Bakers Rack With Shelf

Comments about Stacks and Stacks Bakers Rack With Shelf:

I picked this unit because I was looking for a solution for a very limited space; I was in desperate need of a computer desk. The pull out shelf functions well as a keyboard tray, but really isn't designed to hold more than a couple pounds. The weight of gently resting my wrists on the tray causes the brackets to bow, and the give can be felt immediately.\nI am at a loss to imagine how the pull-out shelf could be used in a baker's rack's normal function, but the unit certainly meets my needs, and I've not seen another backer's rack with this feature.\n\nThings that are great about it:\n-It's very pretty in the corner of the room, and a lovely way to dress up functionality. It really looks great!\n-The price is fairly affordable.\n-It's surprisingly stable once it's assembled.\n-Assembly wasn't too bad, once I got a 2nd person to help.\n\nThings that are NOT so great about it:\n-The wood finish chips fairly easily, so be careful. Probably not a good choice if you're planning to use the top surface of the wood counter top for frequent use. Fine for displaying things that won't be moved much, (or for holding my monitor and laptop docking station).\n-The wire shelves are inconvenient for placing some objects, as some of my smaller items wanted to roll and lean between bars. I fixed this by cutting to size 1/4" plywood insets for each shelf and spray painting them in a matte black that blends with the unit. This was easier than trying to match the stain, which might look more elegant, although the black shelves do not draw any attention or detract from the aesthetics.\n-The brackets for the pull-out shelf do not feel as though they're meant to hold much weight. I can't imagine I'm applying more than 5 lbs of weight before I feel them begin to bow. Not sure what purpose the pull-out tray could have except as a keyboard tray, which has done wonders to break me of the habit of resting my wrists when I type.\n-By themselves, the wire shelves visibly bowed when heavier objects were placed on them. With the thin plywood insets, the weight is distributed, and the shelves seem sturdier for supporting some weight. I've since confidently loaded some of the shelves with books.\n-Assembly, although listed above as not too bad, did have a few drawbacks: The pictures were less-than-clear as to which way to orient some pieces, which led to rework, after I realized how the piece was intended to be used, and needed to flip or turn a shelf or bracket.\n\nOverall, I'm satisfied with this piece as it precisely filled my need; however, I would have preferred a bit more quality out-of-the-box.

Service and delivery comments:

Delivery was prompt, but I was amazed at the damage the box sustained. The delivery driver placed the unit by my front door, rang the doorbell, and practically ran back to his truck. Imagine the surprise when I turned the box around and saw that nearly a third of the cardboard was sheered off the package, hanging by a few fibers!\n\nThe product within was not missing any hardware, and sustained very minor damage. Some of the decorative metal slats on one of the lower side units were slightly bent, and there was some minor damage to the paint in that area. I reversed as much of the bending as possible, and touched up the paint. The damage is barely noticeable even when you're looking for it.\n\nI did not correspond with Stacks and Stack's customer service regarding the condition in which the product was received, as my need for the unit far outweighed the very minor damage, and the inconvenience wasn't worth my time/energy.\n\nMy shipping experience is NOT factored into my rating.