What is a Pergola?

Pergolas have been popular in homes for a very long time. They are an ideal item for adding worth and improving the convenience of open air spaces. A high-quality pergola will change your garden into a delightful and spacious region to appreciate the outdoors. Pergolas can be made of various materials:

• wood
• metal
• aluminium
• vinyl, etc.

In this article we’ll go over the details of aluminium pergolas and steel pergolas, as well as contrast them with one another.

Steel Pergolas

Steel pergolas are quick and easy to set up, and it will not rot or decay, so it requires less attention and care than timber.

Another benefit of a steel frame is that it’s stronger and more durable than its timber equivalent, meaning that it will last longer. Still, steel frames can be a lot more expensive than timber, and you won’t be able to achieve the natural appearance that timber easily imparts.

However, steel pergolas are clean and modern in design, making them perfect for blending in with ultramodern decor and homes. They can also be customised to suit your individual design specifications in case you have an unusual size or shape of outdoor space.

Steel pergolas are susceptible to rust and erosion. For conservation of a steel roof frame, it’s essential that your steel frame is protected by a zinc coating (also known as galvanized steel), or in a zinc-aluminium combination paint or coverage.

In order to keep a steel pergola in good shape, you have to give it a clean over with a cloth every once in a while. In some cases, steel pergolas are cheaper than timber and aluminium.

Pros:

• Quick and easy to install.
• Strong and durable.
• Budget-friendly.

Cons:

• Prone to rust and corrosion if not treated with zinc coating upon installation and given appropriate maintenance once in a while after.

Aluminium Pergolas

Aluminium is a very popular option for pergolas as it’s lightweight and invulnerable to rust and corrosion.

Most aluminium pergolas can come powder-coated, or pre-painted, in a colour of your choice. Because of its corrosion resistance properties, aluminium pergolas are appropriate for seaside areas. 

Whether or not you live close to the coast, aluminium pergolas are usually your best go-to decision. The material is much lighter than wood, and the support needed for aluminium pergolas is miniscule when compared to a steel one. They are an ideal decision for patios or overhangs where weight is expected to be minimal.

Aluminium is very popular in many cases since the general weight of the product is lower. Add this to its modern look, and an aluminium pergola makes for a great addition to any backyard.

Pros:

• Lightweight.
• Impervious to rust or corrosion.
• Can be painted to match your home.

Cons:

• Can be more expensive.

Steel vs Aluminium Pergola

Summing up therefore, there are various benefits that an aluminium pergola can offer:

• Durability.
• Capacity to cover a large area at once, making vast constructions that can’t be easily  assembled with different materials.
• The general weight of the pergola from aluminium is usually enough for constructions to be sturdy, and they are impervious to various weather factors.

As expected, there are also a few down-sides to this pergola material including:

• Steel is a stronger material that will hold its sturdiness when additional weight becomes a factor (heavy plant hangers, for example).
• Steel pergolas can be used for designs that alimunium is not strong enough for.
• Aluminium pergolas may have issues when used in conjunction with some other materials (especially copper) as aluminium does not react well to other metals.