Nice bench. Im using it as a decorative item but it seems pretty sturdy. Im a big guy and I sat in it by myself and it didnt creak or seem unsafe. The problem is that I had to go buy screws to hold the seat on. The ones that came with it were 14 too short. No problem a quick trip to Lowes couldnt fix. The smell from the stain was a little strong when it was first opened but it has gone away.