With the warm weather on its way out, now is the perfect time to create those home improvements that you avoided during the warmer months. Whether you plan on having a barbecue with family and friends or sitting and watching the rain pour down, a stylish and functional outdoor shade structure can protect you from the elements.
If you’re looking for something that ticks all these boxes and will last for years, you should consider an aluminum pergola for your outdoor living space.
Benefits of Aluminum Shade Structures
Elitewood/Alumawood is a composite building material designed to mimic the benefits of real wood, without the downsides. They are a lightweight alternative to wood for exterior fittings and are designed to maintain their structure, façade, and integrity through all kinds of weather.
If you’re considering an outdoor extension or refit, aluminum pergolas provide a cost-effective, durable option that won’t break the bank. Some of the benefits of these pergolas are:
Aluminum is lightweight
Traditional wood is heavy and bulky, which can make handling and installation difficult and costly. By comparison, Elitewood/Alumawood is lightweight and flexible, with all the added strength of a composite. Therefore, it is easy to ship and handle and makes installation a breeze for home extension projects.
Can be installed as an extension
Due to its lightweight composition, aluminum covers can be quickly and easily installed on the exterior as an extension of an existing structure. By attaching the Elitewood/Alumawood cover to your building’s slab, you can build a patio cover without having to make structural modifications to accommodate the added weight.
Can cover longer spaces than traditional wood
Traditional wood is limited by its weight as to how far the beams can stretch from the support structure when creating an outdoor space. The lightweight Elitewood or Alumawood can cover longer spans between the vertical members of the kit. This means that the distance between the beam and the supporting column can be extended, creating larger, more open spaces.
An aluminum pergola cover can be up to 30 feet long with the use of its steel supports through the beam.
Is more resistant to the elements
Compared to traditional wood pergolas, aluminum pergolas are practically maintenance and upkeep-free. It will not peel, chip, or attract termites, and does not require regular painting or protection to avoid damage from the elements. Unlike conventional wood, Elitewood and Alumawood are also easy to clean; just use a damp cloth to wipe the dust and dirt away.
What is an Elitewood or Alumawood Pergola?
Elitewood and Alumawood Pergolas are an outdoor shaded area designed to protect you and your family from weather conditions. Your pergola can be tailored to suit you, whether it’s fully enclosed with windows or an open undercover space that allows the breeze through
Our Elitewood pergolas are manufactured by Four Seasons, and hold a lifetime guarantee on its integrity and function. These stylish, professional fittings offer a durable, functional option for as much – or little – sunlight as you want.
Before attaching a new structure to the back of your house, you may want to consider the condition of your siding.
For a quality pergola, you will want your house to have matching quality siding. Mastics siding by Plygem is sleek and elegant, providing your house with the function you need and the aesthetic you want. Plygem offers three kinds of siding.
Lap Siding
Lap siding encompasses long, flat overlapping boards to shed water and prevent it from reaching the walls of your house. Lap siding comes in narrow, regular, and wide widths depending on your requirements and range from 3” to 7”. Ply Gem’s low maintenance, stylish lap siding comes in a range of styles, colors, and finishes to suit your needs.
Vertical Siding
Vertical siding offers a classic, charming accent for small houses and a sense of height and majesty for larger dwellings. Ply Gem’s vertical siding is durable, flexible, and gives you the confidence you need for your home improvement project.
Shake and Shingle
A favorite of American colonies, shake and shingle siding adds rustic charm to any dwelling. Ply Gem’s shake and shingle vinyl provides all the aesthetics of wooden shingles, without the upkeep.
What does Elitewood or Alumawood Look Like?
These two aluminum-based products look like wood – that’s the whole point! They are aluminum that has been embossed and manufactured into shapes that resemble cedar wood. The result is a more durable, low maintenance material that looks like real wood, and will stand the test of time in outdoor conditions.
The grainy surface of Elitewood and Alumawood is designed to mimic the natural grooves and curves of real wood, and provides excess run-off for water and weather conditions.
If you’re worried about the longevity of these products, don’t be. They are put through multiple durability tests during production, to ensure that you get the long-lasting results that you need. Installing an aluminum pergola can extend your living space by providing a safe and sheltered outdoor area for you and your family to enjoy.
How Much Does an Aluminum Pergola Cost?
The cost of an aluminum pergola depends on your requirements. The range can be anywhere between $4,000 – $14,000, but the cost will completely depend on your particular application. Alumawood™ comes with a 75-year guarantee for everything from the material to the external paint.
This might seem like a huge outlay, but a wooden pergola will cost between $10,000 to $17,000, and require costly, regular upkeep to keep it providing the cover you need. In both the long and short term, Alumawood is the smarter choice for your outdoor extension.
Are Aluminum Pergolas Cheaper Than Wood?
An Elitewood or Alumawood pergola works out far cheaper than the same price for real wood. This faux wood has the added bonus of being far more durable and resistant to damage caused by wind, rain, sun, and snow. Unlike wood, aluminum won’t crack, peel, blister or rot, and will stay looking fresh for years.
Does Alumawood™ Come in Different Colors?
Alumawood is a grainy surfaced material designed to mimic natural wood fittings. Elitewood and Alumawood come in many different colors to suit your preferences, and can even be created in a custom color for your living space.
At present, these aluminum pergolas are available in seven different colors: White, Desert Sand, Mojave Tan, Adobe, Latte, Spanish Brown, and Graphite. These neutral, stylish shades can provide a sense of luxury for your exterior and can be tailored to your needs.
Don’t Hesitate, Call Us Today!
If you are located in the Northern Colorado/ Southern Wyoming area and would like to learn more, then give us a call today at (970) 663-2868 or visit our Patio Cover and Pergola service page and fill out the contact form to make an appointment to discuss your next home improvement project.