Which pergola materials are most durable and long-lasting?

If you're at the planning stages of a pergola project, you should carefully consider the best material. You want your structure to be built out of something that lasts... but what exactly is that 'something'?

In this guide we'll run through the most common pergola material options, to help you identify the perfect choice for your situation.

The different types of pergola material

In New Zealand most pergolas are made out of one of the following four materials: timber, aluminium, vinyl or steel. There are other options, like fibreglass and PVC, but they tend to be far less popular.

Let's take a look at these four main materials to understand how they differ from each other.

Wooden pergola

Historically wooden pergolas or timber pergolas have been the most popular option in New Zealand, although this has started to change in recent decades.

A wood pergola can be made out of a range of different timber types, including treated pine, jarrah, teak, redwood and western red cedar. Wood brings a natural, rustic feel to your outdoor area, particularly when the timber is treated rather than painted.

Speaking of treating, a wooden pergola will require regular maintenance. In fact, it's the highest maintenance material option on this list. If you don't care for it well, it could begin to rot, particularly if you live in a humid or moist climate, in an area that experiences extreme temperatures, or where your timber pergola will be hit with high intensity UV rays. 

Aluminium pergola

Aluminium represents the most modern, functional and stylish material for your pergola.

Lightweight yet strong, aluminium is easy to transport and install, and lasts for a lifetime. It looks beautiful and offers greater levels of functionality, like a Johnson & Couzins louvred pergola that can be retracted to open up your outdoor space, or closed for privacy and protection.

Aluminium won't rot or rust, and demands minimal maintenance - simply wipe it or spray it if it gets dirty.

Vinyl pergola

Vinyl pergolas aren't exclusively vinyl - they instead feature a frame made of timber or metal wrapped in vinyl cladding.

The vinyl cladding serves two purposes:

• It protects the material beneath, stopping timber from rotting and metal from rusting.
• It makes the pergola easy to clean - simply wipe it down.

Steel pergola

In terms of strength and longevity, steel is the most durable material that a pergola or outdoor structure can be made of. Steel can be prone to rust however, so it's important to either choose stainless steel or to ensure that the metal is protected with powder coating or paint.

The weight of steel can make construction tricky, so many homeowners will face higher installation costs if they choose this option, particularly if backyard access is tricky.

What is the best pergola material for durability and longevity?

Wood vs aluminium vs vinyl vs steel: which pergola type will last the longest? Here's how the different materials compare to each other in terms of durability and longevity, from most durable to least.

1. Steel: Steel is the strongest pergola material, and can be expected to last the longest, provided it has protection against rust, whether in the form of stainless steel, paint or a powder coating. It is dense and heavy however, so it can be a slightly tricky building material to work with.
2. Aluminium: Almost as strong as steel, and far lighter, aluminium has fast become the go-to pergola material for Kiwis looking for the perfect mix of longevity, durability, beauty and functionality. At Johnson & Couzins our all-aluminium SkyLouvre Systems are quick to install, low maintenance, designed to last, and look absolutely stunning.
3. Vinyl: While the cladding of a vinyl pergola will protect the timber or metal frame beneath, the vinyl will eventually succumb to the elements, fading or degrading if exposed to extreme temperatures or intense UV rays.
4. Timber: Wood pergolas can last a long time, but extending the life of the structure will require a lot of work. You'll need to treat the wood regularly to guard against rot and insects, and you'll need to keep an eye out for cracking and warping, which can develop over time from fluctuations in temperature and moisture.

Other important pergola material considerations 

Beyond durability and longevity, a few other factors that you should consider when choosing a material for a pergola include:

Budget

How much are you willing to spend on your pergola? It's important to think of your outdoor area not as a cost, but as an investment in your property and lifestyle. Aluminium is expensive compared to other materials, but it is stronger, more beautiful and more functional than other options, so it can deliver a better return by enhancing your property value and lifestyle.

Functionality

Modern louvred pergolas, like our SkyLouvre System, give you ultimate control over your outdoor area. Made of aluminium, you can open up the floor and ceiling when the sun shines and close it when the rain comes in. Other materials just don't offer this level of functionality.

Aesthetics

Some homeowners like the organic look and feel of timber. Others prefer the clean, minimalist and customisable look of an aluminium pergola. There's no right or wrong answer to the question of aesthetics - it's just about choosing the best pergola for your personal tastes.

Maintenance

Quality steel, aluminium and vinyl pergolas are more or less maintenance-free - you just need to wipe or spray them down to clean them. You'll need to be prepared for far higher levels of maintenance if you choose a wooden pergola though.

Climate

If you live in an area of weather extremes - big temperature swings, intense UV or high levels of rain and humidity - timber and vinyl pergolas may not be ideal. Steel and aluminium pergolas are far better at handling these extremes.

Johnson & Couzins: NZ’s ultimate pergolas

If you're looking for a pergola material that does it all - that's built to last, easy to install, offers incredible functionality and looks stunning - aluminium is the obvious choice. That's why we exclusively use high quality aluminium in Johnson & Couzins pergolas.

Our SkyLouvre System grants you unmatched levels of control over your outdoor space, while adding serious style and value to your home. Open up your outdoor living space on good days, and close it up as night falls, or if the weather turns wet or chilly.

Johnson & Couzins pergolas represent the pinnacle of quality, style and functionality, and are designed to elevate the properties they are added to.

Interested in enhancing your home with a retractable pergola? Get in touch with our friendly team today.

FAQs

What is the most cost-effective pergola material in New Zealand?

Timber is generally the cheapest pergola material in New Zealand, but when you factor in the maintenance that you'll need to take care of (both in terms of time and materials) and the fact that wood pergolas don't usually last as long as other types, this 'cost-effective' option can turn out to be more expensive in the long run.  

How do weather conditions affect pergola material choice?

Some materials, particularly timber, are more susceptible to weather than others. Wood pergolas can be affected by temperature fluctuations, UV radiation and moisture. Vinyl pergolas can fade over time if exposed to the sun. High quality aluminium and steel pergolas are largely unaffected by weather conditions.

What are the maintenance requirements for different pergola materials?

Timber pergolas require regular maintenance. You should apply bleach to the timber at humid times of year, you should oil the wood regularly, and you should repaint or restain the frame every five years to ensure the wood is properly protected.

Vinyl, steel and aluminium pergolas, meanwhile, require little to no maintenance.