This was so simple to assemble. Seriously there are only 5 parts and they all stack and line up easily. Took me longer to unpack it than it did to assemble.The faux stone looks very nice, not cheap or plastic, this is heavy cast stuff. Unpack it where it's delivered and just move each of the pieces to the location you plane to install it. Each piece is very manageable on it's own... the box with the mantle was over 100 pounds, and awkward to move solo.The heater section works well, brought my office space from 47 to 68 in about 20 min. (400 square feet)I personally like the fire effect, but can see how some folks will think it's a little cheesy if you go with any of the multi-color options. Find one you like and stick with it. From 10 feet away it really does look like there is a fire going.A little loud on high, but it's just a white noise from the fan, not distracting, just makes it necessary to turn up the volume on your conference call or TV show when it's running.For the money, I think you will be very happy with this decorative heater.