Real wood, painted shelf.  It is not the fiber board or cheap plywood that is found in craft stores. This shelf is of good weight, the finish is painted well without blemishes or bare spots.  It is packaged safely to protect the product's integrity. Price is half of those found in the higher end, large chain stores with similar quality of products. Item comes with drywall plug for wood screws to be installed into so that a wood block can be fastened to the wall to hold up the shelf.  Great little system of securing the shelf and easy to install.