All About Aluminum Pergolas – Examples: Elitewood and Alumawood

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.

How to Cover a Deck For Shade – 12 Ways to Add Some Shade

A deck should be a place for you to sit and relax on a sunny day. But that’s difficult to do when the sun is shining in your eyes. Plus, it will make the deck hot, giving you sunburn. 

The good news is that this doesn’t have to be the case. There are plenty of simple ways that you can add some shade to your deck. Keep reading to learn more about some of the options that you might want to explore. 

Shingled Patio Covers

One of the longest-lasting patio covers is a shingled roof. This is essentially adding an extension of your roof, to cover the deck. This will allow you to effectively block the sun. It will also offer protection from the rain. When you do this, you will often be unable to tell the difference between the shingled patio cover and the original roof.

Underneath the patio, you will be able to enjoy natural wood. This is a stunning aesthetic. You can opt to stain it, protecting it from the elements. Or you might want to paint it, so the color complements the deck. Because of these benefits, a shingled patio cover will be able to last for a long time. As a result, they can often add a lot of value to your home.

Wooden Pergolas

If you like the look of natural wood, you might want to consider installing a cedar pergola. The wood can be stained to suit the surroundings. The pergola will extend from your existing roof out over the deck. The top of the pergola will have a series of rafters going perpendicular out from the house and a series of beams on top running parallel to the house, covering the deck. This is easy to maintain.

One of the benefits of this type of cover is that you can accessorize it to get even more shade or even a certain amount of waterproofing. For example, you can add corrugated plastic to the top to keep the rain off the deck and you can add screens and plants to the sides for added shade.

Aluminum Pergolas

If you don’t want to deal with the upkeep of a wooden pergola, you might prefer the aluminum variety. These have the advantage of coming in a range of colors. This will let you match it to the existing home. The Alumawood pergolas that we offer have a woodgrain pattern stamped into them to make them feel like wood. Plus, they are very durable, lasting for many years. 

Similar to a wooden pergola, you will be able to accessorize the top and sides of an Alumawood pergola. This will offer protection against the elements, so you can still use your deck when it is raining or snowing.

Umbrellas

One of the easiest ways to add a little more shade is by adding an umbrella. There are a few options that you might want to consider, these include: 

  • Table umbrella. These are designed to sit in a hollow slot in the middle of a table. They often aren’t very big and will cover a single table or chair. 
  • Tilting umbrella. As the name suggests, these can be set at an angle. This will offer more flexibility, letting you block out the sun. But they are very expensive. 
  • Weighted umbrella. This option will be held in place by a stand at the base of the umbrella. Often, the stand will be filled with water or sand, holding it in place. 

An umbrella has a few advantages. For example, they tend to be easy to install. You can get them set up in a few minutes. But there are also some downsides to consider. In a strong wind, they will fall over. Or worse, they can be blown away. This type of shade becomes extremely needy as you have to get it out and put it away every time you use it.

Planting Trees

Trees can be a great way of providing some natural shade. If you want to take this route, consider the size of their leaves. The bigger the leaves, the more protection they will provide. This is why many people like palm trees. 

But there are a few obvious downsides. First, it will take years and years for a tree to grow tall enough to provide enough shade. Additionally, if you put it too close you will need to spend a lot of time cleaning the fallen leaves off the deck. 

Louvered Patio Covers

If you are looking for a system that lets you control how much sunlight you let in and can keep the deck dry, consider a louvered cover. On a sunny day, you can open the louvers. This will let the natural light pour into the deck. But if it starts to rain you can close the louvers. This will stop you from getting wet. Better yet, you’ll be able to adjust the angle of the louver, so you can get the right mix of light and shade. If you opt to get the TNT Home Improvement team to install a louvered pergola, you will be able to do this with a handheld remote. 

These are built to last. Almost every piece of the cover is made out of thick gauge aluminum. They come in multiple colors to choose from, so you can pick one that matches the design aesthetic of your deck/house. 

Patio Canopy

There are a lot of canopy options that you might want to explore. This is a good way of getting some shade quickly. You will also be able to take it down and move it when necessary. But, if you’re looking for a long-term option, this might not be the best choice as it won’t handle extreme weather conditions more than once. 

