While this bench is marketed as a "Shoe Storage" bench, don't underestimate its potential for other uses. I bought it to use as an exercise bench. While not only much more attractive and less expensive than most so-called, clunky-looking exercise benches, the shelves under the seat double as a perfect place for my free weights and resistance bands that had been on the floor before. The base is made of steel and is very streamlined and strong and is rated for (I believe) 330 pounds and the seat height (almost 20") is perfect. Assembly took only 10 minutes with the single allen wrench that was provided. My only issue is a small tear in the upholstery at one of the corners, which is barely visible and did not warrant the trouble of returning it. The seat will be a cinch to recover, which I had already anticipated doing anyway.