Solid wood construction, packed very well, true to color and design (grey-ebony distressed finish). It had a few nicks in it which I was able to easily address with my ebony/dark walnut miniwax stain pens. Assembly was easy for me and my fiance. The thing is solid - we bought the bench and our two golden retrievers jumped right up on the bench to the table. My only con is the legs are very close to the end of the table with a bar that goes straight across so you can't have a chair flush with the end of the table. This is a bit awkward spacing wise - but for the price it's a small issue to deal with. Overall very happy!