The aesthetics of a wooden pergola are undeniable. But in the Canarian climate, with intense sun, humidity, and salt spray, is it still a good option? We analyze the pros and cons of each material.

Wooden pergola

Pros:

Warm, natural aesthetics
Good natural thermal insulation
Artisanal, traditional feel

Cons in the Canary Islands:

Humidity and salt spray relentlessly attack wood
Needs varnish or wood stain every 12-18 months (cost: €200-400 per maintenance session)
UV radiation discolors and cracks wood
Wood-boring insects are more active in warm climates
Outdoor lifespan: 8-15 years with rigorous maintenance
Tropical hardwood (ipe, teak) is expensive and not always sustainably sourced

Aluminum pergola

Pros:

Total corrosion resistance (ideal for coastal areas)
Zero maintenance beyond occasional cleaning
Doesn’t discolor in the sun (baked-on Qualicoat finish)
Lightweight but structurally very strong
100% recyclable
Lifespan: 25-50 years

Cons:

More industrial aesthetics (though wood-effect powder coating is very realistic)
Higher initial investment (but lower total cost)

20-year comparison table

Factor	Aluminum	Wood (treated pine)	Tropical wood (teak)
Initial price (15 m²)	€6,000-12,000	€3,000-6,000	€8,000-15,000
20-year maintenance	€0	€4,000-8,000	€6,000-10,000
Expected lifespan	25-50 years	10-15 years	15-25 years
20-year total cost	€6,000-12,000	€7,000-14,000	€14,000-25,000

Verdict for the Canary Islands

Aluminum wins by a landslide. Wood can be a valid option in inland mainland Spain with a dry climate, but in the Canary Islands — with its combination of sun, humidity, and salt spray — maintenance becomes an economic and logistical burden.

If you love the look of wood, aluminum pergolas with wood-effect powder coating offer the best of both worlds: visual warmth without the maintenance headaches.

At Pergolas Canarias we work with premium quality aluminum. Request your quote.