I was able to put this together on my own in about 4 hours. It did arrive with some significant cosmetic damage and Wayfair was unable to send me another replacement part, so they offered to send out another whole bed. I declined that generous offer and they refunded some money. It's a great sturdy bed. My daughter, age 6, has no problem getting up and down the ladder, though my 3 year old son finds it a challenges. Such are bunk beds. I'm pleased.