Solid and beautiful! So glad I read reviews beforehand. This is solid wood no veneer, fedex joked that it weighs 50lbs. I have 3 kids and I love that this thing doesn't budge when they climb all over it (and stand on it, ride it...) I got the green with natural top. It is stunning in person. And the top is darker than in pictures. I tried to snap nice pics but it was dark in the dining room of our 1800's victorian home. For what it's worth, I love everything about the bench. Looks and feels high end.