The BasicsI bought this frame to use as my personal bed for daily use. The parts are solid hardwood. All bolts and fasteners were included. The only tool required is an Allen Key and I actually received two (one in each part baggie). The directions were printed in color, 1 page per sheet of paper, and stapled together. The directions were easy to understand and follow. The frame was shipped in two separate boxes, the first with all the long pieces of wood and the second box with the frame ends. All sides of the wood frame are finished a uniform color and all my parts came without defects.The StoryMy frame arrived a day earlier than the initial expected delivery date. I had to work from home to make sure the packages were received, but that mini crisis was averted. I live in a 4 floor walk-up in NYC. FedEx brought the frame up to my front door (which is 1 floor above ground level). I was able to carry the frame up the rest of the flights, one box at a time, without assistance. The box with the long wood parts is the heaviest and I say it weighs about 50 pounds. When I opened the boxes, I found the wood parts wrapped in plastic and spaced apart with styrofoam to prevent bumping, rubbing, and scratching during shipping. I inspected each part and matched them with the parts list included in the instructions. The small parts were also wrapped in plastic and cardboard was taped to the outside to help prevent them from being crushed.I separated the parts into the three major groups: lower frame (couch seat), upper frame (couch back), and the base. This is also the order the instructions will walk you through putting everything together. The directions recommend two people to put together this frame, but I was able to complete the assembly by myself. I recommend going through the instruction book at least once, before actually starting assembly. From what I have read in other reviews, I feel people tried to rush through without paying full attention to the instructions. The couch seat and back portions use very similar parts and if you do not follow the color code, I can only imagine the problems you will create for yourself. The instructions will also instruct you to leave bolts loose. My recommendation is to hand tighten everything until you see the note to tighten the bolts. That is when I used the included Allen Key to make everything tight.Once you have finished assembling your frame, I recommend testing the conversion process without a mattress. You will see that the base is designed to lock the frame in place as a bed if you push forward (from couch front position). I imagine this is designed to prevent the bed from folding up when laying or sitting toward the frame center. The reverse will need to be done before converting the bed back to a couch or recliner.I knew I was not purchasing a “wall hugger” frame, so I purchased pads to prevent scratching my hardwood floor when moving my bed toward or away from my wall. This introduced a unique problem, that you may not encounter if you have carpet. Before converting my bed, I lift straight up on my couch back section. If the frame lifts up too, then I know it is still in the locked position. Then I know to hold the frame and push it to the unlocked position. I then walk to the other side of the bed and complete the same movement.When converting to a couch, I start on either side and lift the back up until I see my mattress start to fold. Then, I lift the seat portion and use a squeezing motion to bring the ends closer together. The weight of the mattress and frame will start the frame to rise into couch position. I then walk to the other side and make sure that side is locked into position before sitting. Because there is no spring loaded assistance and you will need to check both sides, I think this frame will better serve you placed in a location where you have access to both sides.My SetupThis Frame 🙂Futonland Futon No-Slip Strips (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T3H7NQU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CthvCbFTAXXE0)Classic Brands - Classic Black 8-Inch Futon Mattress with Independently Encased Innerspring Coils, Full (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073V5RM24/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6vhvCb1PSSR2F)Linenspa Zippered Encasement -Waterproof, Dust Mite Proof, Bed Bug Proof, Hypoallergenic Breathable Mattress Protector - Full Size (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z06F0BS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZwhvCbGHR59F2)Utopia Bedding - Quilted Fitted Mattress Pad (Full) - Mattress Cover Stretches up to 16 Inches Deep - Mattress Topper (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NESDSKY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wxhvCbA398V6Z)Allersoft - Standard 2 Pack Allergy and Bed Bug Proof Pillow Cover, White (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CRXTSRL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iAhvCbEZJX11E)2 Pillows from Target ($3.99 🤩)BROOKLINEN SHEETS, DUVET & PILLOWCASES!!!SummaryIt is still very early, but I feel I made the right choice for a futon frame.