Its easy to put together, but you do need two people. I did not have an issue with the backs lining up. While the couch does look nice, it snags VERY easily and within just a few months, our two cats have destroyed it -- not on purpose, simply from playing or jumping on and off. Also it is extremely shallow of a couch and FIRM. We were hoping after a few months it would soften up, but its the same and there is no back support (its too shallow to add a pillow behind you and lounge back) -- my husband is not a fan. Unfortunately we will be reselling and buying something else. This would be best for a no pet home, in a rarely used, formal living space.