It does need to be assembled and when I first opened the box I almost cried to see all the separate pieces and hardware. But after I pulled myself together and actually looked at the directions it was VERY EASY to assemble it took less than 15 minutes and that's me moving at my tortoise pace. It is very comfortable and looks great. Definitely recommend.
The chair was easy to assemble and comfortable but the instructions do not explain how to secure the castors. I consider this a safety issue. They slide in where the instructions indicate but they don't stick. I am going to call the number provided to see if they can explain. Otherwise I guess I will have to use some type of super glue. I would not buy it again. I'm 5'1" so I need the additional height the castors provide. If a potential buyer is not concerned about the castors then it's a good value. I am disappointed because if not for that one problem it would be a good chair . . .but my cats like the chair!