I purchased this piece to provide a place for my cookbooks - The cubbies are large enough for standard sized cook books, but my magazines and over-sized books have to be laid on their sides. My husband did most of the work putting it together.   It was simple enough to put together with very clear directions,as long as you paid close attention to all the details pointed out to help you align the pieces.  It is quite sturdy, made of thick particle board.  My husband had to do all the screwing in as he is much stronger than I am.  The directions have an electric screw driver picture with a slash through it and we thought it meant not to use one.  Later we thought it meant you do not need to use one.  The shelf pieces (not ends, top or uprights) are finished only on one side; however none of them show when viewed straight on.  Overall, I am pleased with the piece.  It is what I paid for.  As a side note, it came very well packaged.