These desks are very nice for the price.  I bought 2, they went together easy (just follow the directions for whichever of the 3 configuration you choose). Even the Xs' went on easy.  I found that sorting and verifying the parts prior to assembly and give the directions for whichever configuration you are choosing a once over.   The only pieces I did not use were the little metal plates.  with the way the frame supports the desktop, they seemed a little redundant, and like they would have added unnecessary difficulty to the assembly.  The completed products look and work great, even for coated mdf, but what most furniture is made out of these days anyhow.  Anyhow, these work great for what I need them for and they have a nice look about them.  I also bought two of the Albaugh Executive Chairs by Williston Forge to go with these desks, they compliment each other very nicely. Stay tuned for the review of the chairs.