Putting this together was a snap! Ha, Punny! Seriously, no hardware, just look at diagrams, VIOLA. It holds more than I expected. It was priced good. Great bargain for a storage solution.  I wish it came in black. The lid may feel flimsy if heavier people sit on it but I think it can be reinforced and I don't think this is a piece of furniture than people would be sitting on for long periods of time. It is more for the storage while still having the look of seating and is perfect to stop and take a rest on while doing things outside. The lid is certainly strong enough to hold me but I am small. I think the weight capacity is more about what can be stored inside and perhaps that should be clarified. I would not recommend that people weighing excess of 500 pounds sit on this, but in most situation I think it will be fine for everyone for the purposes it can serve. I do recommend it.