It took about 1.5 hours to assemble.  The bed is sturdy and headboard is nicer than I had anticipated--my daughter loves it.  However, this bed has some design flaws... firstly, the bed rail is so close to the ground; how are you supposed to clean under without moving bed?  Secondly, the bed rail is very thin and doesn't even hide the 5" box-spring...it looks unfinished.  Would be nicer and more proportional if the bed rail was wider.