It took 6 hours to assemble the awning. Two people who are both mechanically inclined.  The instructions were very vague and read like a third grader. We ended up using a lot more tools then the instructions called for. After all was said and done, the awning worked.....ok. I would not purchace this item unless you're planning on having someone who has put one of these things together before.  Time will tell how it holds up.