These stools are wonderful. 26 inch stools are to find. We ordered 2 to try, & now wish we would of ordered the 6 that we need. They are comfortable, & the perfect counter height. There were no issues putting them together. The metal is not black, but the charcoal grey color they are, is extremely dark. We have never ordered furniture from the internet before, and the young man that assisted us, was extremely informative & helpful. We will be ordering the other 4 soon.