This is a beautiful piece!  The directions were clear and easy to follow.  It took two of us (a guy and a girl) about 2 hours to put together.  You only need the drill if you're going to anchor it to the wall, which we didn't.  I am using it as a coffee bar, so the back goes against a wall.  I wouldn't use it as a kitchen island because the back isn't solid; it's just really thin particle board.  For how I'm using it, I love it!!