Assembly is not complicated but it is time consuming. Two handy males managed it over 3-4 hours. Once up, it can stay there, at least the framing. They stated that you might need 3 people and we almost did, but we worked it out. Looks great! I had better versions of the nut wrench and the Allen wrench that came with the kit. I recommend better quality tools as they made the assembly MUCH easier! Once it was up, the grand kids called it the pavilion and we put their sand table and water table under it!