square "frame" of the mosaic is screwed to the posts. The whole thing can come apart if need be for storage. The posts are cedar and all the wood is painted with the same outdoor paint as our house trim. The air-conditioner is on a cement slab but the posts are on landscaping rock. We intended to bring this out of the elements each Winter, but sometimes the snow comes before that happens, so it is on the 2nd year of enduring freezing temps and so far it has held up good with no cracking. The first couple years we did bring it into the garage. No neighbors or property line to worry about, but it sure is a better view for us when we are sitting on the patio!

Hope that answered any questions.