very easy to put together . it is sturdy and not too tall for the space i needed to put it . i priced similar items & was looking in stores also but was getting a bit frustrated until i came upon this one . for the price , it is a better quality than some of the more expensive ones i looked at . my cat Wesley loves lounging on it and , as a bonus , i can put his food in the bottom part to keep my dog from eating it :) very happy with this product