this bench is very sturdy!  it takes forever to put together though.  if i bought it again i'd probably opt to pay for assembly.  the instructions are good but there are just SO many screws!!  When i place this bench up against the wall - it is not deep enough to be very comfy, so i'm going to leave it about an inch from the wall and buy cushions that are an extra inch wide.  I think that'll do it.