Very sturdy, love the wood seat! They are not the most comfortable stool, but I sort of knew that when I ordered them! The seat is directional, in other words you can’t turn around and sit the other way. It’s curved toward the front of the chair. Also, be careful when assembling and notice where the foot rest part of the base is in relation to the curve of the seat. We put it together backwards and had to disassemble and start over!