This table is a solid piece once you get it assembled. Assembly includes 118 pieces of hardware and 17 pieces of lumber. So, it's not for the light-hearted assembler. It's a farmhouse table and is supposed to have a bit of a distressed look. The one I received has one large spot that is "distressed" and the rest of the tabletop is painted smooth. So that spot looks like a manufacturer's painting error rather than distressed. It will serve its purpose as a utility table. Because it is real wood, it's sturdy and strong enough to last a very long time.