So, for those that are familiar with these packaged furniture kits which you construct with wooden dowels and screws, the provided pictures are self explainatory. However, in going along I realized there are steps/knowledge not everyone may have. So I am leaving one of my rare reviews in hopes of helping someone or at least give you the confidence you can do this! This is well packaged with all pieces laying flat, snugly together with protective foam in between. The heavy cardboard box has strong edge pieces to protect it during transit. Even so, one of our pieces has a small chip in the laminate on one of the corners (1/2" x 1/2") We're keeping it for now in hopes that is one of the hidden corners that won't show. This is very heavy and must have been truck shipped (it was left at our door so I don't know how it arrived). I do see they've now increased the price $35 so maybe that's to pay for their "free" shipping. I paid a third over $200 for it. By the way, the only hollow pieces are the long side walls and wide desk top and side. All the shelves and supports are solid and HEAVY (total listed as over 100 lbs). So first step: unpack all pieces, examine for damage and compare them to the parts lists, ensuring you have them all. For those unfamilar, in today's world assembly instructions have been simplified to a series of pictures, the international language. Please study carefully before beginning! I keep seeing details I've missed as every little nuance is implied with a single picture. But all steps are included, from the top down, all 6 pages. My first pics show how I unpacked and laid out the project. Next to the instructions are the extra pieces I have so far. (But I used them all by the end) Speaking of mistakes, the wooden dowels are meant to go in half length on one piece of wood and half length in the connecting piece. The screws hold the pieces together structurally, but the dowels tighten everything up, making it snug and secure. The pictures are not clear on this.So, put glue either in the hole or all the way around 1/2 of the dowel and push it in only halfway! They show using a rubber mallet to pound them in but just tap carefully in with the mallet. Also, one thing I really like is their consistency. Whenever a dowel goes into just one of a pair of holes, they always have the dowel go in the inside hole, toward the middle. This is important. And even while I told myself this each time, I still put 3 in the wrong holes! Try to find these mistakes before the glue dries or it becomes harder to pull out. I did use all of the extras. The rest went together without a hitch. You must select a set of holes in the desk top depending if you want it on the left or right side. We did extend it like others have recommended and it's working wonderfully in our 17 yr old daughter's room. Looks great and just the size she needed for her small corner. It's constructed well and solid. Just be sure to glue every hole the dowels go in so they set right, keeping it stable. The screws and counter set locking bolts are hefty and all holes matched up nicely.