South Shore Axess Desk with Keyboard Tray & Space Saving Bookcase Set - White Home Office Furniture for Small Spaces | Compact Workstation with Adjustable Shelves for Organizing Books, Supplies & Decor

Cute desk that we bought for our daughters birthday. By the time we took it out to assemble, it was 1 day past the time to be able to return and there were 4 cracked and broken pieces.Luckily if you go to the manufacturer website, you can submit a claim and they will send you replacement pieces at no charge. Great customer service!It's been about 9 months since I purchased this... desk, I guess you could call it. I never got around to it until now and, honestly, that's not a good thing for me. I usually only review things if I'm blown away or so disappointed that the thought of one more person buying the product in question keeps me up at night. As you might have deducted from my rating and title, the reason for this particular review is the latter. Anyway, onto the specifics.I was going to rip it to shreds before i realized how much i spent on it, so I will only talk about the basic things that one would expect from a desk, regardless of the price, and how this desk managed to let me down with almost all of them. Also, the price has come down a bit since I bought it. I paid 100 dollars for it according to my Amazon history, but for some reason I remembered paying more than that.So, let's start with the drawer. This drawer is comprised of 22 parts total:Piece of wood x5Plastic place holders x8 (on the ends of the side panels of the drawer, pointing each way one 4 to the back panel, 4 to the front)Screws x4Plastic pin-type fixtures x2 (holding the sides of the drawer to the front panel)PLASTIC track on which the drawer "slides" back and forth. x2Metal handle x1Okay, so now that you have an idea of what I've been working with, now I'll tell you what it took to even get this thing to be functional, at least as a drawer. I started noticed that the plastic fixtures that hold the sides of the drawer to the front panel kept inexplicably slipping past the screws that held them in, leaving them still screwed in and confusingly ineffective. This led to the front of the drawer literally just pulling right off in my hand when i tried to open it. After I took the screws out the first time and then replaced them, but with the fixtures back under them, I popped the drawer back in its plastic track and went back to whatever I was doing, wondering what exactly would have made that happen. The hole in which the screws went on the plastic piece weren't broken or even stretched. Anyway, the drawer behaved properly for about a week, I'd wager. The second time the drawer came off, I had to know how it happened. It was like some sort of magic trick that wasn't anywhere near as impressive as it was just down right inconvenient. I figured out that the lack of support from the back panel was allowing the sides of the drawer to move freely, and usually opposite of each other. This was causing a sort of bend on one side and against the other, so I suppose the plastic hole around the screw just stretched so much that it just popped to the other side of the screw. So i tried to tape the back panel to the bottom one in hopes that the bottom panel would stop sliding back and forth which, I forgot to mention, would be the only thing keeping the drawer from bending around like it does, were it supported WHATSOEVER. It, however, is not. The first tape i used, clear scotch tape (i'm chuckling at myself as i write for ever even believing that might work. So I moved onto duct tape. No dice. There was just way too much stress on those little fixtures in the front and the back is just too free. I eventually arrived at gorilla tape. It worked! For about 2 weeks. I couldn't believe it. Even GORILLA TAPE couldn't manage to keep this thing from falling apart??? How is that possible. My solution, at least for now, is as follows: Line the holes of the plastic fixtures with twine (couldn't find any washers laying around, I improvised), then screwing the screws in on top of that as tight as they would go. I also loaded the back and bottom panels down with several layers of gorilla tape. I also screwed two wood screws into the outside of the side panels, going into the back panel, and thus giving it some support. I have a feeling that any screws would have done the trick, but I was so frustrated with the effort it took to get these pieces of wood to act like a drawer, I went for broke. Anyway, enough about the drawer, let's talk about the other things.The desk is held together at all it's joints with these little 2 part screws. I actually found them kind of neat. There's a circular hole in the part that holds another part to it, for instance the parts that sit on the floor. You put the circular part of the screw into that hole, then with the other part, which is a metal piece that resembles the head of a nail and a plastic piece with teeth that held them into the wood that was being attached. Hopefully this is making sense. It's a bit unusual for me but this is also the first time I've ever bought a piece of furniture over the internet. So anyway, once the two parts meet, you rotate the circular one righty tighty, and it locks the other part into it. While this was, like I said, pretty neat to me (it's the