Heavy duty, but poor quality if that is possible. The finish scratches easily and the brush that comes with the set has already lost 3 clusters of bristles after only 2 uses! Not what I would expect for nearly $250. My $50 set has held up better than this one. Also, as was said in a previous post, this is not BLACK. It should be advertised as an oil rubbed bronze, and is noticeably different than my black fireplace screens.