Sauder Carson Forge Side Table, Lintel Oak Finish

I wasn't expecting a lot, and I got more or less what I expected. It came packaged well and undamaged, with all the parts required. That was good. And the instructions were excellent (all written in English and not some poorly translated version) with legible and clear diagrams. The "wood" is not wood--it's press board or whatever they call that stuff. The entire thing is heavy, but that is not a bad thing. It's about as attractive as fake wood can be. The hinges are good quality with excellent adjustment options. The back is cardboard. The design is fine, but I modified it, putting the pull out shelf at the bottom of the section designed for rather than the top. This had two advantages, in my opinion: (1) The space below the shelf seems like a waste, since it is too small and too deep to hold much. This way I can put my electronics on the tray and slide it in when I am not using them, keeping them there when charging. (2) It keeps the cams for the top available for access (otherwise they are blocked by the slider bar for the shelf.) In that way I was able to put the top on last, and can now remove it as needed. Later I plan to remove it and modify it, covering it with a mosaic tile pattern. Putting it together was not difficult, but it wasn't easy, either. I think it took me about an hour and a half, but I was watching a movie while I did it, so perhaps I wasn't being efficient. I also attached a power strip to the rear of the table, making it easy to plug in my electronics. I plan to make a magazine holder and attach it to the back, too. The weight of the unit is a good thing, given my plans for it.

I love these end tables --- I bought two! I love their size. They are thin, but have a nice storage area and a really cool shelf that pulls out, something I've never seen before. And Sauder always makes the best and easiest furniture to assemble. I love Sauder!!