How to Choose a Pergola Manufacturer: A 10-Question Checklist
A pergola is not a catalogue product but a structure made to measure, so choosing the company comes before choosing the product. The difference between two systems that look identical lies in profile wall thickness, structural calculation and installation quality — and those only surface when you ask.
Why Does Choosing the Company Come Before Choosing the Product?
Pergola and glass systems are not off-the-shelf products bought from a catalogue; they are made to measure and installed on site. The difference between two quotations that look the same usually lies in items that are not written down. The questions below help you compare a quotation against documents.
Product and Model
- Which system is being offered, and how does the roof or the glass open? The breakdown on the products page makes this easier.
- Which model will be used? Is the model name written in the quotation?
- On a motorised pergola awning, what is the roof cover? If it is a three-layer PVC blackout cover, ask for the material data sheet.
Documents
A figure means something only with its document. Ask:
- Have wind and snow loads been calculated for this project? These loads are calculated from the project dimensions and the installation site.
- Which product, which component and which test standard does a quoted thermal, acoustic or tightness value belong to?
- Which component does the protection class of the electrical parts apply to?
- Are the conformity and test documents that apply to the product shared at the quotation stage?
Another manufacturer's test result is not evidence for the product being offered.
Manufacturing and Installation
- Where is it made, and who installs it?
- Who do you contact for after-sales support?
- Does the quotation explain the manufacturing and installation process for the scope of the project?
Warranty
Warranty scope and periods are stated per product and component in the written quotation and the warranty document. "Guaranteed" is not enough; see these in writing:
- Which period for which component
- When the warranty starts
- Exclusions and maintenance conditions
Do not take general periods you hear in the market as a company's commitment; what counts is what is written in the signed quotation and contract.
References
Make sure a reference photo shows the product being offered. A photo of another system is not evidence for the product you will receive. If possible, see a similar installation that has been handed over.
Reading the Quotation
A good quotation is itemised: system and model, roof cover or glass, motor and controls, sensors, lighting, sides, installation and transport appear separately.
Warning Signs
1. Figures given without a model name and a document
2. Promises that hold in every condition ("always", "completely", "never")
3. A firm price given without measurements
4. Warranty conditions not given in writing
Conclusion
The right company is the one that shows what it says with documents and drawings. For questions, reach us through the contact page.