I find it well made and very attractive - in fact, it matches the stain on my cedar deck.  And, if it didn't, I could stain it to match.  It can stand on its own, but I am using matching colored bungee cords to stabilize it from a possible big gust of wind.There's no assembly required, and because it's NOT a modification to the building, my condo association gave it the thumbs up.  And, most importantly,  it gives the privacy needed from my next door neighbors.  Love it!