I have now been using this table for over 2 years and it is as good now as the day I bought it. It has lived on our patio during the summer and on a covered deck for the winters (in Utah) and shows only moderate weathering. Our family of 4 is able to easily sit around it for meals, pumpkin-carving, game time, etc. and we have used it for many a bar-b-que with friends as well. I have not used the umbrella hole, so I can't comment on that, but for ease of up-down (we live in a high wind area) and every-day use it has been awesome.