The pieces assembled quickly and easily, but one of the supports in the corner of the bench cracked, which was, frankly, my own enthusiasm getting the better of me, but I would've appreciated more clear instructions.  We're fixing it and the bench is very sturdy without it, and that support is really just providing very minimal stabilization.  The pieces are beautiful and appear very sturdy.  I am enjoying the set immensely, and it has become a focal point of my new outside room.