The composter must be assembled and it is a little tedious. The instructions are mostly pictures but it isn't complex. There are lots of bolts. There are 8 sides, so 8 panels, and each panel has 7 bolts to hold it in place. Once you put on one panel, they all go on the same way. Each panel has little "knobs" that help line up the panels and hold them in place while you bolt it together. Be sure to put the door panel on first and then install the divider after placing the 4th panel. It took me about 1 1/2hrs to put it together by myself. My husband helped me mount the body to the stand because it's easier to install the screws if someone else is holding the bin in place.It seems very sturdy and well made. I am a little concerned that the bin just spins on a rod and there are no bushings or bearings. I'm afraid it won't spin well once it gets full. This is my first composter so maybe they are all this way, I don't know.It's a nice size, not too tall, not too short, and fits just right in the back corner of my yard.