Aluminum has become more prevalent in pergola constructions due to its modern design and its excellent durability.
Therefore, an aluminum pergola is an excellent choice to extend your backyard and add more value to the house.
Aluminum pergolas are commonly built in small gardens and spaces with a unique four-post design.
Besides its beauty and appearance, the durability and lifespan of pergolas should always be prioritized.
There’s little to doubt about the sturdiness of aluminum pergolas, but how have you ever wondered: How much weight can an aluminum pergola hold?
I will discuss everything about aluminum pergolas to give you a detailed answer.
Table of Contents
How Much Weight Can An Aluminum Pergola Hold?
An aluminum pergola can hold an average weight of 300 pounds or more, depending on the construction size and design.
Therefore, a pergola with more supports and a larger dimension can hold more weight and vice versa.
Suppose you construct a small 3×3 meters aluminum pergola in your backyard with 4 supporting posts.
In this case, the pergola can hold up to 300 pounds or more without counting the weight of its rafters.
It Depends On The Dimension And Design Of Your Pergola
Not all pergolas have the same weight capacity. Pergolas with larger dimensions and sizes can hold more weight than smaller ones.
A small aluminum pergola with 3×3 or 4×4 meters dimension can hold up to hundreds of pounds.
However, the beam size and rafters’ weight must correlate with your pergola dimension and supporting structure.
If you want to construct a large beam, building a bigger pergola with more aluminum posts is advisable.
It also depends on the support structure and the build quality of your construction. Aluminum pergolas commonly consist of four posts for a simple and aesthetic design.
If you want to build a big pergola with a heavy beam, adding more supporting posts will add more support to the construction and bring more peace of mind.
Also, ensure that you choose really high-quality aluminum for your pergola.
Which Type Of Pergola Are You Talking About?
If you build a free-standing aluminum pergola in your backyard, then weight capacity should not be a major problem.
Most aluminum pergolas are very sturdy and can hold heavy rafters that weigh up to hundreds of pounds.
Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the pergola wearing down in the long run as long as it is properly constructed and follows all safety precautions.
Yet, the weight capacity must be ensured when building an attached pergola.
If the pergola is an extended part from the second floor, there’s a minor chance it might wear down from gravity and weight in the long run.
So, think about what you’re going to put on the pergola and its main purpose.
For example, you may want to place a TV, a sofa, and many other pieces of furniture to turn your pergola into an entertaining spot.
In this case, you need to build a larger pergola with more support to ensure its sturdiness in the long run.
You should consult professional builders about your plan and determine a perfect design that suits your needs.
How Much Does An Aluminum Pergola Cost?
The price for building pergolas is counted based on each square foot.
For example, a fiberglass pergola costs around $60 per square foot, while the number for an aluminum pergola range between $30 and $50.
The material solely isn’t enough to determine the total price of a pergola. It also depends on the design and construction costs. The low-end range is around $1000 in total, while the premium pergola can go up to $11000.
With around $20 to $30 per square foot, you can multiply that number by the total dimension of your pergola to calculate the total price. Don’t forget to add the design and construction costs for your pergola.
For standard housing constructions, you can get a professionally built and high-quality pergola for around $44 per square foot (around $2000 to $2200). However, the price also varies for different construction companies.
The material’s cost and construction price will decrease in early winter or late fall, making it the ideal time to start building your pergola.
Also, preparing a detailed plan and consulting the professionals will help you avoid unnecessary costs.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of An Aluminum Pergola?
Aluminum pergolas possess a sleek and modern appearance, plus many beneficial features that make up an excellent outdoor construction. The sections below will show you the core qualities and setbacks of aluminum pergolas.
Advantages
Besides its excellent sturdiness and durability, aluminum is lighter than wood.
Its lightweight also makes your pergola construction more cost-effective and time-saving.
Aluminum is very accessible with multiple providers. You can easily customize its shape and size to suit your desired pergola design.
There are currently 22 colors and finishes available for aluminum pergolas.
However, the thing I love most about aluminum lies in its long lifespan and unrustable surface.
Most aluminum pergolas don’t require any maintenance and protection to cope with the harsh environmental elements.
Unlike wooden materials, aluminum is immune to moisture, insects, sunlight, and even fire.
Suppose you live in coastal areas with high humidity or harsh year-round temperatures. In that case, an aluminum pergola is a perfect choice.
This maintenance-free characteristic will help you save tremendous time and money every year.
Combined with their timeless beauty and modern characteristics, aluminum pergolas are a real bargain.
Disadvantages
The most significant setback of aluminum pergolas, surprisingly, lies in their modern and sleek appearance.
For rustic houses with natural and vintage beauty, an aluminum pergola is not the best match.
Imagine putting a lot of wooden furniture under an aluminum pergola. It won’t make a harmonious and aesthetic look for your house.
FAQs
Are Aluminum Pergolas Sturdy?
The sturdiness of aluminum pergolas is not inferior to natural hardwood constructions.
Their metal frames can last for a lifetime without wearing down and don’t need regular maintenance like wooden pergolas.
Can You Hang A Hammock From An Aluminum Pergola?
Yes, you can hang a hammock in an aluminum pergola to enjoy the fresh air and natural landscape during the warm summer months.
It will bring you moments of relaxation and calmness after busy days at work.
Can You Hang A Swing From The Aluminum Pergola?
Similar to the hammock, the swing is an excellent addition to any pergola that gives you more relaxation and happiness.
The aluminum pergolas frames are sturdy enough to hold your body weight.
How Long Does An Aluminum Pergola Last?
Aluminum pergola has a significantly longer lifespan than wooden constructions.
If you leave it bearing the environmental factors, the pergola can last for 15 or 20 years. If you take proper maintenance, an aluminum pergola can last a lifetime.
Is Aluminum Pergola Cheaper Than Wood?
Although an aluminum pergola has a higher construction cost than wooden ones, it doesn’t require regular maintenance and staining.
In addition, it is a more affordable substitution for premium natural hardwoods.
In the long run, an aluminum pergola helps you cut down on maintenance and repair costs and end up being a more economical option.
Final Thoughts
In summary, a standard 3×3 meter aluminum pergola can hold up to 300 pounds in weight or more.
The weight capacity depends on the dimension, build quality, and sturdiness of the aluminum material you choose.
An aluminum pergola is sturdy and won’t wear down in the long run. However, you must choose high-quality aluminum from reputable providers and follow safety precautions when building your pergola.
If you want to build a large pergola to throw parties and entertaining activities, adding more supporting posts and elements is advisable.
I hope this answer can help you build a beautiful and sturdy aluminum pergola.
Thank you for reading!