I bought this to add more workspace as I eliminated a kitchen bar in order to add a pantry, so I needed more counter area. The instructions do need to be clearer and some parts numbered which aren't now for easier assembly, but did so in about 2 hr. Defective part was replaced within 3 days. I left off the knife rack due to 4 y/o child in house. Though the sides are MDF they don't affect the sturdiness of the island. The top is great for cutting veggies. The leaf supports don't bring the leaf up tight to the main top so I am adding silicone stick on buttons to the bottom side of the shelf where the supports will rest on them to make the leaf seam tight. The wood top is jointed pieces and a few were vastly darker and greyish looking, but I did not ask for a replacement top. I think the company would have sent one as their customer service was hassle-free, but they should watch that just for quality. The towel bar is all wood and would be more attractive if it was wood and brushed silver metal like the drawer handle. The drawer was not quite deep enough to put my many kitchen utensils the depth of the drawer so many of them are in a tool crock on the counter. Over all for the sale price I paid I am pleased with the island.