For the price I paid, I expected to have to assemble this desk myself. The instructions were easy to follow and all of the little bags of screws were labeled according to the steps in the instructions. No need to try and decipher which screw is which. I am just a mom and was able to assemble this unit by myself (with little help from a 12 year old). It took me maybe 2.5 hours. Looks like real wood. Doesn’t wobble. Drawer fit perfectly. I recommend assembling in place. I was able to fit a standard 2 drawer filing cabinet under the desk top.