Look and feel
Wood has natural grain and warmth. Aluminum has clean lines and can imitate wood with finishes.
Choose by the style of your home.
Upkeep
Wood needs sealing or staining every few years. Aluminum needs washing and an occasional check of hardware.
Be honest about how much upkeep you will do.
Strength and spans
Both are strong. Aluminum can span long distances with light profiles. Wood needs larger sizes for long spans.
We check the engineering.
Moisture and pests
Cedar resists rot and pine is treated, but wood can still suffer where it stays wet. Aluminum does not rot or feed termites.
Pools and shaded, damp yards favor aluminum.
Cost and value
Pine costs least up front, cedar and aluminum cost more. Aluminum saves on refinishing later.
Think about ten and twenty years.
Roof and add-ons
Louvered roofs, screens and motors are most often built on aluminum. Wood works well with fans, lights and benches.
Combine them if you like.
Choose wood for warmth and craft, aluminum for low upkeep and louvered roofs and mix them when both matter.
