SOLID!! We purchased two of the light gray benches which are actually labeled as beige on the box which I think is a much more accurate description of the color. They are definitely solid wood and extremely sturdy. They are generously sized in length and width. I would say the color is more of a painted on finish which I was actually hoping for because my experience has been that painted surfaces are a bit more durable than poly. We have 8 kids and can fit 4 comfortably on each bench. Also, this color isn’t as rustic as the brown. It does not have any of the holes you see on the brown benches and tables. The packaging made it pretty much impossible for the bench to get damaged unless you’re an extremely careless package handler. Overall, I am beyond satisfied with the purchase, the sale price was awesome. Wayfair/Birch Lane did a great job with this bench and the coordinating table.