Licensed Florida Building Contractor · CBC1261200
Pergolas and Pavilions in Central Florida
Sunologi Inc. is a licensed Florida building contractor (CBC1261200) based in Sanford that builds pergolas and pavilions across Central Florida. In Florida these are engineered structures: wind load design, proper footings, and permits are what keep a shade structure standing through storm season. We build wood, composite, and aluminum pergolas and fully roofed pavilions, attached or freestanding. Sunologi is part of the AllSolar family of companies, serving Florida homeowners since 1999.
Pergola or pavilion: which one you actually want
A pergola has an open or louvered top: filtered shade, open feel, and rain still gets through unless you choose a louvered aluminum system that closes. A pavilion has a real roof with shingles or metal: full shade, dry seating in the rain, and a place for fans and lighting. Pavilions cost more because they are roofed structures with real footings and engineering. If your goal is using the space in July or during a rain shower, the pavilion is usually the right answer, and we will tell you that even though the pergola is the cheaper sale.
What drives the price
Three things set the number: material (pressure treated wood, composite, or aluminum, in that order of cost), whether the top is open, louvered, or a true roof, and size. Motorized louvered systems and roofed pavilions carry more engineering and more structure, which is why they cost more and why they are the ones that survive storm season. Footings, wind engineering, and electrical for fans and lighting are included in how we quote, because they are part of building it legally. We price the same footprint in each material on request so the comparison is honest.
Engineering and wind loads
Central Florida jurisdictions require permitted shade structures to meet wind load requirements of the Florida Building Code, typically designed for winds in the 130 to 150 mph range depending on location and exposure. That drives post sizes, connection hardware, and footing depth. An unpermitted pergola anchored to pavers is the one you see in the neighbor's yard after a storm. Ours are engineered, permitted, and inspected.
Pergolas and Pavilions: common questions
Do I need a permit for a pergola in Florida?
In most Central Florida jurisdictions, yes: pergolas and pavilions are structures and require a permit with wind load engineering, whether attached to the house or freestanding. Some counties exempt very small freestanding structures; we check the rule for your exact jurisdiction and handle the permit when one is required, which is most of the time.
What material lasts longest for a pergola in Florida?
Aluminum lasts longest with the least maintenance and never rots or feeds termites. Composite is close behind with a warmer look. Pressure treated pine is the budget option and needs staining every few years to look good in Florida sun. We build all three and will price the same footprint in each so you can compare honestly.
Can you attach a pavilion to my house roof?
Yes, when the existing structure can take the connection. An attached pavilion ties into the fascia or roof framing with an engineered ledger and flashing detail so it does not leak or pull away in wind. Where attachment is not practical, a freestanding pavilion set close to the house often achieves the same covered walkway effect with simpler engineering.
More answers on our FAQ page, or contact us directly.
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Tell us about your project and someone from our Sanford office will call you back, usually the same business day. Or call us now at 407-890-0442.
Talk to a licensed contractor, not a call center
Call our Sanford office at 407-890-0442 or send the estimate form. Site visits and written estimates are free, and the license number on your paperwork will match the one in our footer: CBC1261200.
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