I bought this futon for both a seating area in my office and extra sleeping space when we have company.  It took me around 2 hours to assemble; the directions were fairly clear.  It did require 2 people to put the seat/back onto the rest of the frame, then to put the mattress on.  The mattress is thick and comfy, but very heavy.  I am strong, but was unable to return the futon from sleeping to sitting position without help from my husband.  It seems to be sturdy (I can't rate durability as I just got it), and no one has slept on it yet, but seems to be very comfortable.  The wood on one of the arm piece assemblies had an unpleasant smell when I unpacked it, but I don't smell it unless my nose is right up to it.  A couple of the pieces  didn't get sanded very well during manufacturing, but most of it is nice.