Easy to assemble if you pay attention to where the holes line up. No problems went together fast and I'm impressed with the wood shelves they were a little different on each side but it gives the opportunity to pick the one that looks best to you. I absolutely have no clue what all the bad reviews are but just maybe they are novices to putting together non complicated items. I did it without even looking at the instructions. Maybe I have do this with too many things but it looks great, has great stability, and most important it makes the wife happy and you know what they say, "happy wife, happy life?" Not so sure about that but whatever.