Fairly easy to assemble. Doesn't creak at all, short as it is a platform bed. If you want easy access to the drawers, you need to tuck in all your blankets, so keep that in mind. I love that the drawers are accessible even with nightstands.

If you have issues slotting in the plastic ends of the slats to their holes, gently bend the tabs back enough to reach the holes and they should go in just fine. It comes with extra pieces just in case you break any.