I purchased two sets. I searched long and hard for a Bistro set that the table has a umbrella hole and comfortable chairs. For the price of this set all I could find was the cheep medal bistros with hard uncomfortable chairs. The chairs for this set are very comfortable but I will still buy pads for the bottom seat, my preference mostly. You do have to put the set together, It was not that difficult. Its seems like they are fairly sturdy, but not bomb proof. Haha.