We like the stools, but putting them together were a bit difficult because each one was missing parts and bolts not always seat into the holes.  For this reason I wouldnt recommend them to friends..wouldnt want them to be annoyed with us if they couldnt deal with the missing parts and parts that didnt fit together easily.  They are nice stools and we finally got them together and they are a style we wanted and hope they last for many years.