This etagere arrived in two very long boxes, one moderate and one heavy, although I was able to carry them alone. The shelves are real wood and look great, and I'm not worried about them bowing with weight. It's a big substantial piece and a great value for the price. One tip: the directions are silly. If I were to do it again, I'd lay the sides down on their side, install the bottom shelf, and then carefully stand it rightside up and do the upper shelves by attaching them from underneath.