The bench arrived well packaged and in perfect condition. It was very easy to assemble. One other reviewer complained of loose dowels, but the are supposed to be this way for adjustment. Don't glue them in if you ever want to disassemble the bench. The screws provided make the bench very sturdy and solid feeling. The color was similar to the online picture and it matched perfectly with Benjamin Moore's Shaker Gray. I am surprised at the solid wood quality given that it was made in China. Certainly a great purchase for the money! Looks great in my recently renovated mud room.