We just put the table together; it didn't take too long.  The directions were good, not great.   You don't need to be a rocket scientist, just handy.  I absolutely LOVE the color and the look of the desk.  I'm moving into an apartment and need to conserve space, and the bookshelf is a great addition to the desk.  It's made of real wood!  No plywood or particle board.  Even the bottoms of the feet were finished - smooth and same color as desk.  The drawer works smoothly on gliders.  Not cheaply made at all.  The only negative I saw was on the top; the stain used to color the desk was a little streaky, but, since it will be covered with a computer and other items, it wasn't going to impede the usage of the desk.  So, in conclusion, I recommend this desk highly.