Putting the fireplace together was a snap. I'm a 63 year old farm wife and I put it together by myself. Two people would be nice for the mantel and insert but it was doable by yourself. It came in three days.......one day sooner than expected. It was very well packaged. It looks beautiful and true to the picture. 
I haven't had it long enough to use it much but so far it is working fine and looks great.