Pergola Materials Compared — Aluminum vs Wood vs Steel in Arizona
Wood looks warm but warps. Aluminum lasts forever but reads cheap if you spec it wrong. Steel is the dark horse. Here's the trade-off, by material.
Wood (cedar, redwood, doug fir)
Warmest look, lowest entry price. In Phoenix sun, expect to re-stain every 18–24 months and replace boards in 8–12 years. Cedar handles UV best of the affordable options. Skip pressure-treated pine for anything visible — it twists badly here.
Aluminum (powder-coated extruded)
What we install most. Won't rust, warp, or fade for 20+ years. Powder coat color is baked on — touch-ups are easy. Avoid thin big-box kits (rattle in monsoon wind). Spec a name brand like Struxure, Apollo, or Renson with a 25-year structural warranty.
Steel
Stronger than aluminum, lets you span 20+ ft with no posts in the middle. Heavier — needs deeper footings. Powder-coated steel handles AZ sun beautifully. Best for modern architectural builds where the structure is the design statement.
Louvered vs fixed
Louvered (motorized) aluminum runs $$$ but transforms a backyard — closed for full shade, open for stargazing. Fixed pergolas with shade fabric come in at half the price and still drop 15–20° underneath. Both are valid; depends on how much you'll actually use the motorization.
