I received the desk like 2 weeks ago, but I just put it together last night. When it arrived and I opened the box it was in so many pieces that I thought It would be impossible for me to put together. But, once I prepared myself mentally I put it together. It took me 3 hrs minimum to put it together. It wasn't hard to put together, it just takes awhile since it was in so many pieces. The instructions were great; very easy to follow. You don't need a hammer I'm not sure why that's pictured in the assembly, but it's not necessary. You just need a screwdriver.