minor gaps - no one else will probably notice unless they look it over closely.
We've had gloomy days so my pics are terrible, but the rustic gray goes well with grays, browns, or blacks. I was afraid it might be drab, but I love that it blends in with the room and isn't the focal point unless you have the fireplace on.
As far as the fireplace, I think it's as real as you can get at this price point. It's way better than I thought it would be! You can have it lit alone, have heat alone, or run them together. The blower fan on the heater is loud though. I have larger space heaters that are much quieter.
Overall, I'm really happy with it. I've been watching these locally for a couple years and haven't seen anything this nice at this price point.
Very nice for the price
This was easier to put together than I expected. The instructions are well laid out, and they include a bag of misc. extra hardware just in case. By myself, it took me about 2.25 hours, and that was with a couple of breaks and a dog trying to help me. I used hand tools for better control, but did use a drill on the back because there's a LOT of screws. Once assembled, it's a pretty solid piece. I have a 49tv that just fits. I was hoping it wouldn't look too "boxy", which it kind of does, but it isn't bothering me as much as the first night I set it up. As others recommended, I inspected all pieces prior to assembly. There was a small scratch on a front piece that I didn't catch beforehand. Not enough to take it apart to return, but disappointing when you want something to be all shiny and new. There were 2 other minor scratches that I was able to adjust to not be seen. And as careful as I was with assembly, I still have some minor gaps - no one else will probably notice unless they look it over closely. We've had gloomy days so my pics are terrible, but the rustic gray goes well with grays, browns, or blacks. I was afraid it might be drab, but I love that it blends in with the room and isn't the focal point unless you have the fireplace on. As far as the fireplace, I think it's as real as you can get at this price point. It's way better than I thought it would be! You can have it lit alone, have heat alone, or run them together. The blower fan on the heater is loud though. I have larger space heaters that are much quieter. Overall, I'm really happy with it. I've been watching these locally for a couple years and haven't seen anything this nice at this price point.