Beautiful, comfortable, rugged stools!  Im very pleased!  Many reviewers mentioned that the holes didnt line up or that they were difficult to assemble...My experience is that, (as per the instructions) initially, just tightened the screws finger-tight and very loosely (just til they grab).  Then go back and tighten everything up snugly! I had NO problems with the holes not aligning.   I wont deny that the Allen Key was a little challenging for my manual dexterity, but the beautiful stools were worth it!  Very pleased!!