This Italian nesting table pair is not made out of plastic, though to lift it one would think so. It is so light. The antique wood is not balsa but some type of extremely light wood. These are extremely old, BUT....structurally as strong and sturdy as the day they were made. We've sold several of these over the years but none as strong and well-preserved (structurally) as these. No weak/loose joints whatsoever. The small table does have some surface damage. A small hole about the size of a dime and related splintering around the hole. Amazingly however, with a doily it could still support a planter or other item without difficulty. All surfaces are weathered quite substantially with the majority of the guiding gone. The design-work is discernible and beautiful but again, it has faded in the majority. If the idea was to add a piece of Italian furniture history to your home and spark many interesting conversations among visiting family and acquaintances, this is the right set.