This is a really nice sturdy bed frame. It was easy for me to put together myself in an hour and a half. It even came with extra-parts which is awesome. This is the first time I've ever had a platform bed and it is so much more structurally sound. The finish is a sort of faux whitewash. There was additional gray paint added over the wash to mimic wood grain. I would prefer it would have been just the plain whitewash, but it isn't super noticeable when put together. It certainly wouldn't deter me from recommending it.