The chest is easy to put together. I live in a condominium with a large patio, and I use this to stow the cushions that go along the back of my outdoor sofa when not in use. The chest isn't "waterproof" because the sides louvers are open; however, the top is solid and deflects almost all the rain, and the louvers are turned down so that they also shed water. My chest is under open sky on the 7th floor, so it does get some rain and wind, but it keeps the cushions dry. I like that the air can circulate to keep them fresh--and truth be told, thunderstorms sometimes sneak up on me and I don't get the cushions stowed away in time. The circulating air allows them to dry inside the chest. It also makes a good sideboard behind my outdoor bar.