We’ve launched our Summer Sale! A fantastic range of savings are available across our Outdoor Living range
10% off all veranda orders placed before 22nd August 2022
and 10% off the LED and Spotlights upgrade options
10% off all bioclimatic pergolas (with motorised roof and lighting) orders placed before 22nd August 2022
This article was published on April 27, 2022
If you’re looking to improve your garden with a new outdoor living space, or wanting to replace an old, outdated wooden pergola with something more modern and robust, recent developments in materials and construction techniques mean there’s a vast number of options available to you. However, this overwhelming choice can make it very confusing when trying to make a selection.
This article discusses why we believe aluminium is the best material for freestanding pergolas, to help you make an informed decision when choosing the ideal pergola for your garden.
With the ability to withstand high winds and heavy loads from snow, aluminium is the perfect match against the harshness and unpredictability of the British weather. Whilst vinyl pergolas are long lasting, their load bearing capability is lower than an aluminium counterpart so you will need to remove excess snow from the roof to prevent buckling.
Wooden pergolas can deteriorate quickly if not maintained properly (something which is later discussed). If left untreated, wooden pergolas can warp, or rot, meaning the integrity is compromised and a full replacement may be required.
Resilient, durable and sleek, the only maintenance an aluminium pergola requires is a rinse down with a hosepipe, and for more stubborn stains, a wipe down with warm soapy water and a cloth or sponge to keep it looking pristine; something which takes little time and costs a fraction compared with wooden or vinyl pergolas.
Whilst wooden pergolas may give your garden a ‘rustic’ feel, they require much more maintenance to ensure they are in good condition, such as sanding, staining or varnishing to protect it from the elements. Although more durable than wooden pergolas, vinyl has a tendency to stain and requires specialist cleaning products to remove them.
The ease of maintenance found with an aluminium pergola means you can spend your free time enjoying using your outside living space, rather than repairing or cleaning it.
Aluminium is extremely light in relation to its strength when compared to other metals used in construction, such as steel or iron. This strength to weight ratio makes aluminium the best material for freestanding pergola frames, with the additional benefit of making it much faster and easier to assemble onsite.
By choosing aluminium, the disruption to your home life during assembly is minimal because aluminium’s light weight means it requires a smaller team and less equipment to deliver, manoeuvre and construct your freestanding pergola in your garden. Here at ERW, we have an experienced team of installers who manage your install from start to finish, resulting in a quality finish and peace of mind that your pergola will last for years to come.
Wooden pergolas can be quite heavy- depending on the wood you have chosen- meaning installation may require a number of people to lift and secure the frame in place, if it is a DIY project, you may need to ask for help from family/friends to install.
Sustainability is becoming an important consideration for many people when making purchasing decisions, particularly the sourcing and life-cycle of materials.
Installing an aluminium frame is one of the most eco friendly choices you can make for your new pergola. Considered a sustainable material, aluminium is perhaps the most eco friendly of all the metals, mainly due to the fact it retains all of its original properties when recycled. This means it can be repurposed infinitely, without any effect on its quality.
Vinyl, a common pergola material, is by comparison notoriously difficult to recycle due to its chloride content, which is very challenging to handle and even toxic. This combined with its relatively short lifespan of only 10 years compared to aluminium, means vinyl is significantly less environmentally friendly.
There are a number of significant reasons why aluminium is the best material for freestanding pergolas including its durability, premium finish, ease of installation, sustainability and low maintenance requirements.
If you’re looking to explore your options for outdoor living, our showroom aluminium pergolas include furniture, so you can clearly envision how you may use each space.
To arrange a viewing or to speak to one of our team about any of our outdoor living spaces, please email sales@erwltd.co.uk or call 01642 456167
Adding a veranda or pergola to your garden is a sure way to maximise the use of your outdoor space, creating an entirely new living area for you and your family to enjoy all year round. All of our outdoor living ranges are made to measure and have optional upgrades (such as glass doors, spotlights […]
It’s a question we often get asked and can actually be a complex answer. If you look after your timber windows, they can last for up to, and sometimes more than, 60 years (which is nearly double the lifespan of uPVC windows). However, if not properly cared for, this lifespan will be reduced. This article […]
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Whilst not the cheapest quote, the presentation and professional approach persuaded me to use ERW. Standard of work and communication to let us know when the works will be conducted were excellent. Stain glass windows are perfect match and look excellent.
Mrs W, Jesmond
My wife and I are delighted with the work you carried out on the windows. You completed the work most efficiently, to our agreed time scale. Your dealings with us from initial enquiry to completion, were first class. I would most certainly have no hesitation in recommending your firm to others, and will be in touch in late spring to initiate further work – on our upstairs front windows.
Mr C, Middlesbrough
Thank you so much for the windows and front door. They have exceeded my expectations! I was very happy with the two fitters that came, they were very professional, polite and left our house immaculate. I would definitely recommend your firm to a friend and family.
Mr & Mrs M, Eston, Middlesbrough
Workmen cleaned up any mess as they went along and left no mess what so ever at the end. They were diligent and I would certainly recommend this company and I intend on using ERW again.
Mr & Mrs H, Newcastle Upon Tyne
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