I did quite a lot of research in selecting this box, comparing a number of alternative manufacturers, designs, colors, and sizes. I made the final selection on this box based upon design strength. Others did not have the metal bracing and hinges. I needed a box that would hold up. In this respect, I am sure I made the right decision. It is very sturdy. Two adults can sit on it without problem (probably three, but I did not try this). It also, looks better than I expected from the pictures. I thought the top would be too dark in contrast to the sides, but it looks great.
The instructions are well written and easy to follow, though when printed, a little hard to read without a magnifying glass. There is also a video which is helpful, but runs very fast, so you have to re-run it several times to catch the steps.
However, the instructions are not completely accurate in my experience. First the good news -- one adult can put this bin together without help. It does not take two or three people. It does take one who is able to read and follow instructions and use hand tools.
Now the bad news -- from the time you open the box and start reading the instructions for the first time, it takes a lot longer than an hour to assemble. I'd allow at least 2 - 3 hours depending on how skilled you are. I could have done it faster if I had known the following:
As far as tools, forget the rubber hammer. The plastic is much too sturdy for this to do any good. But, IN ADDITION TO THE TOOLS LISTED, YOU WILL NEED:
1) A drill with both 1/8" (or smaller) and 1/4" bits. The 1/8" is needed to drill pilot holes for screws. I can't see how anyone can get screws started through the tough plastic on the front brace without this. The 1/4" bit is to finish bolt holes that are not completely drilled coming from the factory. There were several of these. The bolts won't go in without redrilling.
2) A rasp or heavy gage file. This is to file edges that don't exactly fit. I found this was the only way I could get the top to close. I tried adjusting the hinges, but I could not get the right side to line up so that it would completely close. I was about to give up when I decided to rasp the right corner holding up the fit. That worked fine. Again the material is very hard and very sturdy. A bit of rasping worked and did not hurt the box's integrity.
3) Both ratchet and box wrenches are needed in the sizes indicated in the instructions.
As far as other assembly tips go:
I had to put my full body weight onto the right side to get it to pop into position. It took me a while to work up to this level of exertion, worrying that I might break something. The box material is very strong. You can't break it.
It also appeared to me that a left and a right side hinge holder was needed, and I got two left side hinges. That caused the top to be just a bit out of line on the right side.There was no mention of this in the instructions. I tried to rotate the hinge to get it to line up, but was unable to make that work. Rasping the front right corner fixed this, but it took me a while to move to this last resort.
Though there was some frustration in installation, I am very happy to have this box.