The barstool are very heavy, and appear to be study. However, the distressing is terrible! This was the opinion of 4 women, (who decorate their homes with distressed items), and my husband, (who has seen all of our distressed furniture). Though it is costing me $73 to return them, it is not at all what I expected to go with the other distressed/Shabby Elegance furniture I have in my home.