Great question! If you order an outdoor bench today, the delivery time usually falls between 5 to 21 business days, depending on the seller and shipping method. Standard online retailers like Amazon or Wayfair typically ship within 3–7 days, plus transit time. Custom or handcrafted benches from small shops or Etsy sellers can take 2–4 weeks for production. For faster delivery, look for "Prime" or "in-stock" labels.
Now, about assembly: yes, most outdoor benches require some assembly. Flat-pack benches (like those from IKEA or Walmart) need you to screw on legs or attach slats, often with simple tools included. Higher-end models from brands like Polywood or Trex come fully assembled or require minimal work—just flip it open. If you're not handy, search for "no-assembly" or "fully assembled" benches; they cost more but arrive ready to sit on. Always check the product description: it will say "tools required" or "assembly level" so you know what’s ahead. In short: plan for 1-3 weeks and a 30–60 minute DIY project, unless you pay extra for pre-assembly. Enjoy your new bench!