We have used these shelves for almost 5 yrs now. They are relatively easy to assemble and are very sturdy. They have grown with my children from age 1.5 to 6 and I forsee using them for a few more years.We don't use the bins in the shelves, but put trays of "works" (2 to each shelf) for the children to select. The top shelf they use as an active work surface. Very appropriate for Montessori-style learning.