these stools are fantastic - just what i was looking for - heavy duty, chunky, sturdy saddle stools. LOVE them. i would have to say though, that although assembly wasn't rocket science, the allan wrench included to screw in the screws was murder on my fingers with the first screw. i would highly recommend using an electric drill with an allan wrench head adapter. also, get some wood glue to use on the little screw whole knobs - they don't stay in for more than four seconds of use otherwise. other than that - very happy with these beautiful stools!