Have you ever experienced one of those sweltering summers where it feels like you just cant get enough shade? Thats where pergolas can come into play. Pergolas are a trendy backyard landscaping element that offers relief from the shade by casting shadows in different directions throughout the day.
Installing and maintaining a pergola is easy, especially when you pick out the right pergola materials to withstand the weather conditions in your local climate. Although wood pergolas were one of the first styles to explode onto the scene, more options are available now than ever before. We encourage you to select an aluminum pergola instead of wood since aluminum materials are made to last.
Pergolas are increasing in popularity among homeowners because theyre easy to install on your deck or patio and can be personalized with several exciting accessories. You can utilize this shade structure during the daytime to cool off or create the perfect nighttime hangout spot using attractive outdoor lighting solutions for pergolas.
Explore the different pergola accessories and the materials they are most often built from before deciding on whats best for your property and its environment. Many materials are available, ranging from classic wood pergolas to modern PVC, aluminum, and pressure-treated lumber. Plus, you can pick from lighting accessories, covers, curtains for additional sun relief, and so much more.
Although a pergola will be effective in creating pockets of shade on your property, there are also several unique ways to enhance shade levels and aesthetics around your pergola. Choose a local landscaping company to help determine which accessories will work best with your existing landscape design and pergola style. Once you have a better idea of what youd like to include in your ultimate pergola design, its time to shop for modern pergola accessories such as:
On top of all the useful accessories you can find for your corner pergola, these structures also come in all different shapes, sizes, and styles, so you can always find one to perfectly match your propertys design and aesthetic. There are many different materials to choose from for your homes new pergola. Some common pergola materials include:
Each of these materials listed above has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Classic cedar, composite wood, and pressure-treated lumber all look great but are more susceptible to damage over time. Alternative materials like vinyl, steel, and aluminum are more likely to withstand harsh weather conditions wherever you live while also creating a beautiful landscape design. Below we look more closely at the answer to a common question homeowners have when installing a pergola: wood materials or a metal option like aluminum?
Wood pergolas were one of the first styles of pergolas for sale in the landscaping industry and one of the most affordable options. Upon initial installation, wood pergolas look perfectly picturesque and provide adequate shade around your property. However, over time, wood pergolas can warp and break down, lose their beautiful qualities, and give you quite the headache.
Instead, opt for an aluminum pergola system, so the shade structure lasts for years to come with minimal maintenance on your part. Aluminum pergolas are also affordable, so you dont have to worry about breaking the bank when budgeting to build your dream backyard landscape design. Lets dive further into what makes aluminum the best material to build a pergola over wood alternatives:
Of course, like any other material, aluminum still has its disadvantages. If youre considering installing an aluminum pergola, be aware of these few minor issues:
Wood is another common material option when it comes to pergolas. Although wood pergolas arent as durable as aluminum ones, there are some advantages to installing pergolas in this material:
The drawbacks of wooden pergolas are more numerous than aluminum. Here are just a few of the issues you should consider before installing a wood pergola:
Its clear that aluminum is the more cost-effective material choice when it comes to building a pergola. Although would will look attractive, it requires much more intensive care and upkeep over the years. In addition, wood is susceptible to a wide range of issues, such as water and pest damage.
Dont waste your time and money on materials that wont last. Instead, install an aluminum pergola with the help of your local landscaping company. With an aluminum pergola as the focal point of your backyard landscape design, you can count on the structure to last for years to come and provide your yard with the shade required to escape the sweltering summer sun.
So youre considering an aluminium pergola, and youre wondering what are the pros and cons of transforming your outdoor space with a louvered structure?
Perhaps youre also considering the merits of a wooden pergola, an awning or even a steel option. Well, if thats the case, this article has everything youll need. We are the complete nerds when it comes to pergolas, and so feel free to benefit from all our expertise below, or just give us a call on 020 , and pick our brains!
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Aluminium pergolas come with adjustable louvered roof systems. This means that you can choose between basking in the sunshine, your perfect amount of shade, or waterproof, within seconds. They are exceptionally engineered to maximise sunlight in the good weather, and ensure complete protection in the rain, draining the water into reservoirs away from your entertaining space.
