The box came in undamaged and the directions were pretty straight forward. Has a slight paint smell that faded quickly. We definitely forgot how difficult it was to make bunk beds (especially with the toddler guard rail on the bottom bed) but the kids love it. We liked having the full size bed on the bottom to cuddle while reading books to the kids. We may possibly sell one of the beds, once they outgrow bunk beds. I think it will look fine disconnected, as well.