So easy to assemble that my 6 year old son did most of it and I just sipped on my coffee and supervised. The dowel poles and fabric are very sturdy. We put this together as an extra bed for my three kids to all bunk in one room thereby freeing up an extra room for guests during Thanksgiving. The mat that comes with is just fine but we also used one of their twin comforters to make it extra plushy inside. 

They have taken turns sleeping in it since and love it so much. I plan on eventually putting it to use as a play housetent but they are loving it as a sleeping space. I’ve caught all three of them in there reading too. Pretty magical.