Aluminum vs. Wood and Vinyl
Patio covers can be made of several different materials. The 3 most popular ones are aluminum, wood and vinyl. They all have their pros and cons.
Aluminum Patio Cover
Pros
- Aluminum is very easy to install.
- Aluminum patio covers require little maintenance and are very easy to take care of. Just some water and a sponge are all this is needed to keep them clean.
- Aluminum is not susceptible to the environment. It can handle lots of sun, rain and almost anything else nature can throw at it. This also means that there aren’t many location restrictions.
- Aluminum is usually the most affordable material used in patio covers.
- Aluminum is lightweight, yet durable.
- Aluminum patio covers tend to outlast patio covers made from other materials.
- Aluminum is not vulnerable to termites, mold, wood rot or rust.
- Aluminum can come in a variety of styles and colors to meet your individual tastes.
- Aluminum is ecologically sound. It’s made with recycled material and when it’s lived its life, can be recycled once again.
Cons
- Aluminum patio covers tend to be less aesthetically pleasing than wooden patio covers.
Wood Patio Cover
Pros
- Wood is a beautiful and strong material that will give your patio a more naturalistic feel.
- If your patio is made of wood, a wooden cover could provide a more a look that is more aesthetic.
- Wood is stronger than aluminum and will allow you to hang potted plants, fans, lighting, bird feeders and other medium-weight items.
- The original cost of wood is usually significantly cheaper than aluminum.
- Wood is made from natural materials, so it’s environmentally friendly.
Cons
- Wood requires regular care and maintenance that can be time-consuming and another expense. It will need to be regularly stained and sealed, which can be difficult to accomplish in hard-to-reach areas of the cover.
- Wood is much more vulnerable to the elements than aluminum. It can become bleached and cracked in the sun or develop mold or wood rot if the environment is too wet. Wood is susceptible to termite damage.
- Wood can be expensive upfront costly to maintain. Replacing wood panels that have rotted or become infested by insects can be quite costly.
Vinyl Patio Cover
Pros
- Vinyl requires little maintenance. It can be easily cleaned with soap and water. It doesn’t need to be sanded, painted or stained.
- Good vinyl will not rot or peel.
- Vinyl is not susceptible to pests.
- Vinyl is sturdier than wood, but not as much as aluminum.
Cons
- Vinyl does not present a very attractive look.
- Colors are limited and painting is usually not an option.
- Vinyl (also known as polyvinyl chloride, PVC, and plastic #3) has limited recyclability. Although advancements have been made in using recycled products to make it, it is still not 100% eco-friendly. It can be melted down and repurposed, but it is not always accepted by municipal recycling programs.
- Vinyl is susceptible to fading and discoloration from the sun’s UV rays.
RainTight Chooses Aluminum
RainTight only uses aluminum in our patio covers. We believe it is far superior to wood and vinyl in many ways. It’s affordable, durable, lightweight, long-lasting and practically maintenance-free. We know you’ll be pleased with an aluminum patio cover that will last for decades.