An outdoor pergola is the perfect way to transform your backyard into an outdoor oasis. And while you can’t go wrong with a wood pergola, metal has become a strong and durable alternative.

Metal pergolas provide an elegant and stylish complement to any property, particularly those with a modern aesthetic. And when properly treated by the manufacturer, metal pergolas should last for decades, making them excellent value for money.

Most homeowners looking to purchase a metal pergola decide on either aluminum or galvanized steel. While both materials are pleasing to the eye, their different properties have a huge impact on the durability and longevity of your pergola. To ensure you can enjoy yours for as long as possible, here are some of the key differences between an aluminum and steel pergola.

Strength and Stability

Some people favor aluminum pergolas for their lower price and lighter weight. Unfortunately, these qualities come at the cost of strength and stability, which in turn makes aluminum pergolas less resistant to heavy wind. 

Galvanized steel, on the other hand, is a much stronger material. This gives your pergola significantly higher weatherproofing and allows you to leave it up all year round in any climate. 

To give your pergola the longest possible lifespan, we test and certify our products against wind and rain damage to bring you the ultimate in stability and durability. Our PRO-TECT™ Tested and Proven provides peace of mind that your pergola can withstand winds up to 100 mph when properly anchored. 

Rust and Corrosion

Those who favor aluminum pergolas often claim that aluminum doesn’t rust, whereas steel does. That’s not exactly true.

The galvanized steel we use is coated with a thin layer of zinc that stops water and oxygen from reaching the underlying metal. That makes it extremely resistant to rust and corrosion. On top of that, Backyard Discovery steel pergolas are powder-coated to provide additional protection and extend their maximum lifespan.

Maintenance

In general, neither aluminum nor steel pergolas require much maintenance, making them very easy to care for. All you need to do is wash the frame on a regular basis to remove debris. Backyard Discovery pergolas take this a step further.

We’ve designed our galvanized steel pergolas to be completely maintenance-free. That means you don’t need to re-stain or reseal them at any point, no matter where, when, or how often you use it. And as well as offering superior rust resistance, our powder coating prevents chipping, scratching, and UV harm for total protection and convenience.

Transform Your Outdoor Space With A Metal Pergola Today

At Backyard Discovery, you'll find steel pergolas for your patio, poolside cabana, fire pit, or outdoor kitchen. It's a gorgeous way to extend living spaces to the outdoors and entertain family and friends in premium comfort. They come in ready-to-assemble pergola kits with many sizes, plus exclusive features such as the PowerPort™, a transferrable way to plug in outdoor electronics and charge mobile devices.

Backyard Discovery also has a variety of metal pergola colors. If you’re looking for black metal, try our Stratford, a perfect traditional option, or Trenton for a more modern look. Or maybe a white color is your vibe. We have Hawthorne (traditional) and Windham (modern) options for you. Sizes range from 12’ x 10’ to 16’ x 12’.

Perhaps you want the intimacy and privacy of a cabana pergola. These unique pergolas have two walls and are designed for smaller spaces. In addition to a private space, the walls help provide additional shade on those sunny days. Backyard Discovery has a variety of metal cabana pergola options as well, some of which even come with built-in seating.

Discover the possibilities of a finely crafted metal pergola from backyard Discovery!