Build a bookcase (Corona 2 Door Display Cabinet/Bookcase)

Member Name: Gary25

Product:	Corona 2 Door Display Cabinet/Bookcase
Date:	09/10/08 (391 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Superb quality, easy to assemble, stylish

Disadvantages: None

This unit belongs to a range of Mexican furniture called the Corona furniture Pine Collection. The Corona range offers a wide choice of items to furnish living, dining rooms and bedrooms. This stylish flat pack furniture has pine beds, Mexican dining sets, wooden TV cabinets, bookcases and wardrobes.
It is made from pine and finished in a waxed rustic disressed style that is set off with black metal hinges that are really effective. The distressed finish has nicks and woodworm marks (NOT REAL).

There are many outlets that stock this type of furniture and the prices can vary greatly for the identical piece so it is wise to shop around. Just type 'Corona furniture' in Google to see for yourself the numerous pieces available and to check the disparity in the prices.
Having moved house earlier this year, we had a space in the living room crying out for a nice piece of furniture, and after studying what was available, we settled on the Corona range, and in particular the two door display bookcase. When it arrived, all flat packed, I was a little apprehensive since flat packed furniture can sometimes be disappointing. The size for this assembled product is W81.5cm x D41cm x H153cm.

I unpacked it and checked all the pieces against the list in the instructions - all present and correct. In terms of pieces, the pack consisted of a top, bottom, four shelves, a right and left side, two side and one front plinth, a back panel, a front frame and finally a left and right door.
What was really pleasing with this was all the screws, dowels and other accessories were each in their own plastic compartment marked from A to M and therefore it was easy to use the correct screw for example when following the instructions as they were clearly lettered. Sometimes I find such accessories come in one bag and you spend ages having to separate the different sized screws etc.

The kit comes with an Allen key, but you also need a Phillips screwdriver and a mallet or hammer.
I'm not an expert, believe me, but am OK at assembly when the instructions are clear and easy to follow. The instructions provided were all in easy to follow steps (13 in total) with pictures and everything clearly numbered for each item. It took me around 2 hours but I am slow and methodical.

The finished result exceeded my expectations and looks a really strong, solid and attractive piece of furniture with open and concealed shelving. It certainly does not look like it came as a flat-packed item. My own photo shows the assembled product and it's also earned me Brownie points from the wife.
Do's and dont's.

Try not to place it near a radiator or direct sun. Wood is of course a natural product and will expand if subjected to damp and shrink and possibly crack with heat.

Do not place hot or chilled items directly on the surface. For general cleaning use a duster or damp cloth. No soap or detergents should be applied.
Do not use furniture polish or aerosol cleaners.

To retain character it will occasionally need re-waxing which can be accomplished by using a block wax.

Ours came from a company on-line called Furniture123.co.uk and they have a lead time for most pieces of 14-21 days. They use a separate delivery firm called Bradleys and we had no problems whatsoever with either. Delivery was free and we paid £117 for this bookcase.
The proof of the pudding is in the attached photo, says he proudly.

Summary: A self assembly 2 door bookcase in distressed pine