That's a great and very practical question! The answer isn't a simple yes or no, as it depends entirely on where and how you buy the bench. For most people, some assembly is required, but it's generally not overly difficult.
Typically, park benches sold for residential use from garden centers, online retailers, or big-box stores are shipped in a flat-pack box to save on shipping costs and space. This means you'll need to assemble them yourself. The difficulty level is usually moderate—comparable to putting together a large piece of furniture like a bookshelf. Most manufacturers design them for DIY assembly with clear instructions, pre-drilled holes, and all necessary hardware included. You'll likely need basic tools like a wrench, screwdriver, and maybe a rubber mallet. For a typical two-person bench, the process often takes 30 minutes to an hour.
However, you might find fully assembled benches at local furniture stores or specialty outdoor dealers, though they come at a higher price due to shipping and handling. Commercial-grade park benches for public spaces are almost always delivered fully assembled or in large, pre-welded sections because they are built for heavy-duty use.
So, for the average homeowner: expect to do some assembly, but don't worry—it's usually a straightforward project for one or two people. Always check the product description before buying; terms like "some assembly required" or "DIY assembly" are clear indicators. If you want to avoid tools altogether, seek out local sellers offering pre-assembled delivery.