It took two adults about an hour and a half to put it together. All the pieces don't fit perfectly so it's somewhat loose if you push or pull at the top or bottom. I have a 3.5 year old nephew who has done quite a bit of that, and scaled the footboard as a "mountain climber." He's been the big tester of it, and the bed has held together, so the slightly loose frame doesn't seem to be a big deal. Overall it was a bargain and I'd suggest it to anyone redoing a bedroom who is working to keep it cost efficient.