This entryway cubby bench is crafted from solid wood. Much of today's furniture is not solid wood but instead made up of materials such as particleboard, fiberboard, and other processed woods. Real Wood is shock-resistant and very durable, generally outlasting most all synthetic materials, and scratches/nicks are easily touched up. Furniture made with "pretend wood" is pre-finished in order to hide craftsmanship and imperfections. This item is Ready-To-Finish so you know what you are getting and you can choose the color.