really like the stool since it sits out in plain view of my new kitchen.  Nice size for sitting.  It has a dark esspresso finish which seams pretty durable considering how easy a dark finsh shows wear.  We use it at the working side of the island to sit on and handy to reach the upper cupboards at the ceiling.  Everyone sees the stool and says cool and then tilts the steps down.  I have gotten lots of compliments on it.  Its not to heavy to move.  I saw one out of iron but it was so heavy.  The assembly was easy.  If i could think of a complaint it would be the seat is flat and not as comfy as our other stools with a concave top but thats it.