We ordered this table for our new home and couldnt be happier with it! First of all...its heavy. Very heavy! Second, the construction was great quality and it really is solid wood. I cant speak to building it, as we had my uncle assemble, but he wasnt complaining so it couldnt have been too hard. The top does seem like it could scratch relatively easy, but, we use placemats as protection. We have has as many as 7 people at this table, so it does sit quite a few...6 people easy. We have had it up for more than a month now and are just in love! Cant say enough good things here...