This is a great couch and it was really easy to put together. It probably would have taken me about 1.5 hours but my boyfriend is handy so it took him about 30 minutes. It looks nice and I would give it a 7/10 on the "sturdy" scale. The fabric really doesn't hold up against cat claws so I bought plastic sheeting to put around the bottom panels and the arms. Love the modular ottoman and that the back cushions stay in place.