If you want the perfect outdoor haven, an aluminium pergola is the way.
There is nothing worse than a heavy wind busting your parasol, or desperately trying to weigh down a canvas canopy. aluminium pergolas are fixed down to your patio/decking and are immovable structures, wind resistant up to 120kmph. They are proper high-quality structures that withstand all weather conditions to extend your living space. The high-grade aluminium is powder coated to ensure it doesnt fade in the sun light, there will be no rust, or decay like with wood, simply a structure that stands proud for 10 years+.
To become your dream entertaining space. Youll have a vision of how you want to spend time in your garden, and your aluminium pergola can be customised to suit that. It might be that you want an ultimate grilling and dining area. You might want an outdoor room that runs seamlessly off the back of the house, with blinds on all sides and patio heaters, creating a cosy outdoor shelter. You might want a fire pit and LED lighting, perfect for entertaining and ambiance. Whatever it is you dream of doing in your garden, your pergola can be customised for it.
High quality aluminium pergolas are a thing of absolutely beauty, and no doubt absolutely transform the back of your house / outdoor space. There is a reason youll commonly find them on the back of the finest hotels and restaurants in the world, they add pure class.
No rust, no decay, no fading they are easy to look after and require almost no aftercare. Just give them a washdown after winter with some soapy water and they will look 10/10 for many years! No relentless jet washing and chemical treating like with a wooden pergola for example.
A high quality aluminium pergola should last you a minimum of 10 years, and they should still be looking fantastic 10 years on. The aluminium powder coating protects from colour fading in the Sun, and aluminium is a rust free, low maintenance material. So if you opt for a £ high quality aluminium pergola, you can expect to get plenty of value out of it. If you enjoy it for 10 years, thats £40 a month not a bad price to spend more time enjoying your garden with the people you love. You might be wondering if your aluminium pergola is an investment in your home, if so, check out our article here does
an aluminium pergola add value to your home."
When installing and aluminium pergola, you do it once, you do it right, and then you never worry about it again. Its not like a wooden pergola, requiring frequent repair and remedial works, or a cheaper steel model, that will struggle to withstand the harsh weather conditions of winter. Your aluminium pergola can be installed on patio, decking or even a grass area (with the right footings) and then its a permanent fixture in your home.
For many, the sleek, modern design of an aluminium pergola is of great allure. However, in certain spaces, it simply wont be the right fit. Sometimes the juxtaposition of modern and classic side by side can be fantastic, and there are other times when that 15th century property just needs something more sensitive, like a more earthy wooden pergola.
Generally wooden and aluminium structures are fairly comparable in price, depending on the model, however the wooden pergola will require more maintenance and repair work, exceeding the total cost of aluminium in the long term. There is no doubt that a steel or vinyl pergola will be far more budget friendly, compared to aluminium. This is of course reflected in the quality of product and its longevity.
Now you can certainly customise the functionality of your aluminium pergola, heaters, side blinds, wall mounting etc. However the design itself will stay fairly consistent. If youre looking for something a little more unique and ornate, wood is the way to go. For those customers that want something truly one of a kind, having a wooden pergola design and carved, choosing every inch of the detailing, is the best method.
This was a big part of the original purpose of a pergola! Vines and flowers weaving and climbing their way up and over your pergola was the primary goal. Now of course we see our pergolas as entertaining spaces, places to enjoy our gardens with the people we love. And whilst you could certainly grow up the side of your pergola, you wouldnt want these plants interfering with the mechanics of your weatherproof roof. So if youre primarily after a pergola to satisfy your green fingers, wood is the way to go!
This is true of any permanent pergola structure. Wood, aluminium, a hard top gazebo if they are going to stand ever present, they need suitable solid footings. However, if something more temporary will do the job, grabbing the pop up gazebo out the shed from time to time and pegging it into the ground will save a full installation.
Danni Gough
Passionate about helping people create spaces they enjoy, with the people they love. Incredibly knowledgeable on all things aluminium pergola. Loves spending time in her garden with her husband, her pup Ronald and a glass of wine!
Are you interested in learning more about Pergola Aluminum? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!