I've just put together a round table with bookshelf from Ready-to-Cover and it really couldn't have been much easier.
Since it was so simple, I thought I'd let my readers know how I'd rate the piece from start to finish.
- The Ordering
The website for Ready-to-Cover includes photos of all their products, detailed descriptions, dimensions, materials, and shipping options available. Couldn't be much easier. I ordered the "30 Inch Decorator MDF Table Kit" with bookshelf which is 30" high and 30" in diameter when assembled. - The Package Arrives
The flat box of 6 pieces that make up the table arrived in a box that weighed about 35 pounds. The combination of weight and 30" x 30" box just 1 1/2" deep was a bit unwieldy but I got it into the house with no problems. Unfortunately, one box corner was crushed and it happened that an edge of one of the vertical pieces was split. I repaired it by using wood glue and a clamp. No problem. - Sorting the Pieces
I took all the pieces out of the box onto the floor of my living room. The instructions listed what items were in the box and I made sure everything was there. - Beginning Assembly
I started by gluing the two shelves onto one side of the bookshelf part of the table. The pieces fit perfectly into the routed channels. Next, I nailed the side piece into place, lining the nails up with the straight edges of the shelf pieces. I used a straight edge to make sure the nails went through to the center of the shelf pieces. - Finishing the Bookshelf
After flipping the bookshelf unit over, I attached the other vertical support with glue and nails, then added the back. - Attaching the Table Top
I lay the table top on the floor and stood the bookshelf unit upside down onto the round. I measured carefully to center the shelf under the middle and attached the top to the shelf unit with the L-brackets provided. Job done!
The project couldn't have been much easier. I was able to do the whole job myself and it turned out just as I'd expected.
After assembling the round table, I was ready to put on a beautiful table skirt.
- Pros
- The instructions were very clear and easy to follow.
- The piece can be assembled with items from a basic tool kit.
- All pieces were included in the kit. No other items were needed except for basic tools.
- The pieces were carefully cut and the routed channels were exactly right for the shelves.
- The shelving unit under the table top provides some great storage totally out of sight!
- The table top has a rounded edge giving it a soft look.
- The order arrives with a personalized letter from the President of the company and contact information. A personal touch!
- If you decide that you don't like the piece, it's totally guaranteed and you can return it with no restocking fee. Nice!
- Cons
- One corner of the shelf base was broken in shipment. The corners of the box could be reinforced.
- It was slightly difficult to line up the small nails with the end of the shelves through the side panels. It would have been helpful if the side panel had been marked in the exact center with a dot for the nail.
- It was awkward to screw the L-bracket into the side panels and table top. I got out an awl and my power drill to get the holes started. Then it worked fine.
- I feel that the table is a bit wobbly. It's perhaps because the base of the table is quite high and the table top extends over the front and back of the table base by quite a bit. You'd need to use the size I purchased in an area where people, particularly children, would not lean on it.
