My new bed is very high, and I have a senior cat that was having trouble jumping on the bed.  I got this to help her get up and down.  It makes it much easier for her to get to "her spot" on my bed, and sometimes, she even lounges on one of the steps.  She uses it all the time now, to get n and off my bed with ease.  The posts are wood, and work as scratchers as well. Very solid and looks nice.