I am in love with this piece.  If you like true Farmhouse Rustic you will love this.  Just enough imperfection to make you appreciate a solid piece.  The base is not one solid piece of wood that was put on a lathe.  It is three pieces of wood put together then put on a lathe.  That is how they keep the price down I suspect.  Having said that, when might your house guests get on their hands and knees with a flashlight and look at the pedestal?  I'm guessing never!  The stain is dark, and it is not a smooth sanded surface, this table is distressed. That is not to say that if you touch it you will get a sliver.  The top is smooth enough, but it is rustic.  I would say the distress comes mostly in the form of dark uneven stain and wood that is rough, not sharp.  The height is perfect, the table top is solid wood construction done well.  The packaging was terrific, on time and no damage.  I would say this table is better in person than online!