The shipping boxes - 3 was packed well, I am 60 so it was a little difficult to bring into my house.The best thing was that each bag (screws, etc.) was listed with a number so I knew which one went where.The handout was so very helpful and while there were a few times that I got lost, I was able to put the entire patio set all by myself but I would guess it took about 16 to 18 hours to put it together during a week. I did about 3 hours per night, my fingers hurt from the small allen wrench.The most difficult part was the allen wrench, it was small and hurt my fingers in tightening lots of screws, etc. Also, the places that the screws were inserted did not have a lot of room to make a complete turn so I only were able to make 90 or less degree turn. If the wrench had an attachment that was long enough to hook onto the allen wrench to make a complete turn (the furniture where the holes were in the way to make the turns), would be extremely helpful! That is why it took so long.Another down side is finding seat covers to replace the beige seat that came with the set, it's impossible to find 28x28 size for outdoor use, only had European Sham that size but it's for indoors.The feet has silver thin aluminum that covers the feet, dented easy.It's a little lower than I expected but I can live with it.A plus is that I can store items under the seats (I am putting the patio cover there with a few other patio of supplies) and I was able to put the ribbon of lights underneath for night time.The ottoman will need something firm, such as a platter/large plate to hold any cups or items that may tip over. I would NOT put lit candles, use the battery operation ones.Amazon has a 6 pack of colorful outdoor pillow covers to replace the beige ones that came with the set.The product was sent quickly.Would I buy it again, no, it's nice, but I wished that I had a sample nearby to get a ready good look at the patio. I feel I could had went to a local nearby store and picked up a similar set that would be a step up. It's not cheap looking but nothing wows you.Last, I did a lot of research prior to purchasing and next time, I will go to a local store to take a closer look before buying a set that's would be extremely hard to return, put together and cost about the same.If this set last at lease 5 years, not sure at this time, but then I will feel I got my money worth.Thanks,-Rhonda