Step 1 should be already done for us with the caps glued in the holes.  I was unable to insert the caps in the hole provided no matter what I tried since the holes seemed too small for the caps. The solidity of the TV stand is based on step 1 so when I tried to turn the TV stand right side up, it was impossible- it all wanted to fall apart. I had to lift the bottom part without the top surface and try to refit it after.  Not easy and not solid.  If I could have skipped step 1 because it was already done, the TV stand would be a good product.