I am impressed with the packing of such a heavy item.  It looks great and I was able to assemble it easily by myself.  I was so glad it arrived two days after ordering it since the other base I had ordered ended up on back order.  Since this is a new purchase I hope it will be heavy enough to support my 9' umbrella without the added support of a table.  I do plan on lowering the umbrella however when we get sustained winds.