I chose this desk for the simplicity and its size.  It's 32x60 so I can spread out and have plenty of room.  The desk is wood but the veneer is a plastic of some kind, not wood.  While I was disappointed in that part, it will stand up better to abuse.  It was really easy to put together but the "X" braces have no where to screw in so I just left them off.  It doesn't effect the sturdiness of the desk without it IMO.  Another thing is IT IS HEAVY.  So that's a plus.  It did come damaged but I did not notice it until I put the whole thing together and wasn't about to try to get the "baby back in the momma" to ship it back.  Now that I see the quality, it's a bit over-priced for a plastic coated table, but it'll work for me.