I purchased two of these tables in natural finish. They are solid oak, no veneer, no MDF. The finish is clear and semi-gloss. They are heavy, substantial pieces, yet in place they look less weighty because of the roomy clearance underneath.
The drawers come with handles attached and fit perfectly, moving easily with neither sticking nor rattling. The grain on the top and front of the tables is beautiful. I was concerned it might be "too much" to be alongside a smooth-grained maple bed, but it is perfectly subtle and entirely natural.
The piece was finished (the clear topcoat) with the legs attached. Then the legs were removed for shipping, (this is obvious). Your only task is to attach the legs. BE AWARE that the legs are "hand-whittled" to fit a little jigsaw at each corner, and each fitting is a little bit different! If you find that any leg is a bit snug or loose before you attach the bolt, don't force it; just move the legs around until each finds its "home". Originally, there were four good fits; you only have to experiment. I hope you appreciate these little gems as much as we do! (They are exactly like the Porthos Monet side tables, as far as I can tell, except for the materials used.)
Each leg attaches with a single fat long bolt and an Allen wrench (included). The bolt heads are recessed, as they should be.
These are very fine cabinets and I am totally satisfied with every detail!