Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I'm adding photos to show how it looks just out of the box (since there is a lack of those with this product page). I'm very glad I measured my old drafting table top before ordering, because the 42" is practically the same size I'm accustomed to; the 36" would have been too small. The product in its original/shelf box with a packing slip on it is what I received (another way of say there wasn't another shipping box it was packed in). It was pretty easy to take downstairs to my studio (if you have a carpeted staircase, it's even easier -- guide it with both hands and let gravity help you take it down, slide it across the carpet -- why strain yourself; it's the desk you're keeping, not the box :). I opened the package and its contents carefully in case I needed it for a return (stuff happens!). I inspected the pieces as I took them out. The only thing that was a slight concern: the upper right corner looked like it met a brick wall a couple of times before it was put in the box (I read on another review of similar damage). Thankfully, that's something I can modify just fine with sand paper and stain; everything else was assembly-ready. It took about two hours to put together, however, I'm meticulous on what I work on because I want it to last me a very long time, and I enjoyed putting the desk together. I made sure all parts were included before I started working by counting and checking them off with a pencil in the manual. The instructions are all visual (no step-by-step) over three pages, but that's up my learning alley. Afterward, it's very sturdy. Suggestion: I custom cut a desk mat (Desktex Anti-Slip Polycarbonate Desk Protector, Embossed Surface, 29 x 59 Inches, Clear -- think a chair mat type of plastic, just a few layers thinner; easy to cut with tin snips like this: http://amzn.com/B000R8HSOG ) to protect the table top from all the art I'm going to be doing. By the way, you don't have to use the holes provided to keep the table angle where you want it. Just make sure to tighten the side screws in to the U brackets enough. (Oh, the U parts stop making noise when you tighten the handles down, so you don't have to worry about hearing those when you work either.) So here is my experience and some photos to help you decide. I hope you have a great experience and enjoy your new table once you've assembled it.