I have had this Cat Tree for 3 1/2 years. I have 5 cats (average weight 12lbs). It is still in great shape! I had no problems putting it together. It is a bit wobbly but only when the cats jump up to the top tier. I have vacuumed it 4 to 5 times a week for 3 1/2 years and the covering shows no sign of wear! At first, I thought there was no way my chubby cats would fit in the condo, but they do and they all play and sleep on this cat tree EVERYDAY! It has definitely been worth every penny! The black looks great in my living room too!