Hanging Patio Curtains

Sometimes you will already have a cover on your deck and will be looking for some ways to get a little extra shade. In this case, you might want to think about putting in curtains. These will hang around the outside of the patio. These will give you a lot of flexibility. You’ll be able to choose elements like: 

  • How thick they are, determining how much light they will block
  • Color
  • Length

A popular alternative to this is blinds. These also offer a lot of creative freedom, with dozens of styles to choose from. Plus, you will be able to control them with the touch of a button.

Growing Vines

You might be able to get a climbing vine. This will have a similar effect to installing a patio curtain. However, the vines will add a more natural feel. Depending on the variety you choose, you might even be able to get one that will flower, adding color and perfuming the air. However, like planting a tree, you’ll need to get a temporary solution in the meantime as it can take a long time for a vine to grow. 

Shade Sail

You might want to install a shade sail. This is a porous canvas cloth, which is available in a range of colors. This will let you get one that will match the style of the space. They are also a good option to provide shade over a large area. You should be able to install them yourself, though you’ll need to get one that will match the dimensions of your deck. 

Awning

If you are looking for a simple solution, you might want to think about installing an awning. They are easy to install because you won’t need to use poles. There are a few options for you to choose from. You might want to have an awning that is always in place. Or you can get a retractable option, that you will need to manually open and close. 

Solid Patio Cover

Finally, you might want to get a solid patio cover. This can be connected to an existing roof or form a standalone structure. It’s solid and will be able to last for a long time. There are a few reasons why you might want to get this type of cover: 

  • It comes in a range of colors, so you’ll be able to pick something to suit your style. 
  • You can install features, like lights and ceiling fans
  • It can be made to custom-fit your deck area

Final Thoughts

Covering your deck is a good way to stop the sun from getting in your eyes and beating the summer heat. Plus, it will block the wind and rain, so you can enjoy the deck in all weather conditions. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. You can get a long-term solution by installing a shingled patio roof, louvered patio cover, pergola, or a solid patio cover. Or you can get something more temporary. Hopefully, you are more aware of your options so you can find the right one for you.

If you’re living in the Northern Colorado area, give us a call today at 970-663-2868 so we can talk about your deck cover project.

Six Year-Round Benefits of Installing a Quality Patio Cover in Fort Collins, CO

pic of a deck and pergola built in Fort Collins, CO

Homeownership means so much more than just paying the bills and doing home maintenance on the weekends. It also means getting the chance to make the space your own, to make the changes you want so you can better enjoy it for many years. When it comes to home improvements, one of the most affordable and useful projects you can take on is adding a cover over your patio. Need a little more incentive? Take a read through these six year-round benefits of installing a quality patio cover in Fort Collins, CO:

  • Create an outdoor living space: Not only does having a covered patio extend your home’s living space out into nature, but it also makes way for opportunity to create a spot for outdoor living. Your cover acts as a shelter against the weather so you can chill in the evening with a book, spend quality time with your family on the weekends and entertain dinner guests by the light of the moon.
  • Protect your outdoor furniture: If you love hanging out or hosting parties outside on the patio, then you likely own outdoor furniture. Since a lot of patio furniture can cost just as much as living room furniture, go the extra step to install a patio cover in Fort Collins, CO to protect your investments, and to keep pieces looking good all year long without the worry of sun or rain damage.
  • Get protection from the elements: With a plain old uncovered patio, your plans are likely to get cut short when it gets too hot or rainy. On the other hand, with a quality patio cover, you are offered protection from the elements no matter what season. Depending on the type of material used, a cover can lower the temperature of a patio area by 10 to 20 degrees while shading you from harmful ultraviolet rays, and it keeps you comfortable and dry during rainy days or sudden downpours.
  • Great for stay-cations: Many of us lead busy lives—so much so that we forget to take a vacation every now and again. Save travel expenses, time and money by putting together a lovely outdoor space, complete with a covered patio area, right in your own backyard for year-round relaxation and enjoyment.
  • Keep your house cool: An often overlooked benefit of patio covers is that they work as a big shade to block the sun from blaring through your windows and glass doors. In turn, a good portion of the sun’s heat is kept from entering the interior of your home on hot, sunny spring and summer days.
  • Numerous material and style options: You can have a simple cover or an intricate one. Choose a pergola with a lattice style to allow a little sun through or for growing vines, or select a more solid material like aluminum or wood for full coverage. Or, to blend it in with your home’s roof, consider matching shingles. The key is to know your needs and budget before getting started.

Contact the team at TNT Home Improvements today for assistance with the planning stages of your patio cover in Fort Collins, CO.

Click here to learn more about our patio cover services.