Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I must admit I was hesitant to purchase this stool/bench for the shower. I've owned bamboo benches in the past and not had the greatest of luck - they are both gone for 1 of 2 reasons - reoccurring stubborn mold or questionable quality & just plain discomfort. But I am persistent and depend on a shower bench for more reasons than some might (keep reading). And I occasionally use emojis in my reviews (where appropriate😉). While the box mine came in didn't seem to be as strong as I thought it would be, the pieces were wrapped well & undamaged. When it came to the actual bench, I wish I had found this one the 1st time around. I could tell from the beginning the quality & craftsmanship were better even though I didn't pay anymore for this one than I did the former shower bench failures🙄. These edges were smooth, the weight was solid but not cumbersome (important as I have arthritis in my hands/joints), and manufacturing quality control worked - no separated seams, questionable wood choices, or flawed finishes. It felt like a piece that will last a long time. So, no missing pieces and assembly was a breeze. Even though I was tired due to days of packing/moving and have issues sometimes with strength & dexterity in my hands, it was done in under 15 min (estimate). It may be common sense, but just in case, be sure to WAIT on fully tightening the screws at the seat of the bench until you have placed the shelf and begun securing it to the legs. This way you can avoid having to go back to unscrew the legs from the base because the shelf isn't sitting properly. Thankfully everything aligned and there were no gaps or wobbles; it is definitely solid. Regarding the size, its spot-on! You can next to you, or shift & twist without worrying you will somehow tip and need that "I've fallen and can't get up!😲" personal monitoring alarm. As you can see in the image posted it fits well into our 3'x4' shower. I store very little on the shelf simply due to my ability to safely reach items (the last thing I want is a room full of firefighters trying to extricate my contorted naked body from a small glass cubicle that will not make me look like a better version of myself!!😒😳). Lastly, I have to say something about comfort. As someone who has severe fibromyalgia triggered by Lyme Disease AND a significant back injury that resulted in back surgery/placement of pain stimulator in hip for low/mid back pain, comfort is everything🥳. I depend on this bench not only for ease of shaving my legs or softening my feet, but also for days that I can not stand for long periods due to muscle fatigue/weakness or just need to sit as my body's muscle or joint pain has flared. As the base (seat) is curved, I don't have the often significant discomfort😢 felt when sitting on a hard & flat surface. And the booster handles on each side make me feel more secure & stable when getting up (that's what I call them!). Overall, it's just easier on my back. All of this to say that at this point I am extremely hopeful I have found the shower bench that works for me AND doesn't make me feel like I am in my 80s even though I am 1/2 that age😬. While I am giving it a 10/10 screenshot for the several times I have used it(we just moved), I can't address the mold issue as thoroughly as I'd like just due to short time of use. On a side note, we do leave the shower door open when not in use to allow for air circulation into the shower (my husband says it helps🤔) and when I remember, I do try to squeegee off the seat/shelf. If anything changes I will update my review! For now, life with this bamboo bench is good! Fingers crossed that it's a long-term relationship...😁