Bed was straight forward to assemble. You definitely need two people I would say, or you will need some totes to balance pieces on while you assemble. Pieces were labeled and instructions were clear. It took just over an hour for us to put together. There is the odd minor squeek when you sit on it, but I suppose that is to be expected with metal beds. Not bad at all though. My daughter loves the look and the odd sqeek doesn't bother her. I'm in the market for a bed myself but think I'll get a wood one because noises bug me. Great purchase though, especially for the price. I will have to pay significantly more for a good quality solid wood bed.