Review on SimpliHome Connaught Universal TV Media Stand - Solid Wood, 72 inch Wide, Traditional Brown Entertainment Center for TVs up to 80 inches by Billy Berry

I read many other reviews about the Simpli Home furniture line and decided to take a chance as it was pretty much the only piece of furniture that suited my needs. Pros: it is decorated in wood, nothing looked like chipboard with veneer or MDF. Even the back is made from thin plywood rather than the cardboard you typically find in pieces at this price point. It fits together like Ikea furniture. If you've built something from IKEA, the assembly methods are pretty much the same. It was packaged in a huge box wrapped in foam and plastic. The box was broken, but the contents were fine. This bothered me as many others commented that it was damaged in transit. It looks like they listened to the customers and changed the packaging. They look good together. Cons: Back to the tree; it's heavy, but at the same time quite "low-density". I have no idea what kind of wood it is, but it scratches and gets damaged easily. Be careful when twisting it together. I heard some of the parts creak and make a "tick, tick, tick" noise as I put them together. Go slow and make sure you hit the pre-drilled holes straight ahead. There are no power tools here. The wood splits easily. After assembling mine I noticed that the front floor panel was split where the floor panel attached. An 8-10 inch crack that wasn't present on parts inspection, so it must have been found on reassembly. It makes no sense as there are no screws or bolts going through here. I was very disappointed when I saw this as I went through all the parts and took my time before assembling. Disassembly and return was not to be thought of at this point. The right door closes the gap, but I have to keep an eye on it to see if it's progressing or stopping. Doors are difficult to screw. they are heavy If you have a problem with it it will cost you more to send it back and that is assuming you can send it back in the box. If the engineers at Simpli Home can solve the problem of splitting wood by changing the way it's put together these pieces would be great, but I have a feeling with all the other reviews it's a game after all if you get a good kit or not. My score reflects the build, price, and functionality of the part. I immediately took off a star for splitting wood but it's good value if you get a good kit.