THE BUYING ORDER
Site constraints first. Brand second.
Most expensive pergola mistakes begin before checkout: undersized clearance, incompatible anchoring, a roof that drains toward the house, or performance claims that do not match the local design load.
PergolaSpec turns those constraints into a shortlist. We use published specifications and clearly separate manufacturer claims from our decision framework.
Best pergola kits
Match structure, roof, anchoring and support—not a generic star score.
Open specification →02Aluminum kits
Compare alloy/coating disclosures, spans, drainage and warranty.
Open specification →03Louvered roofs
Understand drainage, blade operation and weather limits.
Open specification →04Motorized systems
Price controls, sensors, electrical work and manual override.
Open specification →05High-wind pergolas
Verify exact-model wind criteria, anchoring and site exposure.
Open specification →06Attached vs freestanding
Choose by load path, waterproofing and permit complexity.
Open specification →07Installed cost
Model kit, foundation, labor, electrical and permit allowances.
Open specification →FREE PLANNING TOOLS
Prove the footprint and installed budget before checkout.
Build a site brief, then model the kit, installation, foundation, permits and contingency on the same scope.