It's a high-quality, great-looking chair. The back is made of a small pieces of wood connected tightly together by rope, so it isn't rigid. The back adjusts to your back. The frame is sturdy, but it is designed in a way to allow a little bounce when you're sitting in it. It had a strong smell when first out of the box, but the smell is significantly less after only 1 day out of the box. Unfortunately, it arrives with instructions that you have to put clear furniture oil (i.e. teak oil) before putting it outside. I've never bought outside furniture that wasn't already oiled we it arrived. The label on the headrest pillow says to keep out of direct sunlight. They should have used material meant for sun exposure. I took a star off for needing to oil & the pillow material.