The back and top are held to the bench with four screws that go into anchors. The anchors are because screws won't hold in the fiber board (not solid wood) the anchors pulled right out! I glued it together which was messy but should allow this to last as long as we don't ever move it... I didn't expect this to be an heirloom for the price but I also did not expect a major design flaw! Also some anchors were missing and wayfair never returned my email. I let it go since I glued it but I would not recommend this until they fix how the back attaches to the bench.