If you’re on the fence about whether to have it assembled, I would. It’s not incredibly hard, but the instructions are sparse and it’s not the easiest. If you’re going to build, I’d recommend a two man team, though I did it alone (woman, 150lbs) you will want a drill, it would be difficult to screw in the slats by hand. But this piece is BEAUTIFUL, sturdy and we love it. 10/10 would recommend, it is very pleasing to the eye and well made.