So I received this item towards the end of October and didn't get to put it together until middle of November.  I really did not have a hard time putting it together.  Yes, it does take time and on a few occasions I needed a second person but so far it seems to be holding up well.  Our winter in Virginia this year has been extremely cold (in the teens) and I have not seen it crack.  I can't wait to enjoy it in the spring, summer and fall.