I really like this desk. It's nice looking and one of the most affordable sit-stand desks on the market. However, putting it together is QUITE a task. I have had apartments full of ikea furniture all my life and consider myself pretty assembly-savy, but this took me something like 6 hours to put together. I've NEVER considered paying for assembly before, it just seems like a waste of money, but for this, DO IT. GET THE ASSEMBLY. Saving your time and frustration is worth the extra $$.