Rhonda, the excellent Wayfair representative called to ascertain if it was particle board. THEY TOLD HER IT WAS A HARDWOOD COVERED BY A VENEER. The delivered case was particle board. A flimsy backboard is all that prevents the bookcase from lateral movements. It is a bookcase which could not support shelves of books. It is the worst product I have ever purchased from Wayfair. I am displeased that they did not represent the product correctly to Wayfairs's inquiry.