I bought a similar one from another retailer for double the price. It came assembled but the finish was horrible and I eventually had to return it and decided to get this one. Took my husband about and hour and a half to put together. There were a few tiny blemishes on the finish but nothing that you can see unless right up close. We just turned the 'bad' side towards the wall. Really satisfied with the purchase and wish I'd just gotten this one in the first place.