We have this freestanding next to the easy chair that the cats were totally enjoying using their claws on.  They love it, love it.  You can hear them scratching away and they have totally left the chair alone.  It was easy to put together.  The only thing is you can not replace the upwards scratch pad as it was glued in.   When the time comes we will find away around getting a new one in somehow.  The bottom one is replaceable.  So overall a wonderful cat product it sure has saved the chair!