We needed sturdy, weather-proof seating on our deck. Specifically, we needed seating that did we didn't have to pull inside during our frequent rainstorms, and that would dry quickly, and that was comfortable to sit on even without cushions. The Hartzell set perfectly fits the bill, and for a very modest price. The set is solid enough for even our largest and tallest friends to sit in comfortably, with no wobbling; it dries off fast; and it was pretty simple to put together. I am 5'1" and not a brute, and had no trouble putting the pieces together snugly. I did, however, toss the little Allen wrench that came with the set in favor of a sturdier one from my own tool-box.