We just took delivery of our item and my husband couldn't wait to set it up on our brick patio and put the umbrella in the stand.  The paperwork indicated that it was not meant to be a stand-alone base but to be used with a table.  I hope that our intended use of using it without a table doesn't come back to haunt us.  From all reviews I noted that it was a very sturdy and heavy base (which it is at 58 pounds).  Down the road we may get a table but am looking forward to having my morning cup of coffee under my 9' umbrella securely positioned in my new base.  Will change/edit review if need be.  Very easy to put together according to my husband.