If you live by the water, you already know the deal. That gorgeous sea view comes with a hidden tax: salt spray that eats metal, sun that bleaches colors, and wind that tests every bolt.
I’ve watched too many “premium” pergolas look great for two seasons, then start showing their weaknesses. The paint gets a chalky film. The louvers stiffen. The frame develops a faint tremor in the breeze.
So when clients ask me what to look for, I skip the brochure talk. Here’s what actually matters.
It’s Not “Aluminum.” It’s Which Aluminum.
“Marine-grade” isn’t a marketing term. It’s a specification. You want 6063-T5 or T6 alloy. This formulation includes elements that resist pitting from salt. If the spec sheet doesn’t list the alloy, that’s your first red flag.
And the coating? It’s not paint. It’s an armor. We use AkzoNobel powder coating because their formulations are tested against thousands of hours of salt spray. The difference isn’t just in color retention—it’s in the microscopic thickness and adhesion that prevent salt from reaching the raw metal. Think of it as a ceramic shell, not a layer of film.
Louvers Must Seal Tight, Not Just Close.
Many louvers stop at 90 degrees. That leaves a gap—a perfect channel for wind-driven rain and salt mist. Ours rotate to 100 degrees, creating a downward compression seal. When closed, they shouldn’t just look shut; they should form a continuous, sloped roof that sheds water into the integrated gutter system (ours is a 160x95mm profile—shallow gutters overflow in heavy rain).
This isn’t just about rain. It’s about sealing out salt-laden air when storms blow in from the water.
The Structure Hides in Plain Sight.
A wobbly pergola is a failing pergola. Check the wall thickness of the posts and beams. Our standard 120x120mm post uses 1.8mm thick material. Thinner metal (1.2mm or less) will eventually flex and fatigue in constant wind. The structure should feel solid, not hollow, when you tap it.
All fasteners should be stainless steel or coated to match. If you see plain zinc-plated bolts, walk away. They’ll be the first thing to rust.
Smart Control Isn’t a Luxury. It’s a Survival Tool.
You might not be home when a squall line hits the coast. Motorized operation via a smartphone app means you can close and seal the pergola from anywhere. It’s not about convenience; it’s about being able to react faster than the weather.
The Bottom Line
Don’t ask, “What’s the warranty?” Ask instead:
“Can I see your salt spray test certification?”
“What’s the wind load rating for this profile?”
*“How does the drainage handle a 3-inch per hour downpour?”*
We build our pergolas to answer those questions—not just to look good on a calm day, but to remain standing, sealing, and shading through seasons of salt and storm.
Because a pergola by the sea shouldn’t be a recurring expense. It should be a permanent piece of the view.