Our purpose was to have a place for shoes to be taken off or put on without walking throughout the house.  This fits the bill.  It looks nice near the entryway.  It seems sturdy enough.  Two adults can sit at the same time.  Cosmetically, it is nice.   It assembled pretty easily.  I had no problems.  So, while it's manufactured wood, it was inexpensive and will serve its purpose and look decent.