simple things), one of the circular screws just straight up does not catch the other part. There are NO spares. So the very back panel of the desk, what would be by your legs were you sitting at the desk, has one screw that doesn't connect, so if I ever need to move the desk, I have to make sure I push it back against the side that isn't fully attached, lest the two side panels separate. The side panels also have the track that holds the keyboard tray, so if they separate, the tray comes crashing down (yes, it has happened with some pretty important things sitting on it). So there's that. The last complaint I have is, at least in my opinion, minor compared to the others. The shelf that sits on top of the desk is depicted in the photo as being a good place to put things like books, dvd's, or games. This, however, is not the case. The back of it is completely open! One careless nudge and your things are all not only on the floor, but behind a desk that you can't even slide out because if you do, your laptop is going to end up on the floor as well.To wrap, I believe that you could find better value and quality in a product from WalMart. And I honestly hate the makers of this product for creating something so bad that I had to ever actually say something so ludicrous.The only reason i gave it 2 stars was because it was surprisingly easy to move from where i lived when i bought it to where i live now.It comes apart rather easily and, once you've done it once, putting it together doesn't require instruction. That being said, all of these problems existed before taking it apart and putting it back together.Sorry for the length, I just really wanted to stress how important it is that no one ever gives this company another dime; at least not for the Axess Collection Work Desk.I wanted a new desk that would hold my monitor, keyboard, Macbook, and still give me room to see write and have a book open in front of me. This desk accomplishes that. It is not huge, making it great for an apartment, but it still has storage options.When I opened the box there was a piece that was snapped in half. I called the company, and they returned my call within two hours and sent a replacement piece. I put the desk together without the piece (the backing to the “hutch” area) and will complete it when the piece arrives.I put it together myself, and it took about 2 hours. It’s not the most sturdy desk I’ve ever sat at, but it will work to get me through to graduation in December.The only reason I’m giving 4 stars is due to the instructions and the labeling of the pieces. The instructions were hard to follow, and not all of the parts of the desk came labeled. Figuring out which parts were what took up a half an hour. The instructions could be more clear on which way to lay the piece when putting them together.Bought this desk for my 11-year-old. It was pretty simple to put together. Nothing fancy. I’d compare it to the type of furniture you can buy at Target.It fits in the bedroom nicely and is set up so you can have electronics on the top without worrying about where cords go. The shelf up top has no back behind it so they all get “threaded” to the back.If you have a small space, and need a desk for very limited use, I feel like this desk is a great choice overall. I'm normally very positive in my reviews, but there are some very clear pros and cons for this desk i want to make extremely cleat for everyone. There are a ton of great reviews on this product already that both aided my decision to buy this, and also had me a little worried while I waited on the delivery.CONS1) The SIZE but this could also be a pro, depending on the amount of space you have. for me, my space was very limited so I saw this as the best option. It has enough room for a laptop and about two books side by side. for me though, I like to spread everything out when I study so this restricts me. Again this is just my opinion on the size.2) The SURFACE. I chose the black finish, it is textured, but also very smooth. It feels very cheap, and is also very soft, so it scratches AMAZINGLY EASY! Just in the building process I left some permanent scratches. Also, I slid my Macbook across it, and the rubber pads managed to leave a good scuff mark. To me thats kinda incredible.3) The COMPANY. I've read numerous reviews about South Shore. Not only for this product, but for a bunch of other dressers and bedside tables as well. They seems to have a bad reputation with leaving out Items or sending broken items. I got off rather easy, but on the front of the keyboard holder, there should be a black strip covering the particle board as it is facing out. all uncovered pieces then face towards the back since we don't see them. I was missing this strip, i could tell it was once there because there was reminence of an adhesive strip which held it on. this was extremely unsightly, so in a pinch I used a black marker to color it in the best I could. I'll attach pictures to show you all. I havent contacted the company yet, but I plan on it. I will edit with how that experience goes.4) The WEIGHT. Most all the 1 star rating are due to this fact. I'm 26, in great shape, and very strong. this was hard for even me to left by myself, just because there is no great way to grab it. so i can only imagine this would be an issue for delivery drivers