These puppies get the job done, they are comfortable and sturdy, and not terrible eyesores like many stools in their price range. They are great for our little apartment island counter top. I like the simplicity of the design, very streamline; personally I would have preferred a stool more similar to the saddle stool available by *** but my husband and I wanted to keep the stools affordable as they are serving a temporary fix... if i were looking for a stool for a furniture "lifetime" I would sink in the investment. These are a little awkwardly narrow, and the "wood" is certainly fake, but they are actually very comfortable. Additionally these stools are available at other websites such as *** for about *** more a stool, so great value here Great Offer Stock.