Just received our fireplace and was anxious to put it together. My daughter and I put it together in about an hours time. I love the look and was surprised by how much bigger it looked than my size drawing I had on the wall prior to ordering it. I put it in our bedroom and love the coziness!!  You can use the fireplace without turning on the heating element, but looking forward to the first cool evening of the fall when we can turn the heater on.  It is beautiful, elegant and the mantel is substantial!!  Thinking about another one for the great room!!