I thought it was real tile on the sides, that kind of bummed me out but after putting it together I still really liked it so, no worries.  It went together in about 2 hours.  It is nice and sturdy.  My grand son stood on it after I put it in the room and his weight didn't effect it.  He was playing cars on it and banging on it and it is very sturdy.  A good addition to a home with a toddler in it.