Pergolas are fast becoming the must-have feature for UK gardens, turning patios and lawns into outdoor rooms you can use even when it rains. But before you picture lazy lunches under dappled shade or late-night cocktails next to a firepit under a sleek modern setup, there’s one decision that can’t be dodged: an aluminium vs a wood pergola. Wood has a warmth and natural charm that makes it a natural fit in traditional gardens when paired with climbing plants. Aluminium has risen in popularity for very different reasons. Its clean lines fit seamlessly into contemporary spaces, and its resilience means it handles whatever the weather throws at it with ease.
We’re putting these pergolas head-to-head. Read on to see how these different pergola types compare when it comes to style, maintenance and cost, and why Harbour’s aluminium designs are counted among the highest rated pergolas for year-round living.
Are aluminium pergolas worth it? Features and benefits
Aluminium pergolas have become a go-to choice for homeowners who want a modern and low-maintenance choice that looks good and lasts. Here’s what sets them apart.
Sleek and contemporary appearance
PergoSTET Deluxe 3m x 6m Rectangular Pergola with Motorised LED Louvres, Louvred Side Panels and Manual Side Blinds in Grey – £10,100.00
Clean lines and minimalist detailing give aluminium pergolas a refined, modern finish that works just as well on a compact city terrace as it does in a landscaped country garden.
Weather resistance and durability
PergoSTET Plus 3m x 4m Rectangular Pergola with 3 Manual Side Blinds and LED Lighting in Latte – £3,999.00
The British climate is famously unpredictable, yet aluminium holds steady. It doesn’t warp in heavy rain or split under sudden changes in temperature. Paired with louvred or retractable roofs and side panels that drop at the touch of a button, aluminium pergolas effortlessly adapt to whatever the forecast brings.
Minimal maintenance needs
PergoSTET Deluxe 3m x 6m Rectangular Pergola with Motorised LED Louvres and 4 Manual Side Blinds in Grey – £8,100.00
Sanding, staining and sealing are all part of owning wood, but aluminium keeps things much simpler. A quick wipe-down or rinse is usually all it takes to maintain a flawless finish, which means more time enjoying the garden and less time on chores.
Long-lasting and rust-resistant
PergoSTET Lite Neo 3m x 4m Metal Rectangular Pergola in Grey – £1,549.00
Unlike steel or untreated wood, aluminium naturally resists rust and corrosion. Powder-coated finishes add another layer of protection, keeping the structure strong and the surface looking sharp for years to come. With the right design, an aluminium pergola can be the ultimate long-term investment.
Lightweight and easy to install
Despite being strong, aluminium is actually lighter than many alternatives. Its reduced weight makes installation smoother and often less disruptive, opening up more options when choosing the perfect spot in the garden, whether you’re building on a patio, deck or lawn.
The benefits of wooden pergolas
Wood has long been a favourite choice for pergolas, thanks to its natural warmth and character. An undisputed classic, it adds a sense of tradition to gardens and plenty of scope for creative design to boot. For those who love a rustic aesthetic or want a structure that blends seamlessly with plants and your natural surroundings, wood is hard to beat.
Timeless, natural charm for rustic gardens
PergoSTET Plus 3m x 3m Square Pergola with 3 Manual Side Blinds and LED Lighting in Wood Effect – £3,799.00
Few materials sit as comfortably in a country garden as wood. Its organic look softens the edges of a patio and pairs beautifully with just about anything, including stone, brick and established greenery. Over time, the material weathers away to add even more character, making it feel like a natural part of the landscape rather than a new addition.
Can support climbing plants and shade
PergoSTET Plus 3m x 4m Rectangular Pergola with 3 Manual Side Blinds and LED Lighting in Wood Effect – £4,299.00
Wooden frames provide the strength and texture that climbing plants need to thrive. Wisteria, roses and ivy all find natural support on wooden beams, eventually creating a leafy canopy of shade overhead. The result is a pergola that feels alive and changes with the seasons, offering cool cover in summer and a bare sculptural outline in winter.
Fully customisable design options
PergoSTET Plus 4m x 4m Square Pergola with 3 Manual Side Blinds and LED Lighting in Wood Effect – £5,549.00
Wood offers unmatched flexibility in terms of size, shape and finish. Pergolas can be stained, painted, or carved to suit individual tastes, from classic cottage styles to more contemporary city designs. For homeowners who want a pergola that feels truly personal, wood allows a level of customisation that aluminium can’t easily replicate.
Aluminium vs wooden pergolas: side-by-side comparison
|
Feature |
Aluminium pergola |
Wooden pergola |
|
Aesthetic |
Sleek, contemporary style that suits modern patios and coastal gardens. Stays looking new with minimal effort. |
Warm and rustic, it naturally blends into traditional gardens and ages gracefully. |
|
Customisation |
Customisation options include a small range of colours, roof types and add-ons such as lighting or heaters. The design is usually set by the manufacturer, making customisation more limited. |
Highly customisable and can be painted, stained, carved, or resized. It’s easier to adapt to one-off, bespoke projects. |
|
Durability/weather resistance |
Built for the UK climate. Aluminium resists rot or rust, even in coastal areas with salt exposure when protected and maintained with a high-performance, powder-coated. |
Needs regular treatment to withstand rain, frost and insects. Untreated wood can rot within a few years in damp UK conditions. |
|
Maintenance |
Very low – a quick wash a few times a year is enough. |
High – requires sanding, sealing or staining every 1–3 years. Repairs may be needed if the wood splits or decays. |
|
Weight |
Relatively light, making it easier to handle and install. Works well on patios, decking or lawns with solid footings. |
Heavy material that needs strong foundations. It can be harder to position or move once installed. |
|
Cost (initial vs lifespan) |
Higher upfront cost, ranging from £1,250–£8,000+, but with minimal running costs. |
Lower starting price from £500–£1,000 for basic kits, but high maintenance adds up over the years. |
|
Lifespan |
20–30 years or more with very little upkeep. Powder-coated finishes extend their longevity. |
Around 10–15 years with consistent care. Without treatment, life expectancy may drop below 10 years in wet climates. |
|
Best for |
Coastal or urban gardens, modern builds, or anyone wanting a low-maintenance, long-term investment. |
Cottage gardens, rustic outdoor spaces, or designs that rely on climbing plants and custom detailing. |
Aluminium pergolas tick a lot of boxes for modern living. They look beautiful with very little effort, stand strong against the British weather and suit just about everything from sleek city patios to breezy coastal plots.
