Very easy to assemble (though there were no instructions with mine). The bottom just screws into the hard plastic top! I love the looks of it and it seems very durable. The metal seems to hold well and the plastic is thick and sturdy. I also like the fact that two chairs were included for the great price. The legs aren't really "gold", they are a powder-coated metal in a dull gold-ish color but I think they look great!! All four pieces (two for each chair) were in great shape, unmarred.