The initial steps to remove everything from the boxes was a bit daunting due to the number of parts, but the step by step process was easy and it didn't take much time (~12 hours with kid distractions) to get it put together by myself.  Make sure you have a drill, a level, and a phillips head screwdriver and you're practically set. The boards are in great shape and everything is nicely labeled.  My kids have loved it.  My youngest son (16 months) learned how to go up and down steps in the first 10 minutes of being able to play on it which was an added bonus.