Why Most Patio Covers in Arizona are Made of Alumawood

Picture this: You’re standing in your backyard on a scorching Phoenix afternoon, sweat beading on your forehead as you gaze at your unused patio. You can almost see the potential – family barbecues, lazy Sunday mornings with coffee and a book, or even just a cool spot to escape the relentless Arizona sun. But right now, it’s just too darn hot to enjoy.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many Arizona homeowners face the same dilemma – a perfectly good outdoor space that’s practically off-limits for a good chunk of the year due to the intense heat. You know you need some shade, but the big question is: what kind of patio cover should you choose?

As the folks at Chillax Patios (yep, that’s us!), we’ve been helping Phoenix homeowners solve this exact problem for over 8 years. We’ve installed hundreds of patio covers, and we’ve seen firsthand what works best in our unique climate. Spoiler alert: there’s a reason why most patio covers in Arizona are made of Alumawood. But don’t worry, we’re not here to give you a sales pitch. We’re here to give you the honest scoop on patio covers, including the pros and cons of different materials.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand:

1. Why Alumawood is so popular for Arizona patio covers
2. The pros and cons of Alumawood vs. wood patio covers
3. How each option stands up to Arizona’s harsh climate
4. What factors to consider when choosing your patio cover material

So grab a cold drink (you’re gonna need it in this heat!), and let’s dive into the world of patio covers. Trust us, your future, much cooler self will thank you.

The Arizona Patio Predicament

Let’s face it: Arizona summers are no joke. With temperatures regularly soaring above 100°F, your backyard can feel more like a sauna than an oasis. And it’s not just the heat – the intense UV rays can fade and damage outdoor furniture faster than you can say “sunburn.”

This is where patio covers come in. They’re like sunglasses for your backyard, providing much-needed shade and protection. But in Arizona, not all patio covers are created equal. The harsh sun, occasional dust storms, and yes, even those rare but intense monsoon rains, all put extra strain on outdoor structures.

So, what’s an Arizona homeowner to do? Well, that’s where a patio cover enters the picture.

Alumawood: The Arizona Patio Cover Superhero

Okay, calling Alumawood a superhero might be a bit much, but in the world of Arizona patio covers, it’s pretty close. Alumawood is a specially designed material that combines the strength and durability of aluminum with the classic look of wood. It’s like the best of both worlds had a baby, and that baby was really good at standing up to Arizona weather.

But why is Alumawood so popular here? Let’s break it down:

1. Heat Resistance: Alumawood doesn’t absorb heat like traditional wood. This means your patio stays cooler, and the material itself doesn’t warp or crack in the intense Arizona sun.
2. Low Maintenance: Unlike wood, Alumawood doesn’t need regular painting or staining. A quick hose-down now and then is usually all it needs to stay looking fresh.
3. Durability: Alumawood doesn’t rot, crack, or attract pests like termites. It’s built to last, even in our harsh climate.
4. Lightweight: This makes installation easier and puts less stress on your home’s structure.
5. Variety of Styles: You can get Alumawood in various colors and styles to match your home’s aesthetic.

Now, we know what you’re thinking. “This sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch?” Well, you’re right to be skeptical. Nothing’s perfect, so let’s look at both sides of the coin.

Alumawood vs. Wood: The Showdown

To give you a fair comparison, let’s pit Alumawood against its traditional counterpart: wood. We’ll break it down into categories so you can see how they stack up.

Appearance

Wood: There’s no denying the natural beauty of wood. It has a warm, classic look that many homeowners love. Each piece of wood has its own unique grain pattern, giving your patio cover a one-of-a-kind appearance.

Alumawood: While it’s designed to mimic the look of wood, Alumawood is, well, not wood. Some people feel it lacks the character and warmth of real wood. However, modern Alumawood products have come a long way in replicating wood’s appearance, and many people can’t tell the difference from a distance.

Durability

Wood: In a less harsh climate, wood can last for decades with proper care. However, in Arizona, wood faces an uphill battle. The intense sun can cause cracking and warping, and without regular maintenance, wood can deteriorate quickly.

Alumawood: This is where Alumawood really shines (but not literally – that would defeat the purpose of shade!). It stands up to sun, heat, and even those rare rainstorms without warping, cracking, or rotting. An Alumawood patio cover can easily last 20+ years with minimal maintenance.

Maintenance

Wood: Hope you like DIY projects, because a wood patio cover needs regular love. We’re talking about repainting or restaining every few years, checking for pest infestations, and potentially replacing boards that have warped or cracked.

