We have this table as a pub table and a project table.  It is very sturdy with the bottom shelf.  It was not difficult to assemble however, all the parts were loose in the box, so i held my breath as I counted all the pieces which were all there, thankfully.  Sadly the top had a few dings, as others have said, but it has received a few more with use as a projectwork table ... very cool as a pub table.