Thank you for taking the time to post a review. We are sorry that you are disappointed with the product you received. We do state in our description that the diameter is approximate and that the poles do taper, so while one end may be 1", the other end may be smaller. If you are not satisfied with the product you received, we do encourage you to contact The Home Depot for information on a return and refund. Thank you, Backyard X-Scapes Team