Different Types of Outdoor Pergola Materials and Their Pros and Cons

09-12-2022

Outdoor pergolas are made from a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, and metal. Each material has advantages and disadvantages.


For example:

  • wood pergolas require a lot of maintenance and are composed of heavy materials, limiting where larger pergolas can be built.

  • A vinyl pergola is lightweight, reducing maintenance needs; however, it is not as durable as a wood or metal pergola.

  • Metal pergolas are durable, lightweight, and require minimal maintenance. It just needs regular maintenance to protect it from erosion and rot.


What is an aluminum pergola?

Aluminum is another popular roofing choice because it's featherlight and resistant to rust and corrosion.


Aluminum pergolas are very lightweight, making them ideal for areas where weight needs to be kept to a minimum, such as balconies. The largest aluminum pergolas can be pre-painted in the color of your choice. Due to its high resistance to erosion, aluminum pergolas are ideal for coastal areas. Of the three gear, aluminum remains by far the most prized.


Advantage:

  • light.

  • Resistant to rust or corrosion.

  • Can be painted to match your home.


Shortcoming:

  • Very expensive.

Outdoor Pergola


What is a steel pergola?


Steel is one of the best materials for building a pergola.


The design of the steel pergola is simple and exquisite, suitable for blending into the modern home. They are flexible and can be coated with a high-quality anti-corrosion coating to protect their surface, or in your preferred color. However, a steel pergola can indeed be customized to your individual design specifications if you have an unusual outdoor space.


A steel pergola does look and feel similar to aluminum, but is designed to support a stronger structure. It is a veritable strong material, superior to wood and aluminum in terms of strength and continuity. This allows it to be used in heavier freestanding structures where aluminum and wood are not suitable.


Steel columns will rust and corrode if not treated before installation. Nonetheless, with the proper treatment of 100% galvanized (also known as galvanized steel) or zinc-aluminum combination paint at the time of installation, steel becomes one of the most durable outdoor pergola materials. With the right treatment, a steel pergola can be a perfect material for those who don't have the time or ability to care for a roof. To keep it looking like new, all you need to do is clean it with a cloth every now and then.


That doesn't mean you can't use steel, though, if you're on a budget. Due to the durability and low protection of steel, a steel pergola is sure to be an affordable outcome in the long run. In some cases, steel is actually cheaper than wood and aluminum. Many pergolas come pre-designed so we can install them quickly and smoothly. This reduces the labor cost of the structure and passes the savings on to you.


Advantage:

  • Installation is quick and easy.

  • strong and sturdy.

  • Can be powder coated or painted the color of your choice.

  • Budget friendly.


Shortcoming:

  • If it is not galvanized when installed, it may be prone to rust and corrosion.


What is a Wooden Pergola?


Wood is one of the most commonly used materials for pergolas and patios. Wooden gazebos can be treated for a natural, rustic look or painted to match your home's tone. The inflexibility of its design makes wood a compatible material for ultra-modern or traditional style homes.


A popular wooden pergola design is the "open air". Without any walls or roof, your pergola won't restrict or divide your outdoor space in two. This can be surrounded by climbing plants or vines, which provide protection from the rain while adding greenery to your neighborhood.

Because wood is readily available and fairly simple to work with, it's one of the more affordable materials for building a pergola. While it's not as strong as aluminum or swords, it does well in coastal areas where ocean drag and sand can damage and destroy structures.


Still, wood does have its own significant drawbacks when it comes to heat damage, soil, and rot. To keep your wood roof strong, healthy and looking great, it needs a high level of protection and cleaning on a regular basis. this includes

Wipe the roof framing with bleach during the wet months to keep mold at bay.


Repaint or restain your wood pergola at least every five years to ensure your pergola stays in top condition.


Advantage:

  • Cheap and readily available.

  • Extensive design capabilities.

  • Sand and salt tolerant.


Shortcoming:

  • A lot of maintenance is required to protect it from the elements and rot.

  • The upfront cost is lower, but over time you'll spend more time and money on maintenance.

  • Not as strong structurally as steel or aluminum.


Outdoor Pergola Pros and Cons


What is a Vinyl Pergola


The color of the vinyl goes right through the material so it's less prone to peeling, chipping and fading. It doesn't require as much refinishing and maintenance as wood does.


This is one of the greatest benefits of using vinyl for your pergola; it doesn't require the same level of care, care, or maintenance as wood. The only real concern a vinyl pergola requires is occasional pressure washing to keep it clean.


Vinyl is also customizable. While not to the extent of wood, there are still plenty of styles to choose from. They don't require a lot of experience or special tools, so pergolas are quick to set up and save a lot on installation costs. This can also meet the requirements of homeowners DIY


While you have many options related to color, you can never repaint vinyl. This means that whichever color you choose, you have to keep it unless you get an entirely different vinyl pergola.


Advantage:

  • Has the function of anti-mildew, anti-insect and anti-corrosion

  • Requires little maintenance

  • Vinyl does not need to be repainted or restained and will last longer than wood can withstand the turmoil of the natural elements


Shortcoming:

  • You can never repaint vinyl. That means whatever color you choose, you have to keep it.



Get the latest price? We'll respond as soon as possible(within 12 hours)

Privacy policy