Melanie, Steve has some good points so follow them. I just have a few ideas to add, but keep in mind that none of us here can see what you see. Using the information that Steve provided, ADD a new base surrounding the existing base, kind of like an encasement at the base. Secure this to the floor and wall (if applicable), the extra thickness of the base will ADD to the strength of the entire structure. Think of it like a lamp, you need an extended base to counter the height and width of the lamp itself, hence the wider the base the more steady the lamp. Good luck! Wick