who are in a hurry, and for all the men and women who deal with the package before them. it doesn't say fragile on the box so i'm sure its not handled carefully. So if anyone sits it down on a Corner too hard, it absolutely will break the particle board. a couple of my corners were banged in a little. when I saw the box i was terrified because i can tell it had been slammed down a ton. They put a good amount of padding and support in the box, but they still should put more on the corners in case.PROS1) The ASSEMBLY. So many reviews complained that assembly was confusing and that items weren't labeled... Well all of mine were labeled, so maybe thats a new thing, or maybe somehow some unlabeled items were shipped out? because of that though it was very easy. the instructions even tell you how to best organize your stacks of parts to speed up the process. Some diagrams were a little confusing with how parts need to align, but thats nothing you cant easily figure out. I was extremely unfocused while I was putting this together, talking to roommates and watching tv, so it took me about 3 hours. But once the pieces are organized and you figure out your game plan, you can easily build this in an hour! Once everything started going together I didn't run into a single issue, and it was actually kinda fun.2) The PRICE. Even with the Cons I spoke of, this desk is only $100, I never expected it to be perfect. it serves a great purpose for a small space. It wont last forever, but if you're looking at this desk, I have a feeling you wont need it to last forever. The day i have more room ill be upgrading to a larger desk3) The STYLE. Even though I was missing that strip on the front, it looks great in my room. Its very modern, and very clean looking. All my roomates were impressed it was only $100 from the look of it.To sum it up, I still think this desk is a great buy, even with the cons. There are still a ton of great reviews over negative ones. So this means there is a chance there might be an issue with your item, but the chances are better you'll be happy, if what you need is a small desk.As I am handicapped (MS) and in a wheelchair. Since 2005. Called a few people, to help me, no show, so built it all myself. I live in a seniors home. I used my bed to build this unit on . I built the drawer first then the unit that sits on top of the desk. Found the installation book easy to follow. No parts left over. Started to build it April 29th ended May 1. Tools required, hammer, magnetic screwdriver, vise grips to hold the nails, boxcutter to open the box.BTW...I am 80years old....independent most of my life..spacious, sturdy, affordable and doesn't take up a lot of space in what already feels like a small office these were the things that were top priority for me while shopping for a new desk for my office space. I don't have a big office by any means and felt a huge desk would be intimidating for people walking into my office, I wanted it to look classy yet inviting and this desk is perfect!!!! I love the upper shelf its perfect for a picture of my family and a plant! It is extremely sturdy the only down fall is having the patience to put it to put it together ( that is something I lack) I was thrilled when a co-worker offered to put it together for me, it took him less then an hour and I didn't hear any profanity what so ever!!! Instructions were clear and easy to ready, laid out step by step with all parts labeled. packing was lovely with minimal waste. I decided on the chocolate brown colour and it is beautiful!! drawers slide with ease and have ample amount of storage. when it comes to bang for your buck this desk gets top marks!!!!!Does its job but definitely not the greatest quality and lacks finishing details. I purchased the black desk and all the edging on the corners you can see the MDF so it looks like white stripes. The hardware for the key board slide out is brown(not sure why it wouldn't be black for a black desk). Also, the front drawer came scratched...wish it was any other board as the drawer is facing the front so it's easily noticeable. If you want a cheap desk...this does the job. It does not go beyond that...i purchased this for a my sons room and so it works. I would definitely not want this as my personal desk.The top of the desk is damaged right out of the box. The corner is dented badly. This is manufacturing damage, not shipping. You can tell the employees at South Shore tried to fix the dent. The drawers do not open without pulling hard because they get stuck on the screws underneath. I can't actually sit in this desk because the opening is so small. This would have been a good desk for me when I was 12 years old.Came in an easy to move box, decently packaged. Were not that difficult to put together, and I appreciate the bits of humor that South Shore put into their instructions. Having built a dozen or more similar type of pieces of furniture before the instructions were pretty easy to follow for me, and the end product was really nice.Note I purchased two of these (one for each kid), one was in perfect condition while the other had a few pieces with rough edges, and the C1 board was actually cracked along the surface. The board itself was okay and the crack was inside by the shelf so not noticeable, but it was obviously a QA failure on their part.