We had looked around for a fountain at several places. We wanted one that was mid-size, but large enough to be seen as well as hear the water as that is what makes these so nice (the water dropping is very soothing) not irritating like others we have looked at which were loud or you could hear the pump. While plastic on the whole, it is fairly heavyweight and built so that when assembled, it truly does look like one piece as it appears in the picture, not misfit like some others. We use it on a bookcase shelf and I will add that THE LIGHTS IT USES ARE GREAT! They are just bright enough to gently illuminate the water and water collector cups but not to much where it would bother you. My wife and I thought this was a BIG plus and added greatly to its overall look in the room. ****ONLY NEGATIVE WE FOUND OR IT WOULD BE A STRAIGHT 5-STARS --- We wish it came with where the water collects on the bottom for drainage into the bottom reservoir (it is just flat plastic) are colored stones or beads. This did not affect they way it works, more just a cosmetic thing. To solve this we picked up a small bag of mid-size RIVER STONES (around $4.00) of assorted colors and layered them in the tray. That did it! We do recommend you do this or similar and you will not regret it! Other options would be colored beads or stones like those found in any Arts and Crafts Store or Fish supply (like the large colored stones on the bottom of a fish tank). It really made this look better than what was already nice to start with.