The cat tree was simple to assemble and is as nice as the picture portrays.  My cat absolutely loves climbing, playing and sleeping in his new tree.  The only difficulty I had was trying to keep my cat out of the way while trying to assemble.  It's quite leafy and full so becomes a focal point in my den; but I put it in the corner and in front of a double window so my cat can lounge and look out into the back yard.