I set this up by myself in two days (using sawhorses to brace the uprights) and although I'm reasonably handy, I'm no carpenter! All in all it was an excellent experience and my hat's off to you for being able to construct and ship such a good kit. Even considering the shipping costs, there is no way we could have purchased lumber and paid people to construct something like this for the same money. We're considering doing another identical unit in the opposite corner of our courtyard. Well done. And good luck in this economy!

Matt, I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with the new pergola. As a woodworker I appreciate the precision and thoroughness of the kit. I installed the cement pads the previous weekend and did the entire remaining installation in about 6 hours the following weekend with one helper. Very nice looking and I know I am going to enjoy the long term benefits of using a fiberglass products. I will send you a photo as soon as I finish the 10' dining table and benches that I am building to complete the pergola/dining area.

Max, Thanks for all your help. Installed pergola yesterday. Looks great.

Finished pergola is beautiful. Neighbors have commented very positively. View of yard from inside the pergola is difficult to describe. Can 'look through' the pergola lattices, but also 'look' out the 'windows' onto the garden. Very three-dimensional experience. One neighbor said that if he lived in our house, he would sit and read every day in the pergola.

I just want to tell you working with you and putting up the pergola was a pleasure. It went together like a dream and you have obviously put a lot of thought into the design and the way everything fits so well. I must admit, before my neighbor approached me about this project I didn't know what a pergola was, at least not by name. Now I know and it has been great to be part of this project. Thanks for answering all my questions along the way.

One of these days, I may be back in touch about a second pergola for the patio in front of my house. I am quite happy with the one you built here, which we use a lot in the summer.

The pergola looks beautiful and is getting rave reviews. It took about 7 hours to erect with 2 fairly good hands to help me. Thanks Max, I think I will have more work for you in the future.

I thought I would share with you some of the photos I took tonight of the grape arbor! It looks beautiful--I almost hate to cover it with grapes!

I was worried that the joints would swell and be difficult to assemble in the rain. I had very little difficulty. They went together very well. The workmanship on the parts was excellent.