I bought 2 of these stools.  The stools were as pictured, and really look great at the counter in my kitchen.  They are sturdy.  They were not difficult to put together--all parts were present for both stools and the instructions were very straight forward.  I put them together without any help.  I am a 50 year old female, not involved in any building or engineering trade, but have a decent sense of how simple things go together.  Hopefully that is helpful for those of you questioning if you'll be able to do it without frustration.