We drilled some holes in the bottom as some others suggested for rain, and we live in a windy area so we needed to add chimney bricks to the bottom so that it doesn't fall over with the big gusts of wind. We do love it though! I was worried about how much smoke we would have based on reviews, and it's the same as other chimineas we have owned. There was some discoloration at the back where it got wet the first time, but it went away. Super happy with how beautiful this is!