It was straightforward to assemble with good diagrams and pre-drilled holes. The Allen wrench is included. We had 2 people but the 2nd was only needed for putting on the backrest. Our 2 year old granddaughter immediately grabbed a pillow and laid down on it. In case she or other littles ever try to climb inside, or we want to store something with any weight, we will reinforce the bottom as it is quite a thin piece. We like that the bench lid has decent hardware besides the hinges and won't simply slam down on fingers. There are already thin rubber pads where it rests on the front. The padded cushion cover has a zipper in back so if the foam pad inside ever flattened it can be replaced. It just sits on the lid and isn't attached.