Pergola decisions
I have a newer built house with no mature trees or shade. We are putting in a pool and wanted an area we can relax in the shade. I began looking at all the pergola companies… hanso, pergolux, flex patio, luxury pergola, struxure, relaxure, and even started with the cheaper brands. Being in the Northeast i automatically canceled all of the cheaper brands as T6 aluminum is important for snow load and wind rating. The other thing is size, i have to stay under 200sq ft or it would require a variance. I have been looking at 10x19, and with a 4 post design. This dramatically lowers the playing field to the following:
Hanso: apex model, 20k+, lights heater, shades, long wait times.
Relaxure: newer company, not many reviews outside of some YouTubers, customizable, lifetime warranty and 14k with lights and heater
Luxury pergola, customized sizing same options, 25k lifetime warranty.
I even looked at building a structure which is about 30k installed, vinyl wrapped with a real roof, no headaches down the road with louvre motors.
Since the pool, concrete and fencing is already $$$$, wondering if I take a gamble with relaxure or just go with hanso or luxury pergola?
Anyone have any feedback on the apex model? Also any one and the same predicament that went a different option for shade in their pool area?
Also any recent experience with importing from Alunotec who seems to be the supplier for most of the US brands?
Posted Jul 6, 2026, 1:20 PM UTC