I love this bed! I can't speak to the difficulty of assembly because a friend did it, but it is chic and sturdy and exactly what I was looking for. The box it arrives in is quite heavy and oblong, so you will need two people to carry it inside. I do not have box springs and use a firm memory foam mattress - it is perfect! I was a little worried about using a memory foam mattress with a platform bed, but it doesn't sink at all and I get a great night's sleep.  Highly recommend.