The umbrella was very awkward to put together by myself but I did it. I would advice getting someone to help. It’s held up very well over the winter as I have not put it up. I enjoy sitting out on my deck. This umbrella let’s me stay outside longer as it does keep the sun off. I have had to move it around though to get the right position as the sun sneaks it was around my small deck. I positioned the umbrella off the deck on the ground because my deck is small. This umbrella makes sitting outside much more enjoyable.