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Are you thinking about adding a pergola to your property? If you are, now is the time to do it. A pergola can give you more reasons to fall in love with your home all over again. It’ll give you more ways to use your outdoor space too. From entertaining guests to enjoying quiet family time, you’ll have plenty of excuses for spending time outside.
Pergolas boost property values as well. Reports released late last year say having a pergola installed can bring homeowners a 50 percent return on their investments if not more. Beyond all that, a pergola can make a property look and feel far more inviting than it does without a wonderful shaded backyard space to take advantage of.
When you start exploring pergolas, you’ll find that there are numerous styles and sizes available. Just as importantly, a pergola builder can use different materials to build them. Wood, aluminum, and vinyl are some of the most popular right now. Which one of these materials is best, though? Which one would make the perfect pergola to add to your home?
To find the answers to those questions, you’ll need to take a closer look at each of those materials. They all have their own features, benefits, and drawbacks to consider. Their prices and long-term care should also be taken into account.
Wood is the traditional material for pergolas. It has a beauty and charm you won’t find with other materials. Timber pergolas fit in nicely with a variety of architectural styles. Wooden pergolas are highly customizable. They can be built in a range of styles and painted or stained if you like.
Some of the types of wood commonly used to build pergolas are redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated pine. Redwood and cedar are naturally resistant to pests and the elements. Pressure-treated pine doesn’t have the same natural defenses, but the treatment process helps it to withstand insects, moisture, temperature changes, and other issues.
In spite of their hardiness, timber pergolas aren’t invulnerable. They require ongoing maintenance to keep them in like-new condition. Over time, they could warp, crack, or rot without sealing, refinishing, and other measures.
Though wood pergolas are less expensive upfront, their constant maintenance requirements make them more costly from a long-term perspective. They’re a beautiful addition to a home and a wonderful choice for homeowners who prefer a classic look. If you choose a timber pergola, though, don’t underestimate the value of routine maintenance.
Aluminum is another popular pergola material. It’s sturdy and lightweight. It lasts a long time too. It doesn’t give in to time and the elements the way wood does. It doesn’t need a lot of attention, either. It’ll stay beautiful and stable as long as it has a high-quality finish.
Rust and decay aren’t a problem with aluminum pergolas. Their lightness makes them easy to build, so there’s not as much labor involved in the process as there would be with wood or steel pergolas. Even so, they’re equally versatile and customizable. Keep in mind that high winds could be a problem for some aluminum pergolas.
In terms of price, aluminum pergolas cost more than wood upfront. They’re still affordable, though. Due to their ease of installation, they cost less to install than those made of some other materials. Their longevity and lack of maintenance needs make them a cost-effective long-term investment as well.
Vinyl pergolas have also become popular choices for homeowners. Vinyl can withstand wind, extreme temperatures, moisture, and UV radiation. It won’t crack, warp, fade, or rot, and it’s not susceptible to pests. It doesn’t need a lot of upkeep, either. That means a vinyl pergola will look beautiful for decades.
Vinyl is more expensive than wood and aluminum, but its longevity and low maintenance requirements make up for the initial price. As is the case with aluminum and wood, vinyl pergolas come in several styles and sizes. Some mimic the look of wood, so they give you the best of both worlds.
Wood, aluminum, and vinyl pergolas in Canberra homes offer their own lists of benefits and disadvantages. Vinyl pergolas cost more upfront, but they’re resistant to pests and the weather. They’re also long-lasting.
Aluminum pergolas are sturdy, lightweight, and durable. They’re a mid-priced alternative to other materials, but they offer ample quality. Wood pergolas are classic choices. They’re the least expensive option initially, but ongoing maintenance drives up their price over the long term. That being said, people who prefer the look and feel of wood insist they’re well worth the extra cost and effort.
If you’re thinking of having a pergola installed, wood, aluminum, and vinyl are all great materials with numerous benefits to offer. Regardless of the material you choose, working with a professional pergola builder can help you make the most of those advantages. It’ll also ensure you’re able to enjoy your pergola for as long as possible.
Looking for a trusted pergola builder in Canberra? Our team of experts at Elevated Concepts are here to help! Give us a call or enquire online today and speak to us about your vision for your next pergola project.