ArchitecturalDepotReviews 6,715

I researched aluminum railings for my patio I placed an order with Architectural Depot. I ordered wo 4 foot sections of level rail and one 8 foot section. Due to the size of the 8 foot section, they shipped by common carrier freight, which took 4 weeks for the Oder to arrive. Once the units arrived, it was no surprise to find a damaged 8 foot box I noted the damage on the freight slip, as did the delivery driver. I later discovered the absence of the mounting kit. Here is where the pain begins. I contacted Architectural Depot explained that I waited a month to do the job, and now parts are missing. I spoke to two different people, who had a shallow apology, no surprise. The company said someone would call me back... never received that call. I callled the company again, now it's 4 days later. I received an e mail stating they wanted 3 pictures of the damaged box, which was discarded after the project was started. The railing kits are good quality, the bracket kit was very inexpensive, and easy to ship at no great cost to Architectural Depot. They stated they would research shipping for the parts after the claims were reviewed. This is unacceptable, I followed the web site instructions if damage was observed as did the delivery driver. I was so frustrated, I ordered the bracket kit from another company($30.00) and finished the job. Architectural Depot does not manufacture the quality product, they are just the middle man, who profit and don't stand behind issues from shipping, just lengthy nonsense, which would stretch a small job for months. The right action would be to look at this minor problem, would have been to immediately ship the inexpensive brackets to satisfy a paying customer, and then they take up the fight with the shipping company hat by the way they chose, not me. This is why you pay a middle man in the first place. Very poor customer service. If you are a contractor, I would order direct from the manufacturer. Typical business on line these days. Very stressful!