If there are any reviews saying these were difficult to assemble I would bet that they didn’t read the first line of the directions that says not to fully tighten any of the screws until you have it all attached. Because I didn’t and I was VERY grumpy trying to assemble the first one until I caved and actually read the directions. Assembling the rest of them was a breeze and these barstools are gorgeous! Don’t be an idiot like me, carefully read the directions so you can enjoy your beautiful barstools sooner.