I purchased this bookshelf to update my room with a more current look. 1st off shipping was very quick and it was packaged so well that nothing could possibly be damaged. It was so easy to assemble and took me no time at all. The boards look like wood and are very sturdy. It looks like some of the more expensive ones I looked at. This was out of stock when I 1st saw it but signed up to be notified when back in stock and I'm so glad I did, I love it and it's exactly what I was looking for.