This was a great purchase for our spare room. We really wanted one with built-in side tables to hold drinks/books/whatever. The side tables seem sturdy enough, although I haven't tested them by putting anything super heavy on them.

The futon is comfortable, at least as a couch. We haven't tried it as a bed, but I can't see any reason why that wouldn't be comfortable, too.

My husband put it together and didn't seem to have any problems.