I think this stool will be sturdy and satisfactory when I get it assembled, BUT there are problems with it. Quality control in manufacturing was not good--the holes are not consistently placed, some are too large for the tongue meant to go in them, so that glue will be necessary to fill the space, and the screws really need pilot holes to insert correctly. An allen wrench is included, but you'll also need a phillips head screwdriver, rubber mallet, and drill.