Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, our aluminum structures are designed and installed in compliance with Florida building codes for high-wind zones, with certified engineering based on your property's location and exposure.

The exact certification depends on your project's specific design, location, and engineering plans; many of our structures are certified for wind speeds of 150+ mph under Florida code. We confirm the exact rating in your engineering proposal.

Insulated pergolas and quality motorized louvered systems are designed with drainage systems that prevent leaks when closed. Open pergolas, by design, allow rain to pass between the slats.

Motorized louvered structures should be closed or secured per manufacturer recommendations before a hurricane. We provide specific care instructions based on the model installed.

Cost varies by size, materials, and location, but most of our residential aluminum pergola projects start around a few thousand dollars and increase with customization, size, and extras like LED lighting or motorized louvered panels. Request a free quote for an exact number based on your property.

Price per square foot in Florida varies by structure type (fixed, louvered/motorized, insulated), materials, and site complexity. If you have questions about a quote, contact us and we'll gladly review the details with you, no obligation.

Aluminum usually has a similar or slightly higher upfront cost than wood, but requires much less long-term maintenance — it doesn't rot, doesn't attract termites, and holds up better against Florida's coastal humidity and weather, lowering the total cost of ownership over time.

We don't currently offer in-house financing, but we can point you toward third-party options for outdoor renovation projects. Ask us about it when you request your quote.

Our design packages (Essential, Signature, and Master Plan) are conceptual: they include 2D floor plans, 3D renders, a mood board, and a reference material list. They do not include construction or permitting unless explicitly stated in a separate signed proposal. For construction, we connect you with our network of contractors and engineers.

Aluminum structures require minimal maintenance — usually just a wash with soap and water a couple times a year. No painting, sealing, or termite treatment needed like with wood.

Yes, we design every project to fit your space, including small, irregular, or access-restricted patios.

Integrated LED lighting is available as an option on most of our pergola models and can be added to your proposal.

Yes, we offer mosquito screens, retractable curtains, and side panels as optional accessories for added privacy and insect protection.

Yes, in addition to pergolas we design outdoor kitchens and luxury gazebos, tailored to your property's style and needs.

Motorized louvered pergolas usually include a remote control, and many models offer optional mobile app or home automation compatibility.

It depends on the structure's design and size; some can anchor onto reinforced pavers, while larger or high-wind-certified structures usually require a concrete slab or footings of a specific depth, determined by the project engineer.

We evaluate case by case. We can offer installation for some third-party structures, but we recommend reviewing together whether the product meets Florida's wind and engineering codes before you buy.

Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, requires little maintenance, and holds up best in Florida's humid, salty climate. Wood offers a warm look but requires regular sealing, painting, and termite/moisture treatment. Vinyl is affordable but can discolor and become brittle under intense sun.

It's a pergola with adjustable panels or louvers that open and close (manually or via motor/remote) to control sunlight, ventilation, and rain protection, adapting to weather in real time.

An insulated pergola has a solid roof with an insulating core that fully blocks sun and rain, functioning almost like an enclosed extension of the house. An open or louvered pergola allows more light and air through.

Yes, we offer solar pergolas that integrate photovoltaic panels into the roof structure, generating energy while providing shade — an increasingly popular option in Florida.

Architectural-grade aluminum with a powder-coat finish is highly corrosion-resistant, even in coastal areas with salt air, unlike untreated steel or iron.

Yes, we offer aluminum finishes with texture and color that mimic the look of natural wood, combining wood's warm aesthetic with aluminum's durability.

A pergola generally has an open or adjustable-louver roof and is usually attached to the home or installed as a standalone structure; a gazebo is typically a freestanding structure with a solid, enclosed roof, often octagonal or circular in shape.

Yes, we offer installation for many of the products available in our Patio Shopping store. Check each product page or contact us to confirm installation availability.

Yes, store products carry the applicable manufacturer warranty. We never store your payment information — all payments are processed securely through Stripe.

We offer both product shipping and local delivery/installation, depending on the product and your location.

Yes, we apply the applicable sales tax under Florida law on all purchases made through the store.

In most Florida counties and cities, a building permit is required for permanent pergolas, especially if anchored to a concrete slab or attached to the home. Requirements vary by jurisdiction — we help confirm what applies to your property.

A pergola is considered "attached" when at least 20% of its perimeter touches or connects to the main structure of the house; this generally triggers stricter permit and engineering requirements than a "freestanding" pergola, which is installed separate from the home.

Yes, many Florida jurisdictions allow freestanding structures up to about 200 square feet without certain additional permit requirements on single-family homes, but this varies by city and county — we confirm this as part of your proposal.

Yes. County/city approval and your HOA (homeowners association) approval are independent processes. Your HOA may have its own aesthetic or height rules, even if the design already complies with local building code.

Yes, we can help coordinate the permitting process together with our network of licensed engineers and contractors, depending on your project's scope.

Permit timelines vary from 2 to 8 weeks depending on the city and project complexity; construction itself typically takes 1 to 3 weeks once the permit is approved. We provide a specific timeline in your proposal.

Most permits for pergolas and permanent outdoor structures in Florida require plans sealed by a licensed engineer, especially in high-wind zones. Our network of engineers can provide these plans as part of the process.

Not always. Many prefabricated or online-purchased structures don't automatically meet Florida's wind and engineering codes. Before buying and installing a structure from our "Patio Shopping" store, we recommend confirming your city's permit requirements.

The full process — from the initial quote, through design and permitting, to installation — typically takes 4 to 10 weeks, depending on project complexity and your city's permit timelines.

We start with a 2D schematic plan of your space, followed by photorealistic 3D renders of the proposal, a materials mood board, and a reference material list — all included in your design package.

The Essential package includes 1 revision round; Signature and Master Plan include additional rounds — see full details on the Packages page.

It's not strictly necessary to be present the whole time, but we recommend being available at the start and end of installation to review the work with the team.

We serve Miami-Dade and the surrounding South Florida area. Visit our Service Areas page for the full list of cities.

Yes, we take on projects in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach — contact us to confirm coverage at your exact address.

We offer warranty coverage on materials (per manufacturer specs) and on installation quality. Exact terms are detailed in your construction contract.

Just wash it with mild soap and water a couple times a year, and periodically check hardware and moving mechanisms (on motorized models) — no painting or sealing required.

We include revision rounds in every design package to make sure the result meets your expectations before moving into construction. See our refund policy in the Terms and Conditions.

Yes, we work with Florida-licensed contractors and engineers, and carry liability insurance. We're happy to share this information when we send your proposal.

Well-designed outdoor spaces — like pergolas and outdoor kitchens — are consistently cited by real estate agents as upgrades that boost a Florida property's appeal and resale value.