Alumawood vs Steel Pergolas

Pergolas are some of the best ways to improve the exterior of your backyard and increase the house value and your comfort level. However, then comes a long-asked question: which material is better, alumawood or steel pergolas? Together, we are going to tackle the comparison of alumawood vs steel pergolas and help you find the better option by comparing the pros and cons of each and elaborating more on the cost between the two.

Namely, steel pergolas are a classic and more traditional option compared to alumawood. However, both materials come with their advantages and disadvantages.

What are the Main Differences Between Alumawood and Steel Pergolas?

Although both pergola types are amazing for stepping your backyard vibe and are a stylish addition to any outdoor space, there’s a notable difference in the materials in their creation.

The alumawood pergola, a relatively new design, is actually a hybrid pergola material, successfully combining the qualities of wood and aluminum. It is made of embossed, high-quality aluminum and has textured wood-grain features. With alumawood, you get all the benefits from wood and the water-resistant characteristics of aluminum. At the moment, we have to say that it surpasses all other materials on the market due to its unmatched quality. The structure of an alumawood pergola has a heavy header beam and a weather-resistant paint coat that sustains extreme weather conditions such as sun, rain, snow, and wind.

Steel on the other hand is a common option when it comes to pergolas because of its sustainability. As the name implies, steel pergolas are made from steel – a highly durable and waterproof material, making them perfect for locations with extreme weather conditions. Although steel will not rust immediately, it’s advisable to regularly maintain the material to prevent other types of damage.

Alumawood vs Steel Pergolas Pros and Cons

For a more reliable review of both materials and to better understand what are the main differences between alumawood and steel pergolas we included an alumawood vs steel pergolas pros and cons.

Find more details of alumawood vs steel pergolas below:

Alumawood pergolas pros

• Durability – alumawood pergolas are made of aluminium which is super lightweight and durable. Plus, because of its wood-like features, this material is resistant to rust, termites, and other outdoor pollutants.
• Low maintenance – alumawood material is low maintenance thanks to the revolutionary combination of metal and top paint coat. You minimize the need for service and checkups if you get the best aluminum patio cover installers to fix the pergola in place.
• Comes in a variety of colors – you can find different colors and styles of alumawood or you can even paint it to match your ideal pergola creation.

Alumawood pergola cons:

• Costly – due to the quality and versatility of the material, alumawood pergolas are more expensive compared to steel pergolas.
• Not recommended for harsh weather conditions – although alumawood is weather resistant, it’s not recommended for windy conditions. In that case, steel pergola could be a better option.

Steel pergolas pros

• Excellent support – steel pergolas are one of the best materials when installed in places with extreme weather conditions such as heavy snow, high winds, or other colder conditions. The steel frames offer the best support structure for patio covers in harsh conditions such as heavy snow loads.

• • Cost-effective –  They are usually less expensive in comparison to alumawood, and due to durability features they are a cost-effective option in the long run

• Match almost every exterior look – given that steel pergolas have a minimalist outlook, they come as the perfect addition to your home exterior. That will save you the trouble of contacting designers for opinions.

Steel pergolas Cons

• Require regular maintenance– steel pergolas must be regularly checked for rust and other types of damage after a season to prevent compromising the quality of the material.
• The material may not work for small backyard designs – while steel pergolas match almost any given exterior condition, they may not come as the ideal solution for small backyards because the material appears bulky.

Alumawood vs Steel Pergolas Cost

The alumawood vs steel pergola cost varies. Although many factors such as style, size, and service and maintenance influence the cost of both alumawood and steel pergolas, generally speaking, alumawood is more expensive. The steel pergola costs $30-$80 per square foot, therefore a 100-square-foot steel pergola will be around $8000. Unlike steel pergolas, the alumawood may reach around $12,000.

Conclusion

The final word alumawood vs steel pergola battle and which one is the better option is yours. As you’ve seen in this article, both materials are sustainable, but steel requires a little more maintenance compared to alumawood. While steel is less expensive than alumawood, you should consider potential repairs in the final costs. 

In terms of versatility, alumawood is recommended as it comes in different colors that can match your outdoor aesthetics. Plus, if you need a lightweight material for a cover, then alumawood might be a better option. It goes excellent if you have a vineyard, as the wood matches the vineyard aesthetics. But, in the end, it’s a matter of taste.

If you still cannot decide what is better for a pergola steel or aluminum, then contact our team for an expert option. We’re always happy to discuss what we know best and help our customers therefore don’t hesitate to reach out.