Start from the bottom. I put on all the shelves as directed until I got to the bottom, at which point I realized that the screws entering from the bottom of each shelf would be a problem. I now had an almost entirely assembled bookshelf and had no room to lay it down or tilt it without dropping it on my head. I now have to go to the hardware store and get smaller screw drivers that actually fit under the shelves so i can complete the project. Beyond that, instructions are alright and the shelf is well built.