This bed was relatively easy to assemble.  It took about an hour, but a drill with Phillips head will save time.  It is easiest to remove pieces from packaging before bringing into home. Bed looks great; no more unsightly metal bed frames.  I purchased two of these beds, and have a traditional mattress with King comforter on one, and a Casper mattress with  Queen comforter on the other. I added a bunkie board for extra support on the one with traditional mattress.  You do not need a box spring with this bed.  I did not purchase a headboard, and there is a gap between top of mattress and wall.  We put a few pillows in there, and all worked out very well.