Everything arrived in a pocket zipper on the back of the headboard. By myself with a power drill, it took about one hour to put together following instructions. None of it was difficult, but I feel it might have been annoying if I did not follow the part that says to leave everything untightened until the very end. I didn't have the scuffing issues that some of the other reviews had, the velvet was pristine on all the parts. I am 200+ lbs and I would say it's reasonably sturdy but it does have a bit of wiggle to it overall. No jumping on the bed for me. I recommend a box spring, without it the mattress and headboard would definitely have a gap. The bed frame itself is remarkably light for a queen size - I could carry it myself, though a bit cumbersome. Overall, this is a unique, beautiful bed unlike any I've seen before, at an unbelievable price (under $200 with shipping included at the time I purchased it). I highly recommend it for a sophisticated, comfortable, edgy bedroom.