Easy to put together (though it helps to have two people). It took less than 20 minutes to put together. It isn't real wood, but it does look like it. We have spilled a few cups of coffee on it over the last year, but it wipes clean and looks good as new. It is also very sturdy for the price. My dogs have knocked into a few times and it handles it just fine. I get a lot of compliments on it at the office.