This bench is as pictured. Once put together it is sturdy and solid. I gave it 3 stars bc it was extremely difficult to assemble given the hardware included in the box. The screws were just too short! I ended up buying more of the longer screws that were included in the box from my local hardware store. Once I got the right sized screws, the bench was easy to put together. I was able to assemble the bench all in my own... no help from my husband. (Although he did try to use his brute to get those short screws to articulate the pieces together... and he was unable bc the screws were too short! ) The price for this bench is right so if you don’t mind buying more screws I say go for it. Btw, the newer screws one cost 1.98