THE PROBUILD SCORE™
ONE SCORE. FIVE REAL-WORLD FACTORS.
Our 100-point rating system is built to answer one practical question: is this product worth buying for the people who will actually use it?
How the 100-Point Score Works
30 pts · Performance & Durability
How well the product performs for its intended job, including durability, consistency and long-term use considerations.
25 pts · Value
What you get for the money, not simply whether the product is cheap or expensive.
20 pts · Installation & Usability
Ease of installation, setup, handling, learning curve, serviceability and day-to-day use.
15 pts · Design & Features
Useful features, finish quality, product options and design details that make a real difference.
10 pts · Warranty, Support & Availability
Warranty terms, manufacturer support, parts or accessory availability and how practical the product is to source.
Score Bands
90–100: ProBuild Approved — standout product we would confidently recommend for the right buyer.
80–89: Strong Buy — very good product with manageable tradeoffs.
70–79: Good, With Caveats — worthwhile for specific users or applications.
60–69: Consider Alternatives — usable, but stronger options usually exist.
Below 60: Not Recommended — significant drawbacks relative to competing choices.
We Also Show the Evidence Level
- Hands-On Tested: we have directly used or tested the specific product.
- Contractor Experience: our team has meaningful real-world experience with the brand, product family or installation category.
- Research Reviewed: the score is based primarily on specifications, warranty terms, published testing, product documentation and market comparison rather than our own hands-on use.
What the Score Is Not
The ProBuild Score is an editorial rating, not a laboratory certification and not a guarantee that one product is best for every project. Pricing, product lines and availability change. A high score means we believe the product offers a strong overall package for its intended audience based on the evidence available at the time of review.
Affiliate relationships do not determine the score. See our Editorial Standards and Affiliate Disclosure.