AI Overview
Timber pergolas offer a natural look but need regular oiling and upkeep. Steel and Colorbond cost a little more upfront and reward it with decades of low-maintenance life in the Perth climate. The right material depends on the look you want and how much upkeep you'll do.
Key Highlights
- Timber looks warm and natural but needs regular sanding and re-oiling
- Steel and Colorbond hold their look for decades with almost no upkeep
- Steel spans wider with fewer posts than timber or a flat-pack kit
- Colorbond comes in a full colour range to match your roof and fascia
- We build in Australian-made steel and Colorbond as our material of choice
Pergolas get built in a few different materials, and each has its place. Choosing well comes down to the look you're after and how much ongoing upkeep you're happy to do.
Here's an honest look at the three you'll come across most in Perth: timber, steel and Colorbond.
Timber Pergolas
Timber has a warm, natural look that many people love, and it can be beautiful when it's well looked after. The trade-off is the upkeep.
In the Perth climate, timber needs regular sanding and re-oiling to keep its colour and stop it drying out, and it works harder again near the coast. If you enjoy maintaining it, timber rewards the effort.
Steel Pergolas
Steel framing is strong and stable. Because it spans wider with fewer posts than timber or a flat-pack kit, you get a cleaner, more open structure underneath.
Australian-made steel won't rot, warp or twist, and it's engineered and wind-rated for Perth conditions. It's the backbone of every structure we build.
Colorbond Roofing
Colorbond is the roofing that goes on top. It comes in a full colour range, so it ties in with your existing roof, fascia or fence, and it holds its colour for decades.
Why we build in steel and Colorbond
We chose Australian-made BlueScope steel and Colorbond because it gives our clients a structure that looks sharp on day one and is still doing its job, with almost no maintenance, decades later.
The Three Compared
| Material | Look | Upkeep | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timber | Warm, natural | Regular sanding and oiling | Good with upkeep |
| Steel frame | Clean, modern, slim | Minimal | Decades |
| Colorbond roof | Matches your home | An occasional rinse | Decades |
0
Re-oiling
Steel and Colorbond
Wider
Spans
Fewer posts than timber
Full
Colour range
Genuine Colorbond
Lifetime
Guarantee
On our workmanship
Which Should You Choose?
If a natural timber look is the priority and you don't mind the upkeep, timber can be a lovely choice. If you want a structure that holds its look for decades with almost no maintenance, steel and Colorbond is hard to beat.
There's no wrong material, only the one that suits your home and how much upkeep you want to do.