Wooden pergolas, on the other hand, win when it comes to natural charm factor . If you’re more into a look that’s soft and organic, a wooden pergola exudes warmth, character and the chance to create something truly bespoke. But you’ll need to put in more time to keep them at their best.
If you’re after long-term value and a structure that can handle sun, wind and showers without fuss, aluminium is the natural fit. For those who want something more traditional and don’t mind a little weekend maintenance, wood still has plenty to offer. The choice really comes down to how you picture using your garden, and how much effort you want to put into looking after it.
Which pergola is better for your lifestyle and garden: aluminium or wood?
Your garden says a lot about how you like to live, and the pergola you choose should do the same. In the city, many homeowners look for a pergola that feels smart and low-fuss. Rustic spaces often lean towards wood, where a little care pays off with plenty of character as the seasons change. By the coast or in family gardens, the priority may be strength against the elements or simply a welcoming place for summer gatherings, and the right material should reflect that.
Here are a few homeowner profiles to help you see which pergola might be the better fit.
The low-fuss city gardener
PergoSTET Plus 3m x 4m Rectangular Wall Mounted Pergola with 3 Manual Side Blinds and LED Lighting in Grey – £3,799.00
For urban dwellers, space is precious and weekends are busy, so a pergola that looks stylish without demanding maintenance is the obvious choice. Aluminium works perfectly here, providing a sleek structure that complements modern patios and garden furniture alongside year-round weather resilience.
One Harbour customer described it best: “It is there, ready to go! Whatever the need, you can configure the roof and sides to suit sun, breeze, and temperature in seconds. For short breaths of fresh air or prolonged use, the pergola is there for instant outdoor comfort and enjoyment.”
The countryside DIYer
PergoSTET Plus 4m x 4m Square Pergola with 3 Manual Side Blinds and LED Lighting in Wood Effect – £5,549.00
Rustic gardens thrive on character and personality, and wood feels right at home among stone walls, hedgerows and climbing plants. Paint or stain the frames and pair with charming rattan or elegant wooden furniture to create a pergola that feels unique. For hands-on gardeners who enjoy weekend projects, wood brings the flexibility to refresh the look every few years and the charm of unrepeatable natural weathering as the structure ages.
The coastal entertainer
PergoSTET Deluxe 3m x 4m Rectangular Pergola with Motorised LED Louvres and 3 Manual Side Blinds in Grey – £5,150.00
Salt air and high winds are all part and parcel of seaside living. Powder-coated aluminium is the stronger contender in these harsher conditions. Its resistance to corrosion makes it a smart long-term investment, and louvred roofs mean the space is just as usable during a hot afternoon as it is during a breezy evening.
Final thoughts: Should you choose aluminium or wood for your pergola?
Choosing between aluminium and wood is really about the kind of life you want to enjoy outdoors. Wood has a natural beauty that never goes out of style, especially when it weathers and blends into a rustic garden. Aluminium, on the other hand, is the more modern fit for contemporary settings and provides the kind of peace of mind that comes with knowing it can handle the rain, the frost and even the odd heatwave without fuss. For many homeowners, aluminium ends up being the winner, lasting longer, demanding less attention and looking just as smart years down the line as it did on day one. Wood still has its place for those who love a more traditional feel, but when it comes to aluminium vs wood pergola decisions, aluminium is often the better long-term investment.
At Harbour Lifestyle, our aluminium pergolas are designed with powder-coated finishes, clever roof systems and strong frames, so you can enjoy your space through every season without the constant upkeep. Discover our pergola collection and see how the right structure can transform your garden. For more ideas and inspiration, take a look at our outdoor living blog.
FAQs
Which is better for a UK garden, an aluminium or a wooden pergola?
Aluminium is the stronger long-term choice thanks to low maintenance and all-weather durability. Wood wins for natural charm and custom design, but needs regular care.
Which pergola lasts longer outdoors?
A powder-coated aluminium pergola can last 20–30 years with minimal upkeep. Treated hardwood pergolas may reach 10–15 years, but untreated wood weathers much faster.
Which pergola needs less maintenance?
Aluminium only needs an occasional wash to stay clean and rust-free. Wood requires sanding, sealing or staining every 1–3 years to prevent rot and splitting.
Can a wooden pergola handle UK rain and frost?
Yes, if built from hardwood and sealed regularly. Without treatment, moisture can cause rot and reduce lifespan, especially in damp or coastal regions.
Which pergola is better for coastal gardens?
Aluminium is best for coastal settings. Powder-coated frames resist salt corrosion and strong winds, while wood demands heavy treatment and more frequent checks.
Which offers more design flexibility?
Wood allows custom sizes, stains, paint colours and carved details. Aluminium provides a sleeker look but is typically limited to manufacturer colourways and add-ons.
Which material gives better long-term value?
Aluminium costs more upfront but saves on maintenance, making it the better lifetime investment. Wood may be cheaper to buy, but ongoing treatments raise total costs.
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