My son loves the bed. But seriously, save yourself and pay for the assembly. Or at least be ready to pre-drill holes for the screws that secure the ladder rungs. There aren’t any and there is NO WAY someone is getting them in with just a hand tool. I called the manufacturer who instructed me “to use an electric screwdriver to make small holes where the screws will go”...you know, like PRE-DRILLED HOLES! I’m assuming the lack of pre-drilled holes in the ladder rungs was a liability decision...but c’mon! It definitely took longer to assemble than I anticipated, but he loves it and it’s very sturdy. I added a tension rod and curtain to the cubby opening on the left the “secret hideout” is by far his favorite part.