When we received the pergola kit, it was remarkably simple to put together and install.  It took no time at all to start enjoying it on a daily basis.  Because we liked the natural look and feel, we simply sealed it for weather purposes.  If you had chosen to paint it instead, it would have been very easy since it came pre-sanded.  The pergola quickly became the main focal point in our backyard and has easily transitioned from the beauty of the spring and summer into a great place to hang spooks and goblins through Halloween for the kids and twinkling lights of fun and dancing for the adult Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties.