Very pleased with the sturdiness of the stools.  Was a bit apprehensive as to how they would look with my décor, but everyone who sees them agrees that they look great.  Was a bit concerned by instructions included that advised not to wipe them down with a wet rag?  The ability to easily clean them was a large part of their appeal for me.  I assumed I could keep them clean by wiping them down with a wet rag.  : )  I wonder if the manufacturer worries about the paint treatment...?  They do have an attractive gold antique paint application.  Any thoughts?  But stools as a whole are great.  I anticipate they will last a very long time.