My hand was sore putting this desk together... It wasn't the easiest piece to put together but not impossible either.. Just a pain literally my hand is all red, but I have never been a fan of working with metal, as much as I like the look of metal.  The wood is heavy and strong , much more than I expected for $159! It's a great minimalist industrial looking desk . It suits my space well, I really like it!!! I may get the matching bookcase,  I'll just have my husband put it together ;)