Pergolas: the ultimate garden glow-up, until you're faced with the classic question, wood or aluminium?
Short answer? Aluminium wins for UK weather, durability, and easy upkeep. But if you’re after classic charm and character, wood still has its place. Curious how they compare when it comes to cost, care, and long-term value? Let’s break it down so you can confidently choose the perfect pergola for your garden.
Before diving deeper, here’s a quick snapshot of what you’re dealing with:
| Feature | Wooden Pergola | Aluminium Pergola |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetics | Warm, rustic, natural charm | Sleek, modern, low-profile elegance |
| Cost | £1,500–£5,000 + regular upkeep | £2,500–£7,000 upfront, little upkeep |
| Maintenance | Needs sealing, staining, and occasional TLC | Minimal – just clean and check |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years with proper care | 20–30 years with minimal attention |
Think of wood as the romantic and aluminium as the reliable partner, both have strengths, but the one you choose depends on your lifestyle and taste.
There’s something magical about a wooden pergola draped in vines. It doesn’t just sit in your garden, it becomes a part of it.
Wood has that lived-in, earthy feel that blends beautifully with everything from traditional English gardens to modern rustic patios.
Think of it as the pergola equivalent of a country cottage, inviting, full of personality, and never out of style.
If you love a bit of weekend DIY, wood’s your best mate.
You can paint it to match your garden furniture, stain it to highlight the grain, or even carve in decorative accents if you’re feeling creative.
Want to change your garden theme next year? A coat of paint and voilà, you’ve got a brand new vibe.
Here’s where wood shows its needy side.
Expect to spend a few hours each year sanding, sealing, and staining—especially if you want it to last and look good doing it.
Skip a year, and you’ll likely notice the wear: fading colour, splinters, and weather damage.
Let’s be real: British weather isn’t kind to timber.
Rain, frost, and damp soil can lead to rot. Bugs can chew their way in. And over time, even the sturdiest wood can twist or warp.
If your garden is exposed or you’re not keen on regular upkeep, this could be a deal-breaker.
If your idea of garden care is sipping a cuppa while watching the birds, not sanding beams in April, aluminium is a dream.
No staining. No sealing. No splinters.
Just give it a quick wash with mild soap every few months and enjoy your pergola looking nearly as good as new.
Aluminium laughs in the face of rain.
It doesn’t absorb moisture, so there’s no rot or mould to worry about. Pests? Not interested. Rust? Rare, especially with powder-coated models designed to handle the British climate.
If you want something that holds up all year round with minimal fuss, this is it.
Now, let’s be honest, aluminium doesn’t give you that natural, organic vibe.
Some homeowners find it a little too clean, a bit too polished. If you’re aiming for rustic charm or vintage appeal, it might fall short.
But if you love modern, clean lines? You’ll feel right at home.
Unlike wood, which you can stain in fifty shades of oak, aluminium pergolas offer fewer finishes.
Most come in blacks, greys, or whites. Powder coating adds some flair, but if you want to match a quirky garden theme, options are limited.
If your garden's all about charm, curves, and a bit of English whimsy, a wooden pergola is a perfect fit.
It looks great with flowerbeds, cobbled paths, and climbing roses. It blends into nature, rather than standing apart.
You can almost picture it in a Jane Austen novel, with tea and scones beneath the beams.
Don’t want to deal with annual upkeep? Aluminium’s your hero.
It’s for the homeowner who says, “I want it to look good, and stay that way without fuss.”
If your garden is exposed to the elements or you travel often, this option offers peace of mind.
When it comes to aluminium pergola vs wood cost, the upfront price for aluminium is usually higher.
But factor in the cost of yearly maintenance, wood treatments, repairs, and time, and aluminium often pulls ahead over 10–15 years.
Think of it as a smart, long-term investment with fewer surprises down the road.
Is wood or vinyl pergola better for the planet? That depends on how it’s sourced and made.
Sustainably harvested timber from FSC-certified forests is a solid eco-friendly choice, especially when reused or composted at the end of its life.
Aluminium takes more energy to produce, but it’s highly recyclable and lasts decades, reducing waste in the long run.
If going green is on your radar, look into recycled aluminium or responsibly sourced wood.
Trying to choose between a pergola and a gazebo feels a bit like picking between a convertible and an SUV. Short answer: Pergolas have open roofs, gazebos are fully covered. One's breezy and open; the other is your all-weather shelter. Keep...
Thinking of giving your garden a glow-up? Pergolas might just be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed, or the project you’ll either love or curse come winter. Short answer: Pergolas bring style, shade, and added home value, but they...
Dreaming of a garden glow-up? Pergolas can cost anywhere from £500 to £5,000 in the UK, depending on size, material, and whether you're going DIY or hiring a pro. Want the best bang for your buck without getting stuck in...
