Exactly what I expected. I knew I was getting a nice quality piece for the price, and something I had to put together. Yes, it too a bit of time to put together, but it wasn’t hard at all, and the instructions were easy. I basically laid everything out in order first, and as I had time between my day of picking up kids, making lunches, etc., I still managed to put it together the same day it arrived. The wood is beautiful and would say it’s the same quality/ or better, than your big box furniture retailers, and definitely better than IKEA. Highly recommend it!