The cherry wood is very pretty with nice swirls in it.  A close look at the craftsmanship reveals some sloppy work but for the price, that is acceptable to me.  The instructions were clear and my husband will be using it daily because it's very practical as well as being a pretty piece of furniture.  He's a difficult person to buy a gift for but he was happily surprised by this.
Too bad it was made in China but very little is made here anymore.
Overall a very worthwhile purchase that will be part of our home for years to come.