This desk came in pieces just like most furniture come these days. This desk is the first one to arrive with everything in tack. There were no divots, scratches nor dings in the top layer of each piece. I was supplied with 1 or 2 pieces of extra hardware (screws, dowels, etc). It is very sturdy. Looks like top quality. But, it took me all day to put it together as there are only pictures and no instructions. I had to figure it out (which piece is the back or front and which piece is the inside or outside. It was a puzzle. Gave this 5 stars because of its sturdiness.