Amazingly easy to put together. The bed is exactly as pictured. I am a 55 yr woman, 5'3" and it took just minutes to put together. Really solid. Has some chemical smell to it when unboxing and at bit alarming to see Cal 65 warning on all boxes. I have the carmelized. with nightstands. Will put a high Avocado mattress. No worries about pillows falling through back. Be sure measurement of mattress, no give on widths for size. My queen fits fine.