I bought this a few weeks back, had to wait to assemble because of storms, which drove the kids crazy, so I used sealer on all of the pieces before assembly. Granted I am good at building things, I assembled the entire set by myself in 2-3 afternoon's. Yes, it took most of the afternoon each day, but I am 275lbs and was standing firmly on the deck putting the upper level together while kids wouldnt stop climbing on it, pretty impressed at how sturdy this is when assembled. I was however missing a piece (H10) for the table part of it. So I have to find out who to get ahold of to get it.