I am living proof that you can put this together alone ( if uou need to). I have watched my sons put furniture together , but this is the first one I did. Probably took me about 2 1/2 hours. All the parts were here. One tiny imperfection in one board that I am living with. The only thing that caused confusion in the instructions was the attached picture of the schematic. For example that shows a grouping of 2 holes closer together , 2 closer together, 1 alone, 2 together, 2 together. For a total of 9 holes on one side. On the actual board there are 9 holes but evenly spaced ( not like the pictured pattern). So I just put it in whatever hole it was I.e if it were the 3rd , 5th and 7th thats what I would do and it worked. 
The coloring is accurately described. The piece seems very substantial and not wobbly. I am very pleased  with my purchase.