I was able to assemble it on my own but I am going to add some heavy duty glue with a caulk tube as an added precaution because I have kids and they play rough. The look of the gray with subtle white veining is classy and neutral. I'm happy with the choice because it looks great and is a great height. It's easier to wipe down over our old wood coffee table that scuffed easily. The size and height are appropriate for the Kelly Clarkson couch that I also ordered. The shade of gray goes with lots of design schemes.