Nice firm seat and back. Mechanism is smooth. Super easy to put together. The slate is gray in some light but more taupe- gray in other lights. The only reason for 4 stars: when the back is reclining there is a squealing noise. I may have to reposition something about the way I put it together. Also, which is not Wayfair’s fault, when I got my delivery confirmation it said the pkg would be delivered to my front steps. I knew it would be raining so that was fine bc there is an extension over my steps which would keep it dry. Plus that is the widest door. Instead it was left uncovered next to the side door, which is narrow, and the box got soaked. My husband had to open the box outside, in the rain, and take each piece out and hand it off to me then wiggle the main part up the stairs, thru the kitchen to the LR. Both of us were pretty annoyed.