I am disappointed with this piece overall. I guess I missed in the description that it was only manufactured wood. I had thought the black parts were metal. Regardless, it does look nice once it's put together. It took me two hours by myself. Other reviewers say this is definitely a two-person job, but I'm not impressively strong and managed fine. I would not call this unit "sturdy." I mean, it's not going to topple over, but it definitely does not seem like a "sturdy" piece to me.