Want to enjoy your garden all year round? Installing a pergola is an excellent idea. It is a separate relaxation space that adds value to your home.
To build it, manufacturers use many different materials. Among PVC, wood, aluminum, and steel, the latter is very trendy right now.
Besides its aesthetic quality, it offers multiple advantages. If you plan to set up this type of pergola on your terrace but are still hesitating, read this article. We provide important information to help you make a decision.
📋 The essentials at a glance: Personally, I consider the steel pergola the king choice for large spans, as its mechanical strength allows covering up to 6 meters without an intermediate pillar. It is the perfect combination of industrial robustness and fine elegance. Choosing steel ensures a structure that lasts for decades without shifting, provided you maintain anti-corrosion treatment.
Why choose a steel pergola?
🌍 Did you know?
Steel is the most recycled material in the world. Nearly 40% of the global steel production today comes from the recovery of existing metals.
Even though it is often mentioned, many people confuse the pergola with the veranda. It is important to explain their difference before addressing the topic.
The first is defined as an open construction without glazing on all sides. In contrast, the second is an enclosed structure with insulating panels and glazing. Because of this configuration, it is normal that the veranda price is higher than that of the pergola.
| Advantages | Details |
|---|---|
| Resistance and durability | Steel is a robust material that resists weather, corrosion, and shocks. |
| Minimal maintenance | A steel pergola requires little maintenance compared to other materials like wood. |
| Modern aesthetics | Steel offers an elegant and contemporary design, adapting to all outdoor styles. |
| Great freedom of shape and size | Allows the creation of customized and tailor-made structures according to available space. |
| Stability and safety | Its solidity guarantees excellent stability against wind and other climatic constraints. |
| Longevity | A steel pergola has a longer lifespan, ensuring a good long-term investment. |
More and more individuals are opting for the steel pergola, thanks to its many assets. Firstly, it surpasses other models due to its ease of assembly.
📍 My experience: During a terrace renovation in 2024, I saw a client hesitate between wood and steel. We finally installed a black sandblasted thermolacquered steel structure. The visual result was so fine that it did not obstruct the view of the garden, unlike the bulkier wood. The lesson learned is that steel offers unbeatable visual lightness for modern architectures.
Whatever the size of your outdoor space, the steel pergola can be built easily and quickly. There is no need to wait several days or even weeks to enjoy it. This pergola is easy to install.
Secondly, it requires maintenance without fail, unlike the wooden model. It only needs an occasional anti-rust treatment and that’s it.
The steel pergola is perfectly suited to modern architectures. Stylish and timeless, it adds an incomparable decorative touch to your property.
Steel is also considered a material that can be modified according to your requirements. Even if your outdoor space is relatively limited, the pergola can be adapted to its dimensions.
⚠️ Warning
Do not confuse “epoxy steel” with “galvanized steel”. Epoxy alone is a paint that can chip and allow rust to set in. For long-lasting durability, require galvanization before painting.
That’s not all, it is customizable according to the shape of your choice. Thanks to this advantage, you can add a note of originality enhancing your home. There are countless other strong points, but these are just examples among many others. Here is some useful information to help you favor steel in the construction of the veranda:
| Criterion | Steel | Aluminum | Wood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind resistance | Maximum | Very good | Good |
| Profile thinness | Excellent | Average | Poor |
| Maintenance | Treatment required | None | Regular |
| Lifetime | 50 years + | 30-40 years | 15-20 years |
What is the price for a steel pergola?
You have chosen a steel pergola and have already found decor ideas to arrange a beautiful terrace. To realize your project, it is essential to plan your budget.
Usually, the cost of a classic pergola with installation ranges between 125 to 450 euros per m2. But this price varies depending on the type of materials. The steel model generally costs between 150 and 670 euros per m2, including installation. If you opt for a custom-made model, the price rises to at least 1,500 euros including tax. The maximum amount can reach up to 8,500 euros including tax.
By making some comparisons with the wooden pergola, the steel one proves to be a bit more expensive. The former costs between 100 to 380 euros per m2. For the aluminum model, its price ranges between 100 to 400 euros per m2. It therefore offers an interesting price compared to the steel pergola.
In any case, the latter offers an excellent quality-price ratio. It is a profitable investment that enhances your home. To find the best price, it is highly recommended to compare prices. More and more professionals are involved in the construction of a steel pergola. You can request a quote to help determine your budget.
What material to cover a pergola?
Whether you are equipping yourself with a pergola or veranda, the choice of roofing material is of paramount importance. This part contributes to protecting the structure against wind, rain, sun, insects, and dust. As such, it ensures its durability.
In general, fabric is among the very popular options that integrate very well with the steel pergola. Since it has the major advantage of allowing air to pass through, this type of roof is mainly used in the late season or summer. It ensures optimal comfort during intense heat.
However, it is not only useful during fine weather. It can cover the pergola all year round. Most can be retractable. You have the option to use it or not depending on the season. Due to its lightweight design, the fabric does not weigh down the construction. It can be installed without difficulty.
Glass roofs also perfectly match the steel pergola. Very aesthetic, they give a touch of modernity to the structure. Moreover, glass lets more heat and sunlight pass inside.
That’s not all; this material shows great strength. It offers good insulation. It withstands the test of time and resists bad weather. Its small drawback is its very frequent maintenance. It needs to be cleaned and wiped all the time.
Besides that, pergola manufacturers use aluminum and polycarbonate panels to cover the construction. While the former is admired for its lightness and modern look, the latter offers great resistance to hail and UV rays.
💡 Practical tip
Check the weld points once a year. If a scratch appears, immediately apply a zinc-rich touch-up pen to stop any trace of emerging oxidation.
By the way, if you are wondering how to choose materials suitable for my veranda, know that the criteria are identical to those of the pergola.
What type of roofing for steel pergola?
- Choice according to the style of the structure: It remains essential to take into account the style of the steel pergola to choose the right covering.
- Importance of visual appearance: You must consider the expected visual result before selecting the shape of the roof, which must be compatible with the construction.
- Adaptation to the configuration: Some pergolas are only suitable for particular configurations, so the choice of the framework should not be taken lightly.
- Mono-pitched roof: For simplicity, the mono-pitched roof is a good option with a single slope and one side or face.
- Flat roof: The flat roof offers a cubic shape that adapts to all pergola styles and can be easily attached to the building.
- Other options: You can also favor the double-pitched roof, the roof with rafters, and many others.
What is the best steel pergola?
As everyone knows, this structure is intended for outdoor use. An ideal pergola must demonstrate optimal resistance to bad weather, sun, hail, rain, and various dirt.
🌟 The advantages
- Chic industrial style
- Delicacy of structures
- Stability against wind
🔍 Drawbacks
- Heavy weight
- Sensitivity to corrosion
Indeed, steel is among the solid materials, but some of superior quality receive a specific treatment optimizing their robustness.
Generally, they are expensive, but their high price is worth it. This type of pergola can accompany you for many years.
A good steel pergola is also equipped with a top-notch roof. Its covering must guarantee protection against external aggressions and extend its lifespan. The structure often weighs heavily due to the material’s weight. The intervention of a professional is useful for its assembly.
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In terms of style, the first offers a rustic setting to your outdoor space while the second stands out for its incomparable elegance. The wooden structure requires more specific maintenance compared to the steel one.
Its ease of assembly convinces countless households. It also offers great longevity, once well maintained. Even better, this pergola provides an unparalleled touch of elegance to your home.
