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Buying Guides
GUIDE 02 · BUYING GUIDE
Pergola Buying Guide
A pergola is a structure, not a furniture piece — it needs engineering sign-off, not just a style choice.
What to look for
01
Fixed vs. louvered roof
Fixed roofs cost less and need no motor; louvered (adjustable-blade) roofs control light and rain but add motorization and a control system to spec.
02
Load engineering
Wind and snow load ratings are regional, not universal — a structure certified for Florida wind zones isn't automatically valid for a Rocky Mountain snow load.
03
Material
Powder-coated aluminum is the contract-grade standard: no rust, no warping, and it accepts any RAL color to match a building facade.
04
Footing & anchoring
Confirm anchoring method (surface-mount vs. footed) before ordering — retrofitting a footing after delivery is expensive.
05
Add-ons
Integrated LED lighting, heating elements and retractable screens are far cheaper specified at order time than added after install.
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PalmaYard tip — Get the wind/snow load certificate before production starts, not after delivery — it's frequently required for permitting.
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