We're a small team of engineers, contractors, and journalists who believe homeowners deserve better information about the products they install in their backyards.
Best Patio Products was founded in 2015 with a simple premise: the outdoor living industry was full of marketing claims and short on verifiable data. Homeowners were spending $5,000 to $70,000 on pergolas, patio covers, and gazebos based on glossy photos and vague promises like "built strong" and "premium quality."
We thought that was unacceptable. So we started testing.
Every product we review goes through a rigorous evaluation process. We don't just unbox it and share first impressions. We read the engineering reports (when manufacturers provide them). We measure wall thicknesses with calipers. We check aluminum grades against the Aluminum Design Manual. We verify wind and snow load claims against ASCE7 and IBC standards.
When a manufacturer won't share their engineering data, we say so. When their marketing claims don't match the specs, we say that too.
We read the structural reports so you don't have to. Every claim gets verified against published engineering standards, not marketing copy.
No product is perfect. We always tell you what's wrong alongside what's right. If something is a deal-breaker, you'll know before you buy.
We install the products ourselves. We live with them through seasons. Our reviews reflect months of use, not an afternoon with a press kit.
Our 4.8/5 reader trust rating comes from a decade of putting accuracy over access. We've turned down paid placements from brands who wouldn't share their data.
B.S. Civil Engineering, Texas A&M. 11 years covering outdoor structures. Has reviewed 200+ pergola systems and refuses to return the Hanso Horizon in his backyard.
Former home improvement editor at a major national publication. Specializes in head-to-head comparisons and buyer's guides. Based in Portland, OR.
Covers the business side of outdoor living : pricing, supply chains, dealer markups, and industry trends. Previously with ConsumerWatch and The Home Report.
20-year licensed general contractor. Has personally installed 80+ pergola kits from every major brand. If a product has an installation gotcha, David finds it.
M.S. Structural Engineering. Verifies manufacturer claims against IBC, ASCE7, and AAMA standards. Keeps our technical reporting honest and precise.
Manages our reader Q&A, newsletter, and social channels. Connects real homeowner questions with expert answers from our review team.
Transparency matters. Here's how we keep the lights on:
Affiliate commissions. When you click a link in one of our reviews and make a purchase, we may earn a commission from the manufacturer. This never affects our ratings, rankings, or editorial conclusions. We've given negative reviews to products from our highest-paying affiliate partners.
Display advertising. Standard ad placements on our site generate a portion of our revenue. We limit ad density to preserve the reading experience.
What we don't do: We don't accept payment for positive reviews. We don't let brands approve or edit our content before publication. We don't suppress negative findings. If a manufacturer refuses to provide engineering data for verification, that itself becomes part of the review.
Have a product you'd like us to review? A correction to submit? A question about an upcoming purchase? We read every email.
Editorial inquiries: editors@outdoorstructurereview.com
Press & PR: press@outdoorstructurereview.com
Advertising: ads@outdoorstructurereview.com
General: hello@outdoorstructurereview.com
Based in Austin, TX. Reviews conducted across climate zones nationwide.
