Fairly easy to put together. You definitely need weights to hold it down, otherwise it tips when open.  It is a little harder to close for shorter people, but standing on a chair allows me to reach the release towards the top of the pole.  It provides a good amount of shade, but top part of the cantilever shifts in the wind!  So umbrella doesn't always stay exactly where you want the shade.  Had I known this, I probably wouldn't have bought it.