The item came boxed quite well considering and delivery was quick too. We did have to adapt for height and we stained and varnished it. That said, we notice (very slight variations in coloring not taking to the wood areas. Possible from exposure to glue used by manufacturer. It also had a small ding on the mantle shelf but rather than return it we kept it and sanded it after covering it. It is not ALL wood some composite. But if you are willing to spend the time working with this product it does look terrific with its inperfections.