Shipping was fairly fast and thankfully the FedEx guy put it in my garage because this box was HEAVY! It took my husband and I about an hour to assemble, pretty straight forward directions and all the holes lined up just fine. It is exactly as pictured, in my opinion. It's obviously not actual weathered wood, as that would make it much more expensive, it's laminate but very well done. I ordered the end table to match and soon will order the coffee table. I like this product because it doesn't look like anything you would find in a furniture store, it's modern looking and at a good price.