I researched this set for months and finally purchased this for my 21 month old daughter last month once I noticed her "W sitting" which is unfortunately becoming common among the 18 month to 5 year range. Sitting this way prevents children from turning their body from side to side (trunk rotation) and crossing their midline to reach toys and objects - may not seem like a big deal now but these are important skills for the developing child as more advanced motoric skills are dependent upon them. Children with hip dysplasia and other motoric issues should also avoid "W sitting" as doing so can aggravate these issues and in extreme cases cause hip dislocation. Try sitting this way yourself to play with your child and you will see (actually feel - it's very uncomfortable!) what I mean.
I specifically looked into Jonti craft and Kidkraft for their classroom durability and developmental features for young children. I've had both brands in my Kindergarten classroom and they were great.
Anyhow - now I have my daughter sit and stand at the table for various activities. I do have her stand more than sit at this point because her feet don't touch the floor yet with these chairs. When children engage in fine motor tasks their feet should be touching the floor for stability. The table is the perfect height for her and her 5 tear old brother enjoys it as well. The set went together in a flash with the use of my powerdrill (you can use a hex drill bit instead of the allen wrench provided - much faster this way). Yes, some of the holes do not line up perfectly but with a powerdrill it is really not an issue.
I highly recommend this set and am actually looking into purchasing an extra table for the extra little ones who visit! [...]. I really don't think you will be disappointed . . . as a tough-to-please-anal-retentive-nitpicker teacher and mom, take my word for it! KidKraft Farmhouse Table & Chair Set
This table and chair set is awesome and very, very durable and well made! And KidKraft has excellent customer service...one of the parts didn't fit well and I called them for a new one and I had it in 3 days for free! They even said if it gets damaged and I ever need any new parts, to call them and they'd send it right away!
We found many of the same problems other reviewers mentioned: lousy-quality wood w/many imperfections that reduce its strength, poorly drilled holes that frequently didn't line up well during assembly, etc. That said, KidKraft Customer Service has been good about sending replacment parts, and we won't have to return the table, which our 22-month-old has enjoyed so far. It was reasonably priced and one of few sets that came w/4 chairs -- but if you can afford a better table, I'd buy a different one.
We just received our table/chair set in the mail (purchased on Amazon from babyage). The delivery was prompt via Fedex. (We ordered on the 10th and it arrived on the 15th.) All the pieces were clearly labeled, very well packaged and included all hardware pieces. It was fairly easy to put together although the screws require some effort to get in all the way. We followed the advice of another reviewer and soaped the screws, which made them easier to get in.
The set is very attractive and sturdy. I kept telling my husband how pretty it was as we opened the package. It is a very light, natural wood color. After assembling everything, I sat on the chairs and felt no give whatsoever. It is the perfect height for our 20 month old, but still looks like there is room for growth. The table height is good for both sitting and standing play. (He is sitting in a chair right now, playing with his trains.) Considering the price, it is a great deal for a table and four chairs. We will probably use a couple of the chairs for various other tables and uses around the house, and still have two for use with the table. The chairs are weighty enough to be difficult to tip, yet light enough to be pushed with effort by our son.
We were also considering the fold up, plastic picnic tables. After reading reviews about how they had permanently bent when heavier children sat on them, I decided against it. I didn't want to have to worry about the table or chairs being used by larger kids and/or adults.
Overall, I am VERY happy with this purchase. We decided on this one after much deliberation and research. It is a great deal for the price. I think it is of the same or better quality than higher priced options. We look forward to using this set for years to come!
This table and chair set is ultra-sturdy solid birch wood (not pressed). The chairs hold grownups without a wobble. There was 1 misdrilled hole, but BIG DEAL. My 2-year-old certainly doesn't care and who's going to notice? It came with all the pieces and parts promised, and the finish is surprisingly nice (natural). It also came with all the tools necessary to assemble it, although a power drill with an Allen wrench bit made faster work of it.
What I liked in particular about this set is that it came with 4 chairs, so we had enough to use in other rooms of the house. Now my son has a child-sized chair in which to sit in all his favorite places.
Here is a link to the assembly instructions: http://www.kidkraft.com/catalog/assminst/21421.pdf
I just received this set this afternoon. I put it together in about 30-45 minutes. Easy to assemble. Its just a little big for my toddler who is 2 1/2 years old (she's a little tall for her age. She loves this set.
Minors issues (received an additional screw instead of a bolt that I need for a chair). Kidkraft is great for replacing items missing from products...no worries. Caveat: This is my second Kidkraft product this week with missing or damaged parts KidKraft Modern Toddler Cot.
Kidkraft will replace items for FREE but you must wait for delivery of additional replacement items but the inconvenience of having projects half finished.
I do recommend this product. It is a good value and the wood is nice and solid. Just don't count on everything being correct the first time.'
Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information
