This chair was very easy to assemble but definitely requires 2 people. (My husband and I built it within 30 min.) I really like the firmness of the seat cushion but some people might prefer a softer one. (I find the firmer the cushion, the less likely the cushion will flatten out over time.) The armrests are quite stiff to turn upwards but they work fine. The backrest doesnt recline at all. I love this chair so much!