first of all this company knows how to package well, and they also covered the styrofoam pieces in sealed plastic so you aren’t finding random bits of styrofoam for the next 3 months. Second, this is high quality, real wood. Only the dry erase table top is made from particle board which is what they make all dry erase boards out of. Plus, the benches fit perfectly underneath the table when not in use so it’s a space safer. I also don’t feel like I’m going to break it if I sit on it! My kids love it!