O my! Im so tired of getting expensive bookcases only to have the mdf sag after just a few months. This bookcase won't do that. Each shelf is surrounded by metal to give outstanding support. It was easy to assemble (I'm 80) and no problem to turn over upright when finished. I have a plant, my weather station, my laptop, and lots of books on it. It is very attractive. Love it. O and it arrived 5 dsys after ordering.