I ignored the reviews and comments that stated this locker is difficult to assemble, particularly given the bad directions. I am somewhat good with building & assembly, so I figured it can't be that bad. I think the biggest problem is the written directions, as they are very confusing and poorly written. The pictures or diagrams were easy to follow, and I preferred to use them as I assembled the locker.
Everything was going together fine until I got to the back panels (K). Apparently, all three back panels that were shipped with my locker were too thick and too long, making it impossible to attached the frame pieces (G) which secured the panels. I opted to complete assembly without the panels, and simply screwed them on at the end. I am sure LL Bean would re-send the correctly cut panels, but since I had a project in progress with pieces laying around the family room, I opted to complete it instead of waiting for the right parts to arrive some days or weeks later. Or, worse, i'd be told i would need to disassemble and put the pieces back in the box, which was not an option in my mind. Once open and out of the box, I'm pretty sure you would have to move mountains to get it to fit perfectly back in the box so that it could possibly be shipped back to LL Bean.
With the modifications I described above, it took me nearly 2 hours to assemble this locker, which has less than 20 pieces to it. Most of my time (an hour +) was spent after I discovered the back panels were too long and too thick (the thickness is significant because they fit into grooves or slots: if too thick, they won't fit into the slots and the rest of the pieces to the locker will not assemble correctly) Prior to my revisions I noted that the locker was wobbly, so the back panels clearly add important support and durability features to the locker. Noting the wobbly nature of the locker, I decided to screw the panels onto the back of the locker. In doing so, the locker became very stable and wasn't wobbly at all.
The locker is handsome and subtle in its design. Very simple appearance, and definitely functional. It would have been nice if the directions were better and the pieces appropriately cut at manufacture, but the locker itself instantly improved our mounting frustration over backpacks, shoes, sweaters, etc, being thrown on the floor near the garage door. Three boys, three cubbies and three lockers is perfect. I would prefer to do without the frustration experienced in the assembly process, but if you've got the stomach and patience to make it through the assemby, then you will be happy with the locker.
Other commenters crticized the size, yet I think it's perfect. If you want something bigger, then I would suggest you simply tell your kids to put their stuff in their closets. This is perfectly sized for us. I'm adding hooks, as proposed by another reviewer, but the size is adequate to fit a full size backpack and sweater/jacket. Shoes can fit on the bottom, and other items can easily be placed in the cubbies at the top. More important, the height of the locker is appropriate for school-aged children (K-8, or so). Moreover, it's short enough that parents can use the top of the locker for adult items like cell phones, wallets, keys, etc.
I understand that the Boat and Tote storage bins shown on your website today (2/14/11) are no longer available and have been discontinued since 2008. Too bad because they're perfect to fit in this locker and the monogramming makes organizing simple. Please consider bringing this item back to your inventory or at least don't tease us with using them in a current photograph. Thanks for listening and I love shopping at LLBean and will continue to do so.
LL Bean got the concept right but the size wrong. This is a great concept for the family to get organized but I have to say we have 3 children and this is just to small. My children hang their coats but forget about trying to get a backpack in. I think Beans should rethink and redo the sizing and this would be perfect!
When the Cottage Locker arrived we were pleasantly surprised at how torn up the box was and what great shape the individual pieces were in. After a week of feeling overwhelmed at the task of assembling this item, my wife and I finally decided to tackle it that Sunday.
With all intentions of keeping this a calm project, we increasingly grew frustrated with the unclear directions and one ill-fitting board. After assembling and re-assembling the locker, we finally decided to live with the slight open space on the side and the slight wobbliness of the piece. We have had the piece up for about a month or two and we really like it. The kids enjoy coming home each day and putting their sneakers, coats and backpacks away. Plus, there is now some organization to our mudroom.
When considering the price point and the installation of the Painted Cottage Locker we had to give this product an average rating.
