It took awhile to unbox this beauty, finally got around to it one fall evening, everything is loaded on the backside of the headboard, it was easy to put together but tedious as anything else using the tool provided (directions are on video also provided on paper) you will also need a regular screw driver, you'll definitely need a box spring, I thought it was a platform bed base, it's not, had to wait to test it out as I waited for the box spring to arrive (total oversight on my part) you'll also need king sized bedding depending upon the box spring height you purchase, queen sized bedding will leave the box spring exposed, way to short to cover the sides, that's the only issue as I had purchased queen sized bedding already, no big deal, I ordered a king bed spread,  once I got it all together it's lovely, and sleeps great.