Thanks for your review and we’re very sorry to hear you aren’t entirely happy. This item is not a quick assembly and we do mention the following on the product page: “This product is flat packed and requires some experience for assembly - we recommend enlisting someone who's handy with a screwdriver!”
The drawers do not have handles, however in our experience they can be easily opened as there is space top and bottom. I will however pass on this feedback to our supplier. With regard to the hardboard on the base of the drawers, this area is not exposed, so shouldn’t get wet and adding further pinewood to the base would add extra (unnecessary) cost.
This item is intended to be left outside; each of us in the office have been using one of these in our own gardens for the last couple of years and are still looking near perfect. You are correct though that Ikea sell items for cheaper than us, however (with the exception of the base of the drawers) this item is made from 100% FSC approved pinewood, where Ikea usually use a cheaper material inside the frame to cut costs and just a real wood outer layer. It’s also very different in terms of the design and style to what is available through Ikea.
I am however very sorry to hear that the frame didn’t align properly, this certainly shouldn’t be the case. I can see that you haven’t contacted us about this, so I will drop you an email now to resolve the issue. My apologies again that you were unhappy with this item. Kind regards, Hollie
