I am usually against particle board (gingerbread board, pressed wood board,  etc.), but the engineering has assembled this desk into a very sturdy purchase. I disassemble and reassemble at another location when I eventually move and still count on the desk to do the job. Stain is a bit darker than the stock photo, but that could be a difference in light.

The instructions were clear, precise, and leaves nothing out. Had an excess of parts, but after carefully going over all instructions and making sure all parts were in place, thats all they were: excess parts. 

For the amount I paid, excellent purchase.