The base is not symmetrical and I don't entirely trust it will support the umbrella if there is any strong wind. The stand I used to have was 4 square feet which let me use 2 sq ft cement tiles to weight down the stand. This stand is awkwardly sized. I also have to tie a rope around it when its not in use to keep the umbrella arms from blowing around and catching on anything. Otherwise the parts to adjust the height are okay, nothing great.