At first I thought it was too light weight-I was wrong. It is not wrought iron (heavy), however, it is perfectly balanced/weighed and the plates are 8 3/4 inch diameter. I tested my plant stand with medium heavy plants, as long as the planter base fit the plant stand base, and no problem. This is a quality product that I love, love, love that will last a long time. Thanks Shefford and Wayfair.