The Easiest- (and Hardest-) to-Assemble Bookcases

Real Simple challenged associate editor Sharon Tanenbaum to put together four readily available bookcases. Here are the results, shown from easiest to most difficult.

Scaffold Bookcase from CB2

Condition on arrival: When taking the pieces out of the box, Sharon noticed that two edges on the engineered-wood bookcase had deep gouges (luckily, they were hidden upon assembly). And two shelves were mislabeled.

Construction notes: The shelves were numbered, and “thank goodness, they mostly corresponded with the instructions,” says Sharon. Because assembly required repeating the same tasks with identical pieces, it went off without a hitch. “I could have done it blindfolded, or at least while watching TV. But the finished bookshelf is heavy, so ask a friend to help you stand it up.”

The verdict: “Easier to put together than my outfit most mornings.”

Total time: 35 minutes.

To buy: $400, cb2.com