I was expecting something really cheap looking but this isn't. Yes it is laminate but I really like the color. The bed was easy to put together. The drawers are a great space saver for extra blankets and no dust bunny can get under the bed. Shipping took a little longer but we are in an out of the way place and it didn't cost any extra. The only issue was a small crack in one of the boards however the mattress covers it and it wasn't so bad that it cause stability issue; just doesn't look pretty (but it's covered).