Very nice quality solid wood. No instructions included which is OK as it's straight-forward, however, the black brackets that go around the edges need to be put in position before you put the bolts in to hold them in place, and they do not look as the photo shows it. Expect the brackets to be slanted because the spacing between the bolts is not measured to fit those black bracket trim pieces perfectly. Also, the nails that come with it for the cosmetic brackets are very flimsy and will break. You must pre-drill holes for them otherwise they will break. We broke most of ours but don't care as it's only cosmetic and this is a rustic bench. Still though, instructions, properly measured bolts holes that will have enough gap for the decorative brackets, and solid nails that don't break, would have made this bench perfect.