I love this table and how it looks.  The only negative (which I knew prior to buying it) is that the top is not a flat surface.  It has the true look of rustic wood table with grooves of wood, etc.  We have found that our family does best eating on place mats and it also helps when it is homework time to use a placemat to provide a smooth surface.  Love this table and looking forward to having it for many years.