From what we discovered, many of these styles require absolutely no assembly when the arrive to you in the mail. Many of the free standing options will require the user to stake it into the ground if they are placing it on a soft surface. Designs that have wheels typically have a little bit of assembly, so keep that in mind if opting for a more mobile option. Styles that affix to the side of your house or a post require the use of tools to secure the bolts in place. It is worth noting that many of the options out there- even some of the higher end designs- do not come with a set of mounting hardware included with your purchase. Be sure to check the contents of each package to ensure that it comes with the right tools you will need for installation, or you are going to have to make an additional trip to the hardware store.