All sides of the wood are varnished and smooth.  Fasteners lined up well.  It is well made and is working well for us.  Packaging was good.  It took a good 12 hour just to unpack the box and lay the parts out for assembly.  I did it on Sunday during a football game.  It took about 2 hrs. It is not made of the finest hardwoods, but we are very happy with it.  You won't even find something like this elsewhere.