This is an excellent product. It is easy to assemble (we chose the 3.5 x 6.5 configuration) and looks good in our yard. The cross braces are optional but I would recommend 2 for this configuration in order to avoid bulging sides. It looks durable but that can only be measured after time. We live in Arizona (hot) so I installed a drip system about 4 inches below the surface connected to our other drip lines with a side shut off valve (see picture). Drip line entry is from below and I added an above ground end cap to allow for flushing.