There are many reasons why a patio cover is a good investment. Some of those reasons include protecting your deck and outdoor furniture, increased property value, and more possibilities for outdoor entertaining.
Once you realize that a patio cover is right for you, you have certain decisions to make, such as the type, size, and design you are looking for. You also need to decide what material you want your structure constructed from.
Below are the five most common types of patio cover materials. While we will provide pros and cons for each type, we think you will agree that there is one material that stands out above the rest.
Fabric
Pros
- Inexpensive – Compared to the other materials often used for patio covers, fabric is by far the most inexpensive.
- Temporary – If you are renting your space or just aren’t ready for a permanent outdoor structure, fabric is a good option. It is lightweight and can easily be stored when not in use.
- Color Options – Fabric covers come in a vast array of colors and designs, so you can choose something that compliments your patio furniture or home. Since fabric covers are inexpensive, it’s more feasible to change up your design more often.
Cons
- Lack of Protection – While fabric patio covers may provide shade from the sun, they don’t provide ample protection from the rain. If it’s windy, they aren’t any help at all.
- Short Life Span – Although fabric patio covers are relatively inexpensive, they have a significantly shorter lifespan than other materials. They can tear with severe weather, begin to sag, and can fade quickly.
- Leaks – Often, after a heavy rainstorm, fabric covers may begin to leak. A leaking cover means less protection for your patio furniture.
Vinyl
Pros
- Low Maintenance – Once installed, vinyl is virtually maintenance-free. It can be cleaned with soap and water and doesn’t require sanding, staining, or painting.
- Inexpensive – While not as cheap as fabric, vinyl is less expensive than the other types of patio cover materials.
- Long Lasting – Vinyl is waterproof, rustproof, and not susceptible to pests, making it a material that lasts a long time.
Cons
- Limited Colors – The color options are pretty limited when it comes to vinyl, making it more challenging to match your home or patio furniture. Vinyl is also not as aesthetically pleasing as other materials.
- Vulnerable to Fading – The sun’s UV rays can cause vinyl to fade or become discolored, making them unattractive. Once faded or discolored, not much can be done to improve the look of vinyl except to replace it.
Wood
Pros
- Beauty – The natural beauty of wood is almost unmatched. Wood can take on a rugged, rustic look, a modern farmhouse look, or even a more elegant look. The options are seemingly endless regarding the type of wood, stain, paint, etc.
- Durability – Wood is a durable and robust material that is great for high-traffic areas. Wood is sturdy enough for hanging heavy decorations or potted plants.
- Environmentally-Friendly – Since wood is a natural material, a patio cover made from it is more environmentally-friendly than other options.
- Cost– The upfront cost of wood is usually less expensive than aluminum.
Cons
- High Maintenance – Wood patio covers will require a bit of regular maintenance, including sanding and staining or painting every few years.
- Decay – Being a natural product, wood is more prone to decay. Wood can break down from exposure to moisture, sunlight, and heat. Termites and other pests can cause wood to decay, as well.
- Lifespan – While wood covers aren’t temporary, they also aren’t exceptionally long-lasting. Wood will not last very long if not regularly maintained.
Aluminum
Pros
- Low-Maintenance – Aluminum patio covers are easy to clean and require very little maintenance.
- Lightweight and Durable – Although aluminum is very lightweight, it is also highly durable. Aluminum can withstand sun, wind, and rain like a champ.
- Long-Lasting – Along with being durable, aluminum is also rust-resistant, pest-resistant, and moisture-resistant. These combined characteristics make for a patio cover that will last a long time.
- Reflects Heat – An aluminum patio cover will reflect the heat from the sun, making your patio area a much more comfortable place to be on a hot day.
- Easy Installation – Because of its lightweight nature, aluminum is much easier to install and often requires fewer people.
Cons
- Aesthetics – Aluminum covers often aren’t as pleasing to the eye as other types of covers.
- Color Options – The color options for aluminum are pretty limited.
- Dents – Aluminum is more easily dented than wood or other materials. If something falls on your aluminum patio cover or a kid kicks a ball just right, you’ll have an ugly dent as a result.
- Cold – Since aluminum reflects heat, your patio area will be pretty cold in the winter, so you will be less likely to utilize it during those months.
Alumawood
Pros
- Special Composite Material – Alumawood is an innovative composite material that combines the benefits of both wood and aluminum.
- Flexible – Alumawood looks like wood but is lightweight, like aluminum, making even more design options possible. You could have a larger patio cover without having to add more reinforcements.
- Color – Alumawood has much more color options than aluminum, but unlike wood, you never have to repaint or restain it.
- Long-Lasting – Alumawood patio covers are built to last. They are waterproof, rust-resistant, not prone to pests, and can hold up even in severe weather.
- Energy-Efficient – An Alumawood patio cover creates a cool space in the summer and warm space in the winter. When attached to your home, an Alumawood patio cover will help reduce the usage of your heating and cooling systems.
- Cost-Effective – Although Alumawood may cost more upfront than other covers, it is more cost-effective in the long run because it is very low-maintenance and long-lasting.
Cons
- Cost – Alumawood has a higher upfront cost than other covers.
- Strength – While it is durable and can withstand the elements, Alumawood is lightweight and, therefore, can not hold a lot of weight. Standing on an Alumawood cover for any reason or hanging heavy decor is not advisable.
As you can see, there are several options when choosing a material for your patio cover. But, in our opinion, Alumawood is the clear winner. You get the benefits of the top two patio cover materials (wood and aluminum) without as many downsides.
To start designing a patio cover that will last, contact Alumawood patio cover installers near you.