We needed more shade on the back cement patio and this pergola is perfect. The canopy is thick enough that it doesn't let the sun shine through. Depending on the time of day, we move the shade up or down on either side and in the evening we have it half way on both ends. My husband did most of the work putting it together and he's very handy with assembly. When we put the posts up it would have been nice to have a third person to hold it up but we managed with two people. Start to finish it took about 6 hours to put together. All parts were included and shipment was very easy and convenient. We had fairly heavy wind the first night we put it up and everything help up fine. Couldn't be more pleased with this purchase.