A pergola should be attached directly to a paved slab foundation to ensure stability. For larger pergolas, a solid concrete base that can be anchored is an essential part of providing stable and durable support.

It’s necessary to anchor your pergola. Anchors are the essential accessories to ensure the safety of a pergola. It strengthens the overall stability of your pergola and allows it to withstand harsh weather conditions such as wind and heavy rain.

Normally, building a pergola doesn’t require any permission, but we recommend you check with the local building authorities, especially when you’re planning to build a large one for outdoor use.

Generally, a pergola is an outdoor structure that creates a comfortable rest area with shades and allows a breeze and light sun. Some freestanding pergolas also feature a louvered roof to provide better protection during rainy days.

The key difference is the roof structure. A gazebo provides a more private place as it blocks all the sunshine and rain with a full-protection roof. A pergola often features a slatted roof to create a relaxing space with natural elements like vines and lights.

A canopy is an easy-to-install structure with a retractable cover, often made of fabric material. In contrast, a pergola is a fixed structure with a slatted roof made up of horizontal beams, usually providing multifunctional uses and having a longer lifespan..

A pergola canopy is designed to provide partial or full coverage for your pergola. It can be made from different types of materials, such as metal, fabric and canvas, providing both utility and aesthetic appearance.

Metal materials like an aluminum louver can be a great canopy for your pergola. It not only offers a good-looking cover but also provides flexible functions. The adjustable louver can filter through direct sunlight and shield from heavy rain, ensuring a comfortable patio for you.

Theoretically, there are no louvered pergolas that can guarantee 100% waterproofing, but in most cases, the louvers can block most of the rain when it's closed. Besides, the internal drainage system also ensures a more efficient conduction of rainwater into gutters.

Generally, the aluminum louvered roof material can make some noise during the on-off operation, but the noise level can be variable based on the materials and manufacturing techniques.