I have had this island for 6 months now and I am so pleased and proud of it. It completely transformed my small kitchen. Ninety percent of our meals are eaten at this island. It is a beautiful addition to my kitchen. I thought I could put it together by myself (female) but it was too much so I had to enlist my son and his friend's help. I have assembled a lot of furniture by myself but this piece was more challenging. It arrived with a few scratches and dings but I used a little glue and a furniture pen and I can no longer see them. The surface seems quite durable. The cabinets provide ample storage. My only slightest criticism is that the side shelves are a little short and don't fit perfectly into the sides. Other than that, it is perfect and gorgeous.