Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I've installed several of these over the years, on wooden outdoor decks/patios. I've learned a few things along the way. Here are some key things you won't be told in the instructions (do real people ever write these instructions?) Instructions say two people are needed for assembly...this is easiest, but I have always managed to put these canopies together by myself, using a step ladder, and good planning. 1. Assemble the entire metal framework, except for the vent apparatus and canopy on the very top. 2. No tools needed, as frame pieces slide and clip into each other. However, one or more rod end openings will likely be bent slightly, for whatever reason (handling, shipping etc. and it's thin metal). A needle nose pliers is handy, to straighten these out. 3. The instructions say to drape the massive canopy over the top. Don't do this! You first need to open it and lay out in the yard, to determine (a) top from bottom; and (b) short vs. long side. Then, fold it in half, then in half again. THEN drape this quarter-size canopy over one corner of the frame...and unfold systematically. Do NOT attempt to do this on a windy day! 4. No matter how much slack you manage to pull out of the canopy, you will NOT be able to get it looped onto one or even two of the diagonal cross members. It's always a tad too small. Stretch and tug and you risk tearing the recessed attachment pocket on the canopy. Nothing in the instructions tells you how to solve this problem. What is my solution? Cut off the end of the cross member with a hacksaw. It's thin metal and it takes about 15 sec to cut through. Before you do this, use a screwdriver to pop off the plastic end from the crossmember, put aside, then re-cap the freshly cut crossmember. I usually have to remove 0.5"-1.5" to shorten the crossmember enough. Beats tearing your brand new canopy! 5. Putting on the top vent unit. Here is a much easier way than described in the instructions. Assemble the vent framework, and stretch on the canopy. Then toss the unit on top of the main canopy, aiming for the center (may take a couple tries). Position your step ladder beneath the center of the main canopy, reach up through the big hole, and clip in the four rods of the vent unit. You're done! 6. Secure the finished unit to your deck. I mean, use every available frame hole. Get some stout wood deck screws, the kind for treated lumber. Drill these in with an electric drill (four holes in bottom of each corner frame piece). Use a washer beneath each screw head, or the screws will sink right into the metal rails. Use this method, and your canopy is not going anywhere, except in a tornado or a derecho!