The pergola compliments our back condo patio really well. We bought it to provide some shade as we had removed a tree. It took my husband about 4 hours to assemble by himself. He said, “It’s like we have added another room!” The canopy can be opened easily by pulling on the the two hanging tabs and sliding it back to each side. The canopy can be closed by pulling and sliding the two halves back together. There is a magnet on each half to attach the canopy together. If you are shorter this maybe more of a challenge and need to stand on something to reach. I am 5ft 4” and need to stand on tiptoes to open and close it. The pergola is heavy and I believe it will within the Santa Ana winds we have in Southern California. We look forward to spending a lot of time outside.