When I first saw the word parawood, I thought it was some type of sub material (not real wood).  However, when I found out that it was real wood, I decided to order it.  I love the quality of the parawood.  It is a very solid material, well beyond all of the synthetic material used in today's furniture.  The only thing I would change is that I would have chosen a little darker stain since it does not absorb stain as well as softer woods do such as alder, etc.  Otherwise, it is perfect and looks great stained and sealed.