The directions say don't get wet. So in order to keep it from getting wet, that means it needs to be under a patio roof or you take it inside or outside each time it's used. Not sure why the instructions would say don't get wet? It's easy to put together, it's beautiful, and if we could leave it outdoors all year round, it would be perfect...but the instructions say"Do not get wet"...sigh, very disapointing.