BSBackyard ShortlistAll pergola models

Interactive pergola decision tool

Start with the weather job. Then choose the structure.

Answer six practical questions. The builder ranks real products, explains the tradeoffs, flags incompatible answers, and carries one project allowance into the whole-yard plan.

Eight real productsInstalled-cost thinkingNo email required
  1. Size
  2. Budget
  3. Roof job
  4. Controls
  5. Priority
  6. Exposure
01How much covered footprint do you need?

Use the furniture layout, grill clearances, post locations, and circulation—not a round number. This first pass uses three broad size bands.

Choose one answer to continue.

How ranking works

The roof job and budget lead.

Roof behavior is a gate. A fabric canopy is not presented as a rain-sealing louvered roof.

Budget is based on the broader project allowance. A low product price does not erase installation work.

Controls and priority refine the fit. Manual, motorized, DIY, value, weather, and finish preferences distinguish plausible paths.

Exposure changes the caution. It identifies documentation to verify; it does not certify local structural suitability.