Assembly was straightforward and relatively easy. Sturdy and does not look cheap. I filled the drawers with books (hard covers!), and they are handling the weight well so far. I chose this because I had very specific size and height requirements, but I was pleasantly surprised by how good it looks.

One word of warning: There is no back to this piece of furniture. It's pretty ugly back there with the exposed drawers. This was fine for me since I am using it as a nightstand up against the wall. However, you wouldn't want to use this as an end table/storage in an office or living area out in the open (not pushed up against a wall).