WOW what a great piece of unfinished furniture.  Very sturdy - pictured with one coat of stain - I did not use a pre conditioner on the wood.  I do agree with other reviewers that you should stain before putting together.  One reviewer mentioned you needed two people to assemble but I did it alone in about 30 minutes.  I always look for pieces of furniture that look way more expensive than my cost and this piece looks so much more expensive than my cost!!