We put this next to our wall unit so our cats could use it as a "ladder" to get up on top of the wall unit. They absolutely love it up there! I don't know how sturdy this would be free standing as the platforms are quite small, but it suited our needs perfectly and we were able to anchor it to the wall unit for added strength.  We weren't able to use both extenders at the top (we have 8 foot ceilings) so we only used the main one with the plunger. Perhaps it would be sturdier if you cut them to both fit?  Still happy with our purchase none the less.