The product shipped and arrived fairly quickly, I believe about a week form the purchase date. Easy to put together. It took me less about 1 hour on my own. Note - The screws used to bolt down the wood seem impossible without a hammer and power screw driver.
The unfinished wood is perfect for painting. I purchased "Beyond Paint" in pewter and black (1 pint each, priced around $30-40 each). It's the perfect paint because it's primer and sealer as well, so I didn't even need to sand the wood before applying the coats (only used a dry cloth towel to remove dust). After 2-3 coats the finished product looks absolutely perfect in my living room!