Alumawood: Remember that hose-down we mentioned earlier? That’s pretty much it. Alumawood is practically maintenance-free, which is a big plus for busy homeowners (or those of us who’d rather spend our weekends relaxing under our patio cover, not working on it).

Cost

Wood: Initially, wood can be less expensive than Alumawood, especially if you’re using a less premium wood. However, when you factor in the cost of ongoing maintenance and potential replacements, wood can end up being more expensive in the long run.

Alumawood: The upfront cost of Alumawood is typically higher than wood. However, its longevity and low maintenance needs often make it more cost-effective over time.

Environmental Impact

Wood: On one hand, wood is a renewable resource. On the other hand, the treatments and preservatives used to make wood weather-resistant aren’t always eco-friendly. Plus, if you’re replacing your wood patio cover more frequently, that’s more material heading to the landfill.

Alumawood: Aluminum is recyclable, which is a plus. However, the production of aluminum does require significant energy. It’s a bit of a toss-up, but the longevity of Alumawood might give it a slight edge in terms of overall environmental impact.

The Arizona Factor

Now, all of these comparisons are well and good, but let’s talk about how these materials hold up specifically in our Arizona climate. After all, what works in rainy Seattle might not cut it in sunny Phoenix.

Heat Resistance: In Arizona, this is huge. Wood absorbs heat, which means a wood patio cover can actually make your patio feel hotter. Alumawood, on the other hand, reflects heat, keeping your patio cooler.

UV Resistance: Our intense sunlight can cause wood to fade and deteriorate quickly. Alumawood is highly resistant to UV damage, maintaining its color and integrity for much longer.

Monsoon Resistance: Yes, we do occasionally get rain, and when we do, it often comes in the form of intense monsoon storms. Wood can swell and warp with sudden moisture exposure. Alumawood? It just shrugs off the rain.

Dust Storms: When those haboobs roll in, they can really do a number on outdoor structures. Wood can get pitted and damaged by all that blowing sand and dust. Alumawood is much more resistant to this kind of abrasive damage.

Real Talk: What Our Customers Say

Now, we could go on and on about the technical details, but sometimes it’s best to hear from real people. Here are a few things our customers have shared about their Alumawood patio covers:

“I was skeptical about Alumawood at first – I really wanted a wood patio cover. But after seeing my neighbor deal with repainting his wood cover every couple of years, I’m so glad I went with Alumawood. It looks great and I haven’t had to do a thing to it in five years.” – Sarah L., Chandler

“We had a wood patio cover at our old house in California. When we moved to Phoenix, we knew we needed something tougher. Our Alumawood cover has been fantastic – our patio is so much cooler now, and we actually use it year-round.” – Mike T., Scottsdale

“I love the look of our Alumawood patio cover. Unless you’re up close, you really can’t tell it’s not wood. But unlike wood, it still looks brand new after three Arizona summers.” – Elena R., Gilbert

Making Your Decision

Choosing between Alumawood and wood (or any other material) for your patio cover is a big decision. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Budget: Think both short-term and long-term. Factor in not just the initial cost, but also ongoing maintenance and potential replacement.
2. Aesthetics: What look are you going for? Do you prefer the natural variation of wood, or are you okay with the more uniform look of Alumawood?
3. Maintenance: Be honest with yourself. Are you willing and able to keep up with the maintenance a wood cover requires?
4. Longevity: How long do you plan to be in your home? If you’re in it for the long haul, Alumawood’s durability might be a bigger factor.
5. Home Value: While both can add value, a low-maintenance option like Alumawood can be attractive to future buyers.

The Bottom Line

So, why are most patio covers in Arizona made of Alumawood? It really comes down to practicality. In our harsh climate, Alumawood simply outperforms wood in most categories. It stays cooler, lasts longer, and requires less maintenance – all big wins in the Arizona heat.

That said, wood patio covers can still be a beautiful option if you’re willing to put in the extra care and maintenance. There’s no denying the natural charm of wood, and for some homeowners, that’s worth the extra effort.

At the end of the day, the best patio cover is the one that meets your needs, fits your budget, and gets you out enjoying your backyard. Whether that’s an Alumawood cover that lets you set it and forget it, or a wood cover that becomes your ongoing labor of love, the important thing is that you’re creating a space to relax, entertain, and escape the Arizona heat.

And hey, whichever you choose, just remember: the best accessory for any patio is a cold drink and good company. Here’s to many cool, comfortable days ahead in your newly shaded backyard oasis!