I used an 17mm wrench and Philips screw drive for assembly. There is no paper work with this but it is pretty easy to figure out how to put it together. This over the bed table has a very sturdy and heavy base compared to cheaper ones. It also has a 26" opening(rather that 24") which allows my wife's manual and powered wheelchairs to fit under it. The base height is 3 5/8" and it goes under all of our furniture. The column has a 4 5/8" welded base that then bolts to the frame. Very solid. The top mount is very solid with a 8 3/4" metal base that it mounts to with 6 bolts. The top itself has a slightly pebbled finish that gives it a nice look. It is a laminate and not vinyl. So far a strong 5 star table.But the negative of the lift mechanism drops it to no more than 3 stars. Very difficult to move at lower heights. Even with its very heavy base you need to put your foot on it to move it up. Not something that a person in bed or in a wheelchair could do. At middle heights it is rough but acceptable. In addition if you lift it up it will not stay there unless you pause, release the lever and then move it a bit higher to lock in a position. I found the best over all height for my wife and leave it there.added 3/1I was going to keep it but the height adjustment was just too difficult. I would rate the replacement that I just received the 5 stars mentioned above. I just swapped out the column and kept the base and top I had. This one works the way it should. Smooth and easy to adjust at all heights.