actually coding in xhtml is alot easier than tables. If you want to take a look at my personal site:
www.missionsix.net I used xhtml markup on it.
xhtml trys and separates markup and design. The design element comes from css.
Here is a great example of how css and xhtml can be used together to create tons of different layouts without even changing the xhtml.
http://www.csszengarden.com