Let me start by saying that everything you need for assembly comes with the desk. Besides the allen wrench, it also comes with the cutest little phillips screwdriver! I have ordered plenty of furniture that needed to be assembled and have never had whatever I ordered to come with a screwdriver! Allen wrench? Yes. Screwdriver? No.  Assembly literally takes less than 15 minutes! Once the desk is assembled it is extremely sturdy! Although it isn't real wood, the top of the desk has an attractive walnut/wood looking finish. I am not so sure this would work for me as a desk, as it just doesn't have much depth to it.  However, that fact didn't bother me all and I knew it was going to be small when I ordered it. I specifically ordered this desk to be used as a console table and I am so glad that I did!