Pergola wood vs aluminium: how to pick the right match for your home

The timeless appeal of wood pergolas

For centuries, wood was the only option for building pergolas. Ever since the 1600s, gardens and parks have been enhanced by the traditional and rustic look of a wood pergola. And today, there are still many benefits to choosing wood:

• Natural look that complements older houses
• Thick, sturdy legs support a heavy roof
• Great for training plants and vines to grow over
• A solid or slatted roof keeps the worst of the weather out
• Timber can be cut and shaped to your specifications, creating pergolas in various shapes and sizes

How long will a wooden pergola last?

Up to 20 years - as long as it’s kept as dry as possible, and has regular maintenance.

Disadvantages of wood pergolas

• Weight – wood is heavy so you’ll need to build your pergola on firm ground
• Can warp and crack after prolonged exposure to bad weather
• Watch out for pest infestations
• Ongoing maintenance and repairs can be expensive
• Painting and staining will likely be required

The modern advantages of aluminium pergolas

In more recent times, metal pergolas have come into fashion, with aluminium being the most popular choice for a number of reasons:

• Sleek and stylish with a choice of shades/colours
• Different roof options available, from solid and transparent polycarbonate, to fully adjustable louvres with electronic or manual control
• Easy to mount to the back or side of your house
• Strong enough to be freestanding anywhere in your garden
• UV resistant powder coating won’t fade in the sun
• Easy to clean
• Low maintenance
• Advanced drainage system on our models directs rainwater from the roof down into hidden pipes in each of the legs

How long will an aluminium pergola last?

20-30 years, because it won’t rust or decay.

Disadvantages of aluminium pergolas

• Custom-made aluminium pergolas can be more expensive
• Aluminium can look too sleek and uniform for those who prefer the warmth and character of real wood
• If dents or scratches occur, they can be more noticeable on aluminium compared to textured materials

Wood effect aluminium: the best of both worlds

Now there’s an even more recent pergola innovation that’s great if you like wood’s natural look, but aren’t so keen on its high maintenance. Take a bow the aluminium pergola wood effect:

• Practical, functional and beautiful
• Made from durable, low maintenance aluminium
• Wood grain effect film laid on top of the metal
• Looks like the real thing
• The perfect ‘best of both worlds’ solution – an aluminium pergola that looks like wood with the low maintenance of metal
  
  

Wood effect aluminium: the best of both worlds

Now there’s an even more recent pergola innovation that’s great if you like wood’s natural look, but aren’t so keen on its high maintenance. Take a bow the aluminium pergola wood effect:

• Practical, functional and beautiful
• Made from durable, low maintenance aluminium
• Wood grain effect film laid on top of the metal
• Looks like the real thing
• The perfect ‘best of both worlds’ solution – an aluminium pergola that looks like wood with the low maintenance of metal
  
  

Cost comparison: aluminum vs wood pergola

Costwise, the wood vs aluminium pergola comparison is a close run thing.

Wood pergolas are generally less expensive to buy than aluminium pergolas, if you opt for standard wood like spruce or pine. But any savings you make could be wiped out by typical lifetime maintenance costs for a wood pergola vs aluminium.

Is an aluminium pergola cheaper than wood? Here’s a 3m x 3m pergola cost comparison (all prices approximate):

Weather resistance and durability in the UK climate

Wood: how the UK weather affects your pergola

It does tend to rain a bit in the UK, doesn’t it? And in the long run that’s not good for wood. But if you’re OK with applying protective stain or paint coverings on a fairly regular basis, including on those hard to reach roof beams, then go for it!

Aluminium: ideal for the UK’s climate

Aluminium offers all-weather versatility with low maintenance.

If you opt for a louvred roof, you have a solution that takes into account the changeable nature of UK weather. Sunny one minute, stormy the next.

With a quick turn of the crank handle or the press of a button, you can open and close your pergola roof to let in the sun or keep out the rain.

Comparing the durability of wood and aluminium in the UK

A good quality aluminium or wood pergola will both be built to last. But in damp UK conditions, wood is likely to be less durable than metal. It’s also more likely to fade in the sun.

Installation and maintenance: what to expect

Wood pergolas: installation and maintenance challenges

• Wood is heavy, so you’ll definitely need a strong helping hand or two when installing a wood pergola
• The heaviness also means you’ll need to take care where you place your pergola. On decking is often a no-no!
• Wood can split, crack or dent. So you’ll need to be careful when handling the beams as wood can easily be damaged during pergola construction

Aluminium pergolas: simple installation and minimal upkeep

• Aluminium is lighter than wood, so you won’t need bulging biceps to build your pergola – just a bit of elbow grease
• Installation is an afternoon’s work - most people find they can build an aluminium pergola in 4 to 6 hours with help from a friend or two
• Once it’s up, it’s up. You won’t be forever repairing or painting an aluminium pergola

DIY vs professional installation: which is best for you?

If you can find willing volunteers with at least half a day to spare, then it’s worth DIY installing a wood or aluminium pergola as it’ll save you money.

But if you find putting together furniture in your home stressful, hiring professional installers is likely to be your best choice. Shop around to get the best price.

So which material should you choose: aluminum pergola vs wood?

Are aluminium pergolas better than wood? It’s clear aluminium has a few advantages when it comes to installation, longevity and louvred roofs.

But if you’re still undecided between an aluminium and wood pergola, here are a few FAQs that could help you pick a winner from a wood pergola vs aluminium:

What pergola should I choose if I want a traditional look?
Wood or wood effect aluminium.

I’m looking for a pergola that doesn’t take much looking after – what’s best?
Definitely aluminium.

What if I want to use and store my BBQ under my pergola?
Choosing aluminium is the safest option.