I bought this step stool (in black) because it's one of the better looking ones, and it's not as pricey as similarly designed stools (I was looking at stools/ladders in the $500 range. YIKES.) When I received the step stool (lightning fast shipping too - so awesome) I was even more impressed with the design and functionality. It's a simple stool that requires lifting 1 lever to fold it up. And it stands on it's own when folded for storage. It's the little things that really impress me, the focus on detail and ease of use. I highly recommend.