Patio covers are a must-have during the summer months to provide shade as you spend longer days outdoors. However, in Southern California, they’re also a backyard benefit year-round.
The good news is there’s a patio cover for every porch, big or small, covered or uncovered, so how to decide which building material is right for you?
Here’s a look at some of the differences between the two most popular options, aluminum and wood, to help you decide.
Aluminum Patio Covers Help Homeowners Stay HOA-Friendly
Aluminum patio covers offer low-maintenance convenience. They won’t rot or decompose. Simply decide on your dimensions and style and J&W Lumber can put together an entire patio cover kit for you to take home and get started with your DIY project.
Durualum has three versions: lattice, solid ceiling, and a solid ceiling with a fan insert that’s available in three neutral tones (white, black, and brown). The white patio cover option is the most popular and HOA-friendly with availability in standard 10×10 or 10×20 sizes.
For homeowners that require a standardized patio cover to meet HOA restrictions or to simplify the build process of adding shade to an outdoor area, the aluminum patio cover is an ideal fit.
Wood Patio Covers Equal Optimal Customization
Alternatively, for those that want a completely customizable option, patio covers in a wood species is the optimal choice.
Essentially, you can create whatever design you want, from a solid roof structure to a lattice cover with a variety of lumbers to choose from as well, including Douglas Fir, Redwood, and Western Red Cedar.
With wood as your chosen outdoor building material, you get warmth, variation, and the opportunity to further customize the end cuts so it aligns with your home’s aesthetic. Many homeowners like to create a visually appealing, streamlined look by using the same lumber for all outdoor structures.
For instance, if you already have redwood decking and redwood railing, it makes sense to keep the same type of lumber when building a patio cover.
What’s Better: An Attached or Freestanding Patio Cover?
Attaching a patio cover to the house is typically less expensive since fewer building materials are required. However, your city may require a permit to build, which may add to the cost.
In addition to cost-effectiveness, you’ll also want to consider the size of your backyard and how much shade and airflow you’d prefer.
An attached patio cover instantly extends the usable space of your home, while a freestanding pergola may help break up a larger outdoor space and provide a separate entertainment area.
Do I Need to Paint or Stain My Patio Cover?
Aluminum patio covers do not need to be painted or stained. However, wood patio covers require an oil-based wood stain to preserve the structure from the inside out, protecting against pests, rot, and UV damage.
However, some homeowners prefer to paint their wood patio covers or allow them to patina as it ages for a rustic look.
Which Is the Most Cost-Effective Patio Cover Option?
When comparing wood and aluminum patio covers, the latter is more cost-effective. However, aluminium is available in different levels of thickness, which will alter the expense.
And, though a customized wood patio cover is a higher cost, it adds to the beauty and long-term investment of your home. It all depends on your personal taste, budget, and ongoing maintenance goals.
Stop by your local J&W lumber store and check out all our patio cover options today. Our friendly representatives are happy to point you in the right direction.