This stand works really well. I hung my hammock chair from it and had no trouble sitting in it. The rest of my family had no issues with the stand holding them properly either and I have two strapping sons...18 and 20. It is of a considerable weight and I put it together probably in about 15-20 minutes maybe so I would say it was pretty easy to follow the directions. I would definitely recommend this stand. I was just happy that I found it on sale!!!!