Definitely needs to be secured to the wall, and because I’m in a rental I now have to deal with an incredibly wobbly structure. Had to re-assemble a few steps due to unclear directions, and used power tools to ensure tight screws. It took a few people about an hour and a half, but looks like the photos. A couple pieces arrived dentedscratched, so hoping that some white-out will cover up that. I’m not sure if I’d buy this again, but I’m glad to have the storage space for shoes in a small rental unit.