When it arrived I was a bit surprised that there is so much to assemble it, but it is manageable. I thought, that the whole assembled piece will be bigger,but the size actually is perfect for our playroom. The sides of the item look like they are treated with some varnish, but the rails look like raw wood , which I personally would prefer to be treated with some natural oil. Overall the thing is perfect . I got it for my twins first birthday and they only walk holding on to it at the moment, but...