There are “hash marks” that sort of look like scratches or claw marks on the surface. This seems to be part of the design. On my table there are about 5 sections with these 3 scratch pattern. I wanted a smooth top table so I didn’t like this. Other than that the table is nice and sturdy. Just wish those hash marks were not there. I decided to keep it as opposed to paying to ship it back. From afar they are not visible but up close they look odd. Without those marks I would rate it